Music Producer / Mixer

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

A: Radiohead. They're unique in absolutely every way. I've never listened to them and thought they've sounded like anyone else. So many of their sounds they have formed themselves, and their music is the simply result of putting five geniuses in one studio.

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

A: Oliver Lodge. He's a very talented composer in orchestral compositions working in Glasgow. You should definitely check his work out.

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

A: Probably my first album under the name Black Summer Pine called "Slow Colour Mourning". I did EVERYTHING on that record, except 20 seconds of vocals! It took time, but I think it worked out well. If I was release another album, I would market it properly! Music needs to be pushed and flaunted because success doesn't come to you.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on Black Summer Pine's second album, which is beginning to really take shape.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I understand the brilliance of analog audio kit but digital is simply more convenient nowadays.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The creative aspect is what I've always loved. I envision a soundscape and transform into a listening experience. Musicians are always interesting as well!

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

A: All artists want a certain amount of control of the sound, but when you don't have the knowhow and ability to get your audio sounding professional then this isn't wise - especially if you want to make an impression! It is important that you trust me to attain the sound or track that you're looking for.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you looking for? Send me examples of things that have triggered an audio interest in you recently!

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

A: Pick me! I'm a genuine human being who's flexible and easy to work with.

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

A: My acoustic guitar, for sure. I'd probably also take a simple set up of my laptop, my midi key-studio, my USB interface and a Mic!

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

A: I started playing guitar when I was 14 (7 years ago now), and I quickly began performing onstage with various bands of different genres. I was playing acoustic guitar and bass in a traditional Scottish band while playing the electric guitar in an alternative rock band resembling the sound of Kings Of Leon.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: A combination of driven, dancey and groovy rhythms with "pretty" and ambient sounds.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take your time! Don't rush a track, quickly mix it and release it! Leave it for a day. Think about other things and when it's nearly left your head, have a listen. This way you'll hear things you wouldn't have noticed before. That's the most useful tip I think I could give.

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

A: It can vary. I've worked with a huge range of artist, from traditional folk performers to wannabe rappers. Usually I work on the chilled and driven pop tracks you can find on my album "Slow Colour Mourning".

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Probably playing guitar, after all, it was a guitar that got me into all this recording and producing malarky. I've been writing songs on guitar for years, also.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring some really "pretty" sounds. I feel a lot of my guitar work is versitile, but I'm in love with clean and smooth guitar patterns. My overall sound has been spdescribed as "relaxing" and "chill" by others, and I feel I bring a good combination of rhythm and melody.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If I'm writing music, I'll either start with some lyrics and an acoustic guitar, or I'll start my sampling and putting down drum patterns. I tend to layer each section as I write and once I am finished, I leave the track to "stew" for a day or two so that I know it's true potential when I listen back.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It's a simple "bedroom" set up really. I work from two desks - one I save for a lot of my mixing and production work, and the other is covered in keyboards and pedals!

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

A: Nigel Godrich who is well know for his work with Radiohead is a big inspiration. Radiohead themselves have also been a massive influence on me.

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

A: Typically ambient works, and making things sound "big".