Producer, Songwriter, etc

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

A: I just did a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover. I posted some of it on my instagram. I am proud of it because I did good on instrumentation, mix and master. I wanted to post the full cover, but the chorus was just too high for me to sing. Im not really a singer, but I just really enjoyed doing it cause I love the band so much.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a album for my downtempo, electronica, trip hop project. Will be out soon.

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

A: I have never worked with anyone on SoundBetter, but I listen to Justin Gammella's podcast, and really like his work. I feel like I "know" him from his podcast. Seems so nice and talented.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Other than guitar, bass and drums, I am pretty much in the box. I do have a lot of nice plugins that immolate the analog gear, but at the moment it is just to pricey for me. I did work on analog stuff while going to school though.

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

A: I promise to make their project be what the client wants. I promise to work at it until they are happy with the product.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I was born to make music. It took a while for me to understand that, but I do now, and just love playing and creating music.

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

A: When can we make another song? Whenever you want!

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

A: That you can make a living in the music industry without being a pop star.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want this song or project to accomplish for you? Do you have any reference tracks that showcase the sound or mix you're aiming for? Describe your vision for the song, including its overall vibe or message? What artists or tracks inspire you, and what do you like about them? Budget: What is the overall budget you have for this project? Timeline: What is your desired timeframe or deadline for completing the project? what formats do you need the final results delivered? How many revisions are you expecting for this project?

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

A: My advice is, get ahold of me and lets get to work.

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

A: laptop with everything on it. haha, does that count as just one? I sure hope this island has a place to plug in the laptop. But other than that, it would just be instruments: Guitar, Keys, Drums, Bass.

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

A: I was a career firefighter for 15 years. I injured my shoulder a few years ago. I had a surgery and was off work almost 5 months. I told my Dr. that my shoulder still wasnt "right". He advised it would get better and I was good to return to work. Something like 4-6months after returning my shoulder tore again much worse than the first time. Long, long story (I'm sorry), but had another surgery (with a different Dr.) and my shoulder improved some but never to the point of returning to work. I have always played music, and had been doing production in Ableton for a while. But it was always off and on. I worked alot and took care of my family. Life stuff. Since I left work, I decided to pursue music as a career. Maybe not as solid of a choice as driving a truck or going into some other field. But this is what I love, and I plan on making it work. Wish me luck! haha

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I want people to be comfortable. When you expose your "art" it can be very uncomfortable. I have had plenty of hard times in my life, seen a fair bit of "stuff" and whatnot. I understand pain, loss, happiness and so on. If you want to be comfortable, just ask me to sing! Im not very good at it. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We are just human after all. Perhaps I am rambling, but all this to say. I am open, I say things to the point and I want those I work with to be the same. Open to be themselves and to be comfortable.

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

A: Dua Lipa, I say this, cause I have a very nice track I wrote, that I could "hear" her singing on. Why, because she is prob my fav in that kinda genre, and it would be a hit. a big one! But I dont know how to get ahold of her. hahaha

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you have an idea. Just put your mic on and record it with your voice. This could be a beat, melody or whatever. That way you dont forget it while your looking for a preset or crafting a sound.

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

A: Pop, electronica, downtempo, trip-hop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: perseverance.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My experience as a life long musician. My almost 10 years of experience producing in Ableton. Tons of ideas. I get so many. Some great, some not so great, but I usually try them to see what I like best. So that can be good, and bad sometimes. Sometimes you may waste 30min re-writing a instrument part, just to find out you liked the first one the best, but I usually like to try, cause you dont know until you do. Sometimes the second idea is better.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Talk with the client about their goal for a project. Try to get them to describe feelings and emotions associated with the song. This helps with scales and voicings. I like to get several reference tracks. Maybe they like the drums in one track, the sound of a synth in another track and some vocal shots in another. Its up to the client really. We can do as mentioned before and I make some "song starters" for them, and they can see what they vibe with and then work on vocal melody. Some clients want to be a bigger part of the early process. So maybe we start off with a drum beat, or a riff/melody, or some cords. It really just depends. Im easy to get along with and down for whatever.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a detached garage that I converted into a home studio. Its not super glamorous, but it is a great space that I am proud to have put together. I have all the essential gear hooked up and ready to go. Thats the best part. Saves so much time having everything ready to go.

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

A: There are too many to name but, I will list a few: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, RHCP, Orbital, MO, Ryan Tedder, Ian Kirkpatrick, FJK, Hans, Zimmer, Moorecheeba, Emancipator, Bonobo, Portishead, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Justin Gammella, Trent Reznor and soooo many more. I love anyone that is good at their craft. so many good musicians, songwriters and producers out their.

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

A: Produce a track, under their guidance, and with the use of reference tracks. Either record their vocals here at my home studio, or mix in vocals they send me if it is a remote session.