Guitar, Pedal Steel, Dobro

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

A: The Strat, Vibrolux, a microphone, an acoustic, and a coffee pot.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: In my experience, time and knowing how to use the gear you have is more important than lusting over that next mic, preamp, or guitar.

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

A: These days, I have been focusing on playing steel with singer-songwriters who are looking for a more ambient or space vibe to their material. However, I feel lucky in that I am able to work with music that's all over the map in terms of genre.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I try to bring a set of fresh ears to any song I work on, in having a wide set of reference points from which to address the material.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically begin by picking out which instrument will best fit that song - whether that's steel, guitar, slide, etc. From there, I decide on a basic approach - am I going to provide the contrast in this song, or reinforce what's already there? After a few passes, I try to hone in on counter-melodies, and anything that will add hooks within the project.

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

A: I produced a record for Denver based folk band King Cardinal, on which I also played pedal steel. I'm very happy with the way that came out - 5 short and tight folk songs, ending with a final 28 minute drone piece. The contrast we were able to bring out between those two worlds is something I am still proud of to this day.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record overdubs in my home studio. I have a simple setup - a set of condensers, ribbon, and dynamic mics, a UA Apollo, and 1073 preamp. My philosophy is to focus on musical output instead of gear, for me, knowing how to use the gear you have is far more important than having a fancy setup.

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

A: I'm inspired by musicians who known how to impart their own sonic space on a track, without overpowering the song and the vibe created by the recording itself. Musicians like Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Greg Leisz, and Bill Frisell are huge influences on the way that I approach a song. However, I also love the experience of breaking open a track in new ways - bring open tuned guitars and dissonance to what may previously have been a pedestrian arrangement. I try to think like a producer at all times - what's going to catch the year, and best build up this track to it's full potential.

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

A: I typically do remote overdub sessions of guitar and pedal steel from my home studio. My favorite experience is being in the studio with the artist present, but I am also very quick and responsive via phone or email for my remote clients.