Producer/Mixer/Drummer

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

A: Working on the last two FLAKE EPs was really special. The artist and I went to high school together and played in bands growing up, and then when he got his record deal to make these two records he wanted me to help. We wrote the songs from scratch over a couple of weeks, and then jumped right into the studio and recorded them all in another couple of weeks. It was a whirlwind, but a ton of fun with good friends.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Lots of mixes for independent artists, as well as an album of originals!

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

A: James Gordon, Jeremy Wurst, Sam Pura

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Love the flexibility of digital, but can't beat tracking through analog pres and outboard.

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

A: To deliver a product that will re-inspire their own love for their music.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to work on music every day!

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

A: Good production isn't about making everything louder or more polished. It's about helping an artist communicate what they already hear in their head. Sometimes that means adding layers or experimenting with sounds. Other times it means removing parts, simplifying an arrangement, or encouraging a stronger performance. The technical tools matter, but they're only valuable when they serve the music. My job is to help create a record that feels honest, engaging, and worth listening to years from now—not just one that sounds technically impressive.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the vision for your music? What records do you like that came out recently (in the last five years) that you love the sound of?

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

A: Hire someone whose tastes align with yours, and who shares in your vision.

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

A: Computer, interface, speakers, guitar, midi keyboard.

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

A: I started drumming 15 years ago in local bands, then moved onto to recording and production about 9 years ago as I became more interested in recording than performing. I had a few mentorships and assistant-type positions before going full time.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a mixer, I try to be a chameleon and get the sound that's right for the song.

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

A: I would love to work with the band Swervedriver, as they have long been one of my favorites and a constant re-listen.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Drum tuning and performance are so much more important than heads, sticks, mics, pres, samples...

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

A: Usually heavy rock with a leaning toward shoegaze, as well as indie rock and indie pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Discernment and trusting my ears; knowing when something may be technically incorrect but has the right vibe, or when something is technically correct but doesn't vibe. I enjoy breaking the rules as often as possible!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A sense of attention to the artist's vision and a sensitivity to what the song is trying to "say", rather than what I'm trying to impose on it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For mixing, I like to start with prepping the session, then diving into the mix. For production and recording work, I like to get in at the ground level with artists, working from early phone demos or just hummed melody ideas to the full finished project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in-the-box with Yamaha speakers and am running everything on UAD Apollo.

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

A: Eric Valentine is one of my favorite producers for how nerdy he gets, but how at the same time he focuses most on the music. I'm also a big fan of the band Failure, and Ken Andrews as a production inspiration as well.

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

A: I typically find myself mixing self-recorded artists, working as writer/producer with "bands" that are mostly one person, and shaping younger bands into more professional sounds.