Vocalist, Producer, Songwriter

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an in-home studio with Pro Tools 2024 running on an iMac, interfaced with a UAD Apollo and vocals piped through an AKG 414c. Some of the fun toys that make the projects are resonator/baritone/Nashville-tuned acoustics, Telecaster/Stratocaster/Gibson Les Paul electrics, a Native Instruments Maschine, and thousands of sound and programming option.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about being a producer and in the music industry is the independence. I have a new boss with every client, I get to be my most creative self, and my "cubicle" kicks ass - it's a great (and fortunate!) position to be in.

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

A: Philip Pence for bass and mixing needs....Greg Strizek for editing and mixing...Kris Bradley for vocals and production. Close friends that I respect and love.

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

A: To get the project even better than you original imagined it!

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

A: I would suggest making sure there's communication about how on the nose you'd like to stay to the melody and phrasing. Staying right on it is no problem whatsoever but if you have an open mind for some variation, that's great to know so that I/we can experiment a little with the approach. Makes it interesting for everyone!

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

A: I've been a professional musician and songwriter for nearly 10 years in Nashville - I was on an indie label with major distribution and was able to do an album and tour before landing a publishing deal, getting a few cuts, and developing a feel for how the industry works. Nowadays, I continue to write and work with aspiring artists in town, as well as cowriter and produce commercial releases.

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

A: That it's quick and easy. It is not. But it's worth it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are some references, both in vocal style and instrumentation, that you'd like your track to emulate? Are there any looming deadlines?

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would love to write with/track with/hang with Counting Crows. I think their collective interpretations of Adams lyrics into some classics would be amazing to watch. There are dozens of others that would be surreal but that'd be the top one.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Practice makes perfect! Practice, practice, practice...then practice some more. That's the true secret, no matter how much we don't want to believe it.

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

A: The most common work that I do in the industry is track production and vocals, both of my own material as well as client projects. I specialize mainly in the Country and Pop but have also heavy experience in Rock and Hip Hop, both in tracks as well as vocal projects.