Versatile Singer

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

A: I worked as a writer, performer, and vocalist on the film 'The Last Day of Edgar Harding' - I was particularly proud of the newsreel scene, as I created an orchestral pad with my voice. This was achieved by recording my own vocals over 100 times. It sounds very haunting and ethereal, and I layered all the vocals and harmonies myself. The film also includes songs written by one of my old bands.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on an EP of orchestral music, a symphonic rock theatre show creating clicks and harmony tracks, and working on a country album.

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

A: Christina Rotondo - shes a legend. If I don't have the voice for you - she is definitely one to look at.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital is easier in a studio setting. I do still use some analogue mixers and effects in a live setting - they are an excellent backup for when digital fails!

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

A: That I will do my utmost to bring your project to life in the way you imagined it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that I get to sing for my job. Its what I always dreamed of as a kid, and now I'm living it, and really happy doing what I do. I enjoy the process of creating, I'm not a fame and fortune seeker, I just enjoy doing what I love.

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

A: Mostly questions are about my vocal range, what limits there are, and if certain styles will work for me. I pride myself on my vocal flexibility.

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

A: That it can be done very quickly in one take. Care needs to be taken to ensure everything is right and how you want it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Whether they are set on the key of the song as sometimes vocals are written by one person, but don't always transfer right to another person's voice. Are they flexible with this, and the arrangement of harmonies etc. Do you have a particular vocalist in mind when you wrote the song, are you wanting to emulate a style or create something new?

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

A: Look for the singer with the right tone for your project. Voice can be adaptive, but the tone is what it is.

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

A: My guitar - easy to carry and can accompany myself, my vocal steamer (where would I be without it), My Mac with Logic, my SM7B and my Evo interface. I'm all set up with the ability to make whatever music I wish!

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

A: I started in Live session work approx 20 years ago, and have worked as a gigging singer and musician ever since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Like a chameleon. I love so many things that I can jump from one to the other easily.

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

A: I would love to work with Hayley Williams or Amy Lee, they have the most incredible vocals.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always warm up the voice first. Don't tire your ears out, take regular breaks.

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

A: Power vocals, ballads, rock, pop - I also have done a lot of session work in classical and musical theatre styles. I have covered a lot of 80s style pop and synth vocals, and work well in rock/alternative.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My vocal range and power. I have a strong and versatile voice that can lend itself to a variety of genres and styles.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Strong vocals, excellent harmony ability, and a good ear for arrangements.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Its varies depending on the project

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run a Mac set up with Logic Pro. I have two speaker setups, a cheaper M Audio pair, and a Premium setup of Genelec. I can run mixes through a variety of systems to test them on different set ups. I have a QU16 Mixer (Allen and Heath) but generally work in Logic. I have a variety of Waves plug ins and instrument libraries. I have a variety of Mics but prefer to use my Shure SM7B

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

A: I am a musical chameleon, so I like a lot of styles of music. Production - I'm a big fan of Dan Lancaster. Vocally, I like Amy Lee, Hayley Williams, Celine Dion in the Pop and Rock world. I also studied classical voice so can comfortably sing in musical theatre and classical styles. I really love genre bending.

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

A: Vocal Tracks both Lead vocals, Harmonies and Top Lines. I have also done several character voices.