Session Guitarist | Composer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Lots! I just played guitar on Warner Music recording artist Ella Henderson's "Black Hole". I'm currently writing, recording and producing advertising tracks for a licensing agency in Los Angeles, as well as creating more ambient guitar tracks for a new BMG release that is in the vein of "Explosions in the Sky" and "Sigur Ros".

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

A: Without a doubt, I would take my Jeff Senn Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Divided by 13 RSA23, Klon KTR, Diamond Comp Jr, Demeter Tremulator, and Strymon El Capistan! (I know that's seven, but who's counting?)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! I love analog, and use vintage microphones, mic pre-amps and tube amps for all recordings. To me, analog just sounds better! I love digital for the editing capabilities and limitless plug-in options.

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

A: Excellence and satisfaction!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to do what I love!

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

A: How much do you charge? I typically answer by asking them about their budget. Depending on the project and the client's vision, the cost will be affected by the amount of tracks needed to make their project sound its best.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What instruments would you like for me to record for you? Who's your audience? What's the mood you're after? Do you have a style or sample of other artists that you might be hearing for your project? Do you have stems? What's the BPM?

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

A: It helps to have part or sound samples of music similar to what you want for your project. You could also just sing it for me - I'll catch your vibe!

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

A: I've been playing guitar since I was 13 years old. I grew up in Seattle playing with some of the most well-known music acts in the world. As a songwriter and music composer, I decided that moving to Los Angeles was my best option for making a living by playing music. With over twenty-five years of experience, I have produced thousands of guitar, bass and ukulele tracks featured in film, television, movie and video game trailers, advertising spots, and album releases.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Rock | Pop | Singer/Songwriter | Country | Ambient | Soundtrack

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I recommend recording parts with an input signal that is 3/4 way up the meter. Take the extra step to edit to the grid and remove any unwanted noises. Lo-cut the guitar tracks at 100 Hz to clean things up, and leave more room for the bass.

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

A: Songs, film and television underscore, movie and video game trailers, and advertising spots.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm a great listener and communicator. I work well with other musicians to help realize their vision and to produce guitar and bass parts that bring their song / project to life.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a music composer and songwriter, I’m well versed in every aspect of building solid guitar tracks, including rhythms, melodic lines, fills, arpeggios, leads, harmonies, ambiance, and full soundscapes. I know how to work with vocal or instrumental melodies to create memorable lines and “hooky” phrases.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a variety of vintage and modern guitars, hand-wired tube amps and boutique pedals. I record most electric guitar tracks with two vintage microphones using high-end mic preamps. I normally work in Logic and ProTools, and use Apogee clocking and A/D converters. I use two mics on almost all guitar tracks - one vintage Shure SM57 and one vintage Beyer M160 (ribbon). I use a vintage AKG mic for all acoustic guitars and ukulele.

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

A: I'm typically hired to create and perform dynamic and expressive electric and acoustic guitar parts that complement the arrangement of a song or score.