Music Producer / Composer

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

A: I had a project with a singer named OONA. We put out one record and two EP's. I'm especially proud of our last EP, "Flying at the Sun". I really poured my heart and soul into it. I composed all the tracks, played all the instruments, produced, engineered, mixed and wrote / co-wrote the lyrics and melodies. With this EP, I achieved a level of cohesiveness, and a sentimentality that I'd been chasing for a long time. I am proud that I was able to embody that feeling.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm composing the score for "Point of No Return", a documentary film produced by NOVA. I'm producing several artists and also working on a sound-alike medley for an artist who sang the theme to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It's all sci-fi themes: Jetson's, Star Trek, etc.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like both and have worked extensively in both. I like to use Pro Tools because of the endless flexibility.

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

A: That it's easy ... I just make it seem that way.

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

A: I'm a producer, composer, writer, multi-instrumentalist. I either create content for my clients' projects, write songs and/or produce for them.

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

A: I always listen deeply to them when they are describing what they want. I try to crawl into their minds to understand their perspective; after all, its really about them, it's their song. It really needs to be all about their vision.

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

A: Usually they just want to hear what I've made and also inquire about my process. My answer is always the same: my process is always intrinsically intertwined with whomever I'm working. So, it's always going be a little different, depending on the artist. Everyone has different needs.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want to make? And the most important question ... if there is no consequence (financially or industry success) what would you really want to make? I find a lot of the time It's different then what they came in with.

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

A: My macbook with interface, C-12 mic, drums, guitar and a grand piano - that also is a controller :-)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run my own studio in downtown Los Angeles. I record in Protools.I have 6 ChameleonLabs 7602's (Neve Clones) Focusrite ISA 430, etc. I have all the latest and greatest plug-ins and soft synths (Arturia endorsed), Analog Keyboards (Juno 6, Korg Poly-six and Rhodes 88), a great drum selection, including 69 Ludwigs (2 different setups) and a variety of snares and cymbals. I also have a variety of guitars, basses and amps.

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

A: Rick Rubin and T-Bone Burnett are two producers I admire. Rick because he treads lightly but is hyper aware of what is or isn't needed; T-Bone because of his musical sensibilities.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Classic current.

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

A: I'd recommend Charles Stella. Charles is professional, creative, reliable and precise.

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

A: My workload is varied. Under the pop umbrella, I create Pop, Indy, Urban and Rock. I'm also a film composer and write records for publishing.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I understand how to get the results that my clients are looking for. I know how to finish records, keeping the process on track. I know how to deliver a professional, finished product.

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

A: I started as a session drummer and then taught myself guitar, bass and keys. I've been producing / writing professionally for the past 20 yrs.

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

A: Doyle Bramhall II....he's an amazing songwriter and player. It would just be a blast to create music with him.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every day is different. Some days I'm producing artists ... some days I'm writing music for Film or Television ... some days I'm writing for my own enjoyment.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to create art everyday.

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

A: Choose someone who you feel chemistry with...I think it's the most important factor.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep it simple...make each sound really count.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I think my gift is understanding what the song wants to be and bringing it to life.