Guitarist, Producer, Mixing

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

A: I'm most excited, right now, about the work I did on the new A Thousand Horses record that Dave Cobb produced. I not only worked on some of the vocal production, but wrote the first song that came out, the one that became the Ram Trucks ad. This record sounds unreal, and it's the best work they've done, it feels awesome to have a part in it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Doing a lot of country sessions, actually, because of my involvement in both cities, and lots of film / tv pitches. My band Vinyl Pinups is putting a new EP out, this fall, so we're shooting lots of content for that, as well.

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

A: Jeff Sojka for giant pop records

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I'm almost all digital, these days. The tools we have now are astounding, and if you're using your ears, there's no reason you can't make amazing sounding records in the box. What I will say is that artists should always maintain some form of "analog mindset". Don't be afraid to twist the "wrong" knobs fast or just let things run away. That's when magic happens.

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

A: That I will care.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Building a life of spent time with like minded people.

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

A: That it's quick, easy, and just a matter of piecing samples together. Curation is an art and it takes time.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1.) If you could be on any tour, right now, opening, who's would it be? 2.) What is the record you wish you had made, the song you wish you had written, or the band you wish you had been in? I can learn a lot about an artist from these things.

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

A: Be as particular about your own record as I am going to be.

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

A: Assuming the generator needed to power everything doesn't count - My loaded laptop UAD Apollo 70s Fender Precision Bass My Rusty Anderson 335 A pair of Yamaha HS8s

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

A: I started as a session and road guitarist in Nashville back in 2007 when I graduated college. I always wanted it to be a vehicle to production. But once the digital tools we have now became more readily available, I realized I could start making the records I wanted to immediately instead of waiting to climb a ladder. So I hopped off the road and started my band, Vinyl Pinups. We piddled on a major label for a single cycle, went indie, and moved to Los Angeles. I immediately got into film and television because it facilitated me being able to make records that I cared about without being broke anymore. Besides that, it was a perfect lane to make hip cool tracks that would immediately make it to market. We started our label Birdnest Intl in 2013, and released our first real song, "Gold Rays". The song went viral on Soundcloud and led to a publishing deal with Nettwerk One Music and Kobalt. From there, the rest is a history we're still writing.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Indie Hipster Pop and Rock Music

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

A: Artist - Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) - he's the king of making interesting VERY colorful records that are still super commercial with great songs. Producer/Artist - Mark Ronson for all the same reasons.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Use your ears, be picky about your sounds.

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

A: Indie pop, Pop, Film / TV, and recently Country

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being particular and dedicated to quality

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I love to bring fresh and interesting sounds from more experimental and indie realms into the pop world. Additionally, I know when to keep it simple and serve the track.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to do nothing but listen first. I take in the song and the artist, and try and imagine what is best for the direction. Then I dive in, and try not to think too hard.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I keep everything simple and in the box aside from favorite guitars, stompoboxes, and some synth pieces. I have two sets of monitors (one to mix, one to party) and a plethora of plugins and modeling tools.

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

A: I'm a huge fan of Greg Kurstin, Mark Ronson, and Justin Meldal Johnsen. Amazing producers who are musicians first.

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

A: I produce and handle guitar duties mostly. I do a lot of work with synths and sound design, as well.