Cinematic Songwriter/Producer

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

A: My work on 'Once Upon a Time, There Was You' will always make me proud. This was for the 48 Hours film festival in New Zealand, and I created the songs in 2 hours - in time for them to be recorded by the cast. It was a musical film so the turn around was incredibly tight. We then went on to win the Best Original Score/Song category at both the Auckland and New Zealand finals.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: More music for ELORE, looking at some film work, cinematic music for clients, and hopefully work for the lovely people of Soundbetter!

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

A: I am new here and hoping to do lots of good work!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital for now, because the world is at my fingertips.

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

A: The emotions will come through in the song, you just have to tell me which ones you want.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability to create and achieve someone or my own vision for something. It is hugely satisfying.

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

A: Will there be issues with copyright if you make a song for me - no, the song is yours.

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

A: That AI will be able to write songs as good as I can.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision for the song? Who are your influences or song sound-alikes? What story are you trying to tell?

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

A: Look for who makes music that is similar to what you are wanting, not necessarily ratings. For example, I don't have any ratings but I'm confident I'm going to do a good job.

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

A: Apollo Twin X, mic, laptop, midi keyboard, headphones. I'd still be making bangers with all that.

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

A: I've worked my way into songwriting through many different paths. I started as a musical theatre writer, and since then worked my way into film music, creating my artist music for ELORE, and songwriting and producing for others. It's been well over 10 years of building up experience!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dark, emotional, heat wrenching, ethereal, and a little bit haunting.

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

A: Ruelle. She is cinematic pop queen.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The quality of the vocal take is everything. Vocal processing can do so much, but to achieve a professional sound you've got to start with the basics of room treatment, mic placement, and just generally getting the inflections of the vocal correct that you want to hear.

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

A: Cinematic pop! Can't get enough of getting those emotions rolling.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My time management and ability to interpret a brief.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have been described by people in the industry as 'an extremely efficient and organised songwriter'. I can create work quite quickly, and the quality is always to the highest standard.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Upon being given a brief, I can interpret the wishes of the artist into typically a verse and chorus to ensure the feel and general direction are correct. I like to check in at this point for some feedback. I like to follow whatever inspires me - it can be a line of lyrics I think of, a melody I've created, or a chord sequence. This always results in the best outcome for me!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a small studio I work out of in my house, affording me flexibility with my work schedule and the ability to meet tight deadlines. I have all the gear I need to create professional sounding cinematic and epic music.

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

A: I'm inspired by cinematic pop powerhouses such as Ruelle, Fleurie, Aurora, and MIIA. The songwriting and production of these artists and their teams are inspirational to me and my work.

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

A: My passions and skills lie in both songwriting (both lyrical and music aspects) and production of cinematic and epic music. - specifically cinematic pop music.