Producer|Engineer|Songwriter

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I was approached to record Yoyo Ma for the 2021 presidential inauguration. We recorded it live in downtown Boston on a very cold and wet January day during Covid. I basically dismantled my entire studio and set up a mobile rig to get as good a recording as I could. It was incredibly challenging because the label wanted it to sound like it was in the studio as much as possible. I used a ton of iZotope RX on it to try to pull out all the extraneous noises. Ultimately, under the circumstances, I was very happy with the result. Yoyo was a joy to work with and I am grateful to have had the opportunity.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both serve a purpose. Personally I try to use as much live analog as I can. But the emulation is getting so good nowadays that depending on the budget and time allowed, I'll use what serves the project.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I think understanding the realistic and reach goals of a project is important.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Work with someone who wants to serve your project and understands the dynamics of a creative working relationship. Egos need not apply.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I went to school for audio engineering. I was the house engineer at a very large outdoor facility for 8 years. I have worked in both live sound and studio settings. I have also been in bands since I was 11. And I am the owner of a production company servicing everything from weddings to private events.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Radiohead - between the songwriting, the production and the technical proficiencies of the band, I think it would be a huge education for anyone.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Understanding how gain staging works from first recording until something is mastered is the most underrated knowledge there is. If you have great source audio, you will have a great record. If you don't, there is only so much you can do.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I have worked on all genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am very good at getting the best out of people and asking the questions others don't know to ask. I want to make sure the final product is the best I have to offer.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I think the biggest thing is a lot of different experiences and the ability to look outside the box when necessary. To me, the song is the most important thing. How can we best serve the song?

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It really depends on the work. My goal is to ensure that the client gets everything they expect and more.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Computer: 2023 MBP - 96GB RAM Controller: Avid Artist Mix A/D: Apollo x8 Outboard: Neve 5211 LA-610 Purple Audio MC77 Monitors: Adam A7x Yamaha HS8 Mics: Soundelux U95s SM7b BeezNeez Isobel FET47 Mojave MA200 M80's SM57 Beta SM57a SM58 Audix

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Too many to name, but here's a few: Producers :Tyler Chester, Nigel Godrich Ken Caillat, Blake Mills, Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno Musicians/Writers: Phil Collins, Madison Cunningham, Anderson .Paak, Jackson Browne, Dawes, Wilco

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I am brought into projects at very different times depending on the project. Sometimes I'm brought in right from the inception, before songs are even close to finished and I help to see them through songwriting, pre-production, recording, to a finished product. Other times, I'm brought in just as a producer or engineer.