Female singer & songwriter

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both ! For example I love working on analog consoles. I just feel it's so much easier to understand the whole chain of the sound, knobs are often colorful and very easy to use, and of course, the sound is always great. However, I disagree with people who say that analog sound is better than digital sound. There is a lot of great digital gear these days. And it comes with obvious benefits, from the fact that you can do as many takes as you want, try all the effects that you want even some emulated from concert halls that are 4000 miles away from you, to the simple fact that you don't need a whole truck to travel with it ! My personal dream choice? I would love to have a full studio with all kinds of analog equipments, and the best, most powerful computer in the world with the best DAW to combine the two worlds. And of course, the truck. Come on guys. Make me work so I can achieve that. Or, if you possess a winning lottery ticket, that'll do. You choose.

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

A: I'm thinking about maybe the most original project I've worked on, it was a full progressive rock album and I was one of the lead singers (we were 3). Beautiful songs and a great experience.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on a trip-hop/soul project that sounds very promising. I can't tell you more at the moment ;)

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

A: Not yet, but I'm looking forward for it to change !

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: There are tons ! But if I really have to choose one related to my work as a singer, I would say always put the vocalist first when you want to get great vocals. I know, that sounds obvious, and quite self-centered, but it is even more important that sound quality and gear ! You need to see it as an acting perfomance, so give them the conditions they need, give them tons of reverb or a completely dry sound if it is what they're comfortable to record with (even if it sounds strange to you), trust them to do as many takes as they want or just one, etc. you get the idea ! I know all of this is important for all musicians but it is even more so for singers, as the voice is a very sensitive instrument.

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

A: Having the song of their dreams !

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being creative ! Do what I love, working from home, working with passionate people who believe in their music !

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

A: Probably the number of hours it takes to do a great job. People tend to think you just sing it out loud and that's it ! They don't know or forget about the whole process of choosing the right interpretation, work on the accent if need be, work on the sound, etc. There is also the writing/composing process (when it's required). Inspiration doesn't always come out of the blue, it can take time even when you're used to it. Of course, it doesn't mean your project will be delayed ! I will tell you exactly how much time it is going to take, depending on your demands.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want it to sound like? Give me examples, instructions, tell me what is the purpose of your project and what is the story behind it...

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

A: Definitely the basic chain for vocals ! Great preamp, great mic, sound interface, computer (or anything to record, could be a vintage 4band recorder because why not?) aaand... I would love to add my headphones or speakers as the 5th piece, but since we're on a desert island, I will need something to power all of it, right? So I guess I wouldn't be able to listen to my beautiful, Grammy-ready Robinson-Crusoe takes... too bad !

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

A: I've been singing since I was a little girl, but professionally? About ten years. I started being really interested in vocal technique at the age of 18 and became a singing teacher at the age of 22. I've also worked in recording studios as an engineer while performing live and training my voice as well as my student's. I've been in many original projects with different composers in different genres. Since 2015 I have my own studio.

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

A: Again, there are tons ! But I would really love to be featured on a song by Massive Attack or Kaleo. These are great bands and their music was with me during many moments of my life, happy or sad/difficult ones.

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

A: Pop, trip-hop, folk, soul, jazz and rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm passionate!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My voice is original and versatile. Especially as a lead singer, I will bring a whole new breath to your song, enhanced by the best sounding takes.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I like to listen to the song a lot and get inspired in many different ways. Inspiration is the key to a great singing. For example sometimes, if I have the time, I take it with me on a walk or on a drive and get to know it more and more. Finally, I sing it in the best way I can because it truly comes from the heart : I'm well trained so I don't have to think about my technique or anything else at all when singing something I chose, I like and I feel ready for.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm currently working on Pro Tools 12 with a MOTU interface and a bunch of effects and treatments for the sound (Native Instruments, Eastwest, Waves). Something important : I'm working with Apple computers only. Audio gear : - Microphones Neumann U87 and TLM49, Rode K2 - Preamps Universal Audio LA-610, Chandler Limited Germanium, Neve 1073

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

A: I love the vocals by Massive Attack, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Joss Stone, Zero7, Sia, Kaleo, Adele, Paramore, Jessie J, and many more ! I also like the way the vocals are mixed especially in the songs of Ariana Grande and Massive Attack. I love all kind of voices actually. I just need something that catches me and touches me in the way the vocals are sung.

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

A: I record lead vocals, backing vocals, harmonies, write lyrics or/and melodies, and arrange vocals. I can also edit your vocals on demand.

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

A: Questions about the whole working process, what will I start with, what gear am I going to use. For the whole working process and the starting the answers can be found below. As for the gear I'm going to use, it depends on the genre, the type of voice (is it sung very loud? Very quietly?) and the 'general sound' you want (is it vintage? modern? In-between?) I also get a lot of questions about the pricing. I'm very comfortable telling people all the details about the pricing for a job : it's not only about the hours, but also about the price of the gear, softwares, ability to work fast and understand your requirements, research if needed, sometimes cancellations in my schedule if you need your job done even more quickly.

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

A: Tell me a lot about your project and yourself. I don't mean telling me all your life, of course ! But don't hesitate to be prolific about your inspirations, your goals, how and why the song was composed, what is the story behind it... Also don't hesitate to give me specific instructions if you need to. It doesn't have to get 'technical'. You can tell me things like 'I want you to sing it like a lullaby for a child who is close to you', or 'I want it to sound like you're happy about something/sad/afraid...' etc. Then it is my job to know which techniques I will use. Of course you can also give me carte blanche if you prefer so ! Also, don't be shy and/or ashamed of the quality of your demo, and/or if you need to sing something and you think you're not a good singer. As long as you sing in tune, it is enough for me to hear the melody and then work with you to make it sound great !

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I like to think I'm versatile and putting different types of singing in a song. I always do it so it fits the song though.