Produce Solo Artist Tracks

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

A: I haven't worked on a great deal of published works to date. I was involved in the recording and production of a song 'You Touch My Soul' by Schema, for which we recorded a music video. That was a great production. The Synth work specifically, added layers to that track which I think were incredible

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm working on an album with my band, Similar Fate. We are a new outfit, but I'm really excited about the prospects of the music we are creating.

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

A: I'm new here, but I imagine I will get to know some people along the way!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Mix of both. Digital has it's place, but there's nothing like the sound of an analog compression rack, or the authentic sound of a guitar amp, or the natural harmonics provided by an acoustic guitar or piano. That just can't be recreated

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

A: That I will collaborate with you. I want your music to get you excited, and until we reach that point I won't be satisfied. I also promise to be constructive and honest. If I can't polish something, because it needs re-doing, I will tell you. I see no benefit in releasing music that isn't living up to its potential

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: When I 'catch a wave'. Sometimes, the music really excites me, or I hear an element that I get really excited to add whilst listening. I could lose hours, even days, when I'm on that wave. And I won't mind putting in the extra hours for the same price; when I'm in my zone, I'd do it for free.

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

A: Why don't you work in a professional studio? In short, I wanted certain things early in life, and the studio producer career has never been a well paid one. My university lecturer worked at Abbey Road for a period, and what he was paid to be on call 24/7 barely covered his rent in London at the time. I now have a beautiful family, own my house, and am in a position where I can do this for my love of it alongside my full time job. I'm blessed really.

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

A: That it's easy. Yes, everyone can get basic gear and record and make music, but not everyone can do it to a standard that shines through the millions of tracks that are produced every day. That takes a finessed approach and a keen ear for music and detail.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your vision for this track? Who do you want your influences to be? Is there anything you're not sure about that I can provide input on? How did you record the audio?

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

A: Say what you want & listen to advice. Paying for a service requires a push and pull, and you need your stamp on it, but I can also provide a unique and eye-catching stamp

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

A: Assuming there is electricity magically available to me; Indie Tree of Life Acoustic Guitar Numark Headphones Macbook Pro Keyboard Shure SM7B Microphone I'd make an unhealthy amount of music with that

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

A: I studied Music and Sound Technology at college in a National Diplome BTEC course, then went on to university. I didn't have the life or means to pursue this when i left university, so I got generic jobs to sustain life with my now wife and my daughter. I have invested a lot of money recently into the ability to work with music again, but throughout my jobs outside of music, I have actively stayed involved in performance, writing, recording and producing

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Adaptable - it's not about fitting into a genre specific box for me. If the track lends itself to more pop, or more rock vibes, I think it's important to lean into that and make it the best version of what it is

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

A: I'd love to work with Charlie Simpson one day; he's got such a versatile genre and his writing and performing prowess as an artist is something I would really love to learn fom

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Sometimes a track requires raw authenticity. Less reverb, less autotune, less processing in general, in the right place, make a track stand out in my opinion.

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

A: Single singer/songwriter tracks, background music for video and showreel recording and production for stage performers

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Vocal and guitar production. I am able to turn a basic home recording into a useable demo track, and more professional grade recordings into publishable music

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Energy and understanding; When I listen to music I can hear the missing elements, whether that be harmonies, additional musical elements or sounds, and have the musical prowess to add these in to enhance the track

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I work to create the music vision the artists seeks to achieve. I have a highly musical ear with 20 years of involvement with music, and aim to collaborate with the artist to ensure the best possible outcomes for their music

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio in a detached building from my house, in which I run Logic Pro X on an iMac with all the basic plug ins as well as additional software & use of Splice. The studio is fully sound-proofed and the hardware is professional grade apple products designed specifically for sound production and engineering

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

A: Dan Lancaster

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

A: Editing and mixing Demo tracks for Acoustic/Singer/Songwriter Artists