Arrangements and Production

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: For arrangements and compositions, I use Sibelius 8. For recording I utilise Pro Tools 12 through a Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X interface - recording can be done direct to this, or in the first instance via either a Soundcraft 328XD digital desk with Lexicon effects, or through a 1983 Allen & Heath System 8 24:8:2 desk (series 1) for a beautifully analogue "British" sound. In addition to physical outboard, for processing and effects there is the usual assortment of plugins by various companies including Waves, SoundToys, Focusrite, Avid, and so on. Keyboards available include the full suite of Arturia V Collection 5 software, which complements hardware such as a Yamaha P250 Piano; Korg Wavestation EX; Alesis Ion; Casio CZ5000; Roland V-Synth; Korg MS10; Korg Triton; Roland XV5080; Kurzweil K2500S; Akai S5000; Yamaha TX16W; Yamaha TX81Z; Roland D110; Kawai K1; Korg Electribe R (Mk2); and Yamaha RX5.

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

A: That everything can be fixed or done in 5 minutes by pressing a few buttons on the computer - firstly, it's SO important to capture the best possible recordings at the outset - then secondly, it takes thinking time and (ironically) a lot of background peace & quiet to make appropriate decisions about the music you're working with

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't keep making changes! - with the endless options provided by software nowadays, it is too easy to keep adjusting a song and have V1, V2, V3, V4... but at some point you have to make a decision on an arrangement or a mix and stick to it otherwise it never gets finished

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Attention to, and Analysis of, details