Pop-Rock Keys, Vocals & Prod

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

A: During my undergraduate years, I produced and music-directed the Yale Whiffenpoofs' 2023 studio album, Lost Keys, an a cappella album of sixteen tracks. Not only did I schedule over 100 hours of studio time, juggling the schedules of all fourteen group members, I also contributed four arrangements to the project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am putting the finishing touches on a jazz-pop EP of five original songs, which will be rolled out as a series of singles in the coming months!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I have worked closely with multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and producer Kyle Frey on all of my recording projects, and his brother, Dr. Brett Frey, is a phenomenal session bassist.

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

A: Pick the professional who you feel best aligns with your artistic vision, and who also is reliable and easy to work with.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: In our modern musical landscape, consumers have come to expect perfection. Attention to detail is everything. Go through your track with a fine tooth comb to make sure you're 100% happy with every single moment.

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

A: I work primarily on piano-driven music that lives somewhere in between, pop, rock, and musical theater.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My deep knowledge of music theory allows me to quickly cycle through different ideas for chord progressions, refine instrumental textures, write and re-write vocal parts, and ultimately home in on the best course of action to make each moment sparkle.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My tracks are almost immediately identifiable by their rollicking piano parts and my soaring vocals. But most importantly, I'm a storyteller, and I have a knack for making composition and production decisions that bring out deeper meaning in a song's lyrics.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Before I jump into a new project, I like to make sure I have a clear understanding of my client's vision. Once that is in place, I can quickly execute a "first draft." I like to balance my client's ideas with a dose of my own creativity to craft the best product possible.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use the state-of-the-art Nord Stage 4 keyboard and the Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Large-diaphragm Modeling Microphone for all of my recording projects. I run both ProTools and Logic Pro, and I mix using the Steven Slate Audio VSX Modeling Headphones.

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

A: I am inspired by the music I grew up listening to on my dad's iPod: Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles, Queen, and more. I have also worked closely with Nashville-based award-winning producer and pianist Jason Webb.

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

A: I create piano tracks for clients to use in auditions, self-tapes, and in master recordings. I also often write chord charts, lead sheets, and arrange vocal parts for session projects.