Vocalist-Songwriter-Producer

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

A: I co-ordinated and produced the album 'Keep Me Warm This Christmas' for a charity which raises funds and clothing for children in need. In many ways it's a project I compare everything else to.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Finishing up mixes on 3 tracks commissioned for a couple of films, tracking an acapella album of my own, and in preproduction for both a country album & a folk/Christian EP for 2 other artists.

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

A: uksbpm provides me with projects that are very challenging, positive and mind opening experiences.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Analog for it's pure tactile experience (I almost miss splicing blocks). Digital for it's efficiency, power & amazing control.

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

A: What you hear I'll help you get, and what I could add you're welcome to have.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creation & collaboration.

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

A: My timeline: ASAP "Can you make it better?": If what I hear & present to you works for you, then yes.

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

A: That having a career in the business outside the main centres is a detriment to collaborating.

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

A: I began performing full time in the mid 1980s, having written and demoed my own tunes for some time. Within a few years I started producing for other artists on my own boutique label & then began releasing my own albums. Haven't looked back since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dynamic, open minded, eager.

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

A: Andy Partridge (of XTC fame). A brilliant musician. Oh, how one can dream.

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

A: Pop, rock, country, folk & singer-songwriter material.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: If I had to pick, vocals, just barely above writing.

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

A: Work your project as far as you can take it, and remain as open as possible.

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

A: My ratty $40 gut string guitar, a Neumann U87, my Fender Precision, my main CPU w/Reaper & a solar panel.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Main goal - making a release or demo? What services are required? Timeline? Budget?

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The lack of passion in a song/recording sticks out like a sour note... pun intended. I work to bring it back.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in a variety of studios, but my own revolves around tracking & mixing with the DAW Reaper, on a custom 64bit CPU, through a custom pair of Camber monitors. Tracking a project depends highly on the genre and songs. More trad & alt sounds are generally done old school open room style. And when required top of the line modelling & programming are used for more modern or aggressive projects.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Strengthening everything from lyrics, music & arrangement, through recording & final mix is very important to me. I offer what I can of those skills to a project and follow the lead of my clients very happily.

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

A: Most clients are looking to have their work taken to the next level - improvements to lyrics, music, performance, arranging, mixing, etc. I've been very fortunate to help out many people over the years in doing just that.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Mix in mono first.

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

A: Man... I'll... have to get back to you...