Recording, Mixing, Mastering

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

A: I recorded Charlie Allen, and Jamie LaRitz ( House With A Guitar). The Song turned out great and I learned so much. I recorded and engineered the mix.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am preparing the studio for a demo session this Cruz Contreras of the Black Lillies.

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

A: I am new here, and when I get aquatinted with SoundBetter I can answer this.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I use both, and both have there place.

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

A: we will attempt to meet all your expectations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every piece of music has its own challenges and meeting them is always rewarding.

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

A: Can you record me early in the morning or after class. My answer is yes: but be appointment only

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

A: My place is small and can accommodate a 5 piece. I can't record larger groups at one time.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you prefer a certain microphone. What time of day do you fill the best. Can we limit the number of people in your group to only the people recording.

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

A: be well practice before you record you'll save a lot of time and that translates to saving money.

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

A: a solar power system, a laptop, a moto, one mic., and a guitar

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

A: I started building ham radios, repairing guitar amps in the early 60s. Was a electronic tech, radio man in the Marine Corps. work as a Marine Engineer, and retired into my own recording studio.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I've had 50 years to develop a style and I am still trying to define it so many influences in my life. I world say Dave Mathews.

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

A: Sting. He is a master producer, singer, and writer one would learn so much form him.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Relax, take a deep breath. Lesson, take notes no how the music makes you feel.

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

A: Americana, Boles, and Blue Grass.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'm good with people, and easy to get along with. I'm here to help and that make a difference.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A new set of hears. A fresh viewpoint, and the experience it takes to truly help an artist get to the next level.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to get to know the client before we get started. Get the room ready, and record some sample takes, set all the volumes, and record. From there we now have the foundation to work from. Like all sessions they evolve.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It's located in the small town of Abingdon, Virginia, in a two hundred year old restored cabin. It is equipped with a mix of analog and digital equipment, guitars, drums, a cello, a wonderful 1906 upright grand piano. lots of microphones. even the new a fantastic (vertical mic system).

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

A: Tom Petty is the guy I like to lesson to before a recording session. Steve Slate inspires me one the engineering side, and Jamie LaRitz is a master producer I am in aw of.

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

A: I do a lot of voice-overs, and recording domos for local bands and singer song writers.