Vocalist, lyricist

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

A: I started working with Bruce Bouillet in August of '19. We wrote for about a year and a half working remotely and put out 97 songs. Over 20 have been copywritten and I am working to release some of those tunes. I am proud of that gig because I had to audition by writing and recording lyrics, topline and vocals for. I got the gig over literally a hundred or so that auditioned.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a few things. I have a client based in Atlanta (referral from a previous gig) that I am tracking vocals for. I am also working on my solo album, it will feature some of the material I co-wrote with Grammy winner, Bruce Bouillet. Plus some original material with my band mates locally from Junkyard Heights.

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

A: I'm relatively new here. I don't know anyone (that I know of!)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Clients choice.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: You will be satisfied with your final tracks. This is why I like to send a scratch, demo track of their song to start the project. If they like that, I can virtually guarantee final satisfaction.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love music, and I am actually able to work using my God given gift.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Sometimes they ask about my experience. I then provide a resume'. Other times when it's relevant, they ask about time and deadlines. That is then worked out and agreed upon before I start the job.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I don't think there are any. It's pretty straight forward. I provide the best possible vocal tracks and lyrics I can for a project, in a timeline that makes sense without rushing or taking too long.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask about the vibe and direction of their project. I ask about timelines and expectations. Sometimes I like to know, if they had their choice of any singer in the world, who would it be for this project. Of course budget is discussed, along with the need for backing tracks and so on. Plus, what lead them to choosing me.

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

A: Get in touch with me! I would love to talk and learn more about your project. I will be straight up with you on wether or not I think I am the right fit for your music. Don't be afraid to be picky when choosing a vocalist or any musician for your project. It's your hard earned dollars and your project. Do it right the first time!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: my PC, my AKG mic, interface, speakers, headphones.

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

A: My first original project was in 2005. That was my first experience with writing original material. It was with a German based song writer, and I was called in to write and track vocals for the project. It was a very early remote project. From there, I have been fortunate enough to work with Grammy winning artists both in studio, and remotely in writing and recording settings. I am in the process of finishing and then releasing some of that material.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am a power vocalist with a great range. I can sound strong in both lower and higher ranges. I have been told I sound like Paul Rodgers mixed with Chris Cornell. It depends on the song and style I am singing.

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

A: There are so many. One would be, Joe Bonamassa. I love the blues and blues rock genres that he is so great at, and his tone and playing make him one of the greatest guitar players ever. Plus the team of musicians he assembles is always incredible.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When working with other artists\clients, try to get into and share in the vibe and feel of the song\project. Understand what is needed and what the other artists are looking for in the project. Also, and this is very important, add what is uniquely your own. Usually, people are chosen to be part of a project for a reason. Your sound is what they want to hear applied to their music. Plus, you will always sound your best when you apply your unique sound, the way you perform the best. Wether that means hitting the notes that suit your voice, or singing the way you sound best. It sounds simple and obvious, but it's true. You won't perform your best trying to be or sound like someone else.

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

A: Blues based rock usually, but I have had a lot of experience with pop\rock, country, hard rock, soul and other genres as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Interpreting the vibe and feel of a song and putting everything I have into the vocal tracks. I have been told that my power and range are unique, and I try to apply those qualities to all my work.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 100% dedication to a great, finished product. It's my name on those tracks, and I am a bit of a picky, perfectionist when it comes to vocals. I have had many times where people thought a scratch track was great for a finished product. But I always try to get just a little more out of a performance, for final vocals.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For a song that's already written with scratch vocals, I sit down with the song and write the lyrics out on a full size, 18"x24" pad. I listen to the song several times not just to get familiar with it, but to see where I can make the song my own and apply the requests of the client to the vocals I will track. I then track a scratch track or 2 and send to the client to see if I am on the right path. Once I get approval to move forward, I track final vocals and backing vocals when needed. Projects that require lyrics and top line, are obviously more involved. First impressions are key. I then start recording top line melodies and progress to writing lyrics, often times based on the vowels I come up with during top line work.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have recently purchased a new PC, and I run PreSonus, Studio One with a Yamaha interface. I use a AKG 220 condenser mic. I have a Crown xls202 amp that I run 2 Boston Acoustic X100's through for studio speakers. It's a great set up for a small studio. I have recorded literally hundreds of tracks through that mic, and always get great feedback.

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

A: A great producer can bring the best out of any project. I have worked with a few through the years, Skip Mitchell for one. He had the clout to assemble Grammy winning musicians for my project. I have had the honor of consulting with producer, Sal Oliveri. His incites and advice were spot on. I hope to work with him some day.

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

A: For clients, I usually track vocals for songs that are completely written. But most of my experience for projects I've been involved with, is writing lyrics, topline and singing vocal tracks.