Session Guitarist

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

A: Less is more. And sometimes more is more lol. If my client wants the absolutely craziest fastest shredding solo ever, that is what I will provide.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have a decade of touring and writing experience. I like to bring freshness and excitement to song, without overplaying. It helps when the songwriter or artist tells me their influences, so I can respect the philosophy of that sound. I play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, bass, percussion, and I mix and master. I offer top to bottom productions. So I offer a lot of versatility.

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

A: They generally ask me about turn around time. Guitar tracks are generally take 24-48 hours. Productions can take longer. I offer rush options.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I've been recording music since I was a teenager. It has always been my hobby and my passion. It's what I love to do in general. It happens to be my job. I'm lucky.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The first thing I do is listen to my client's song from beginning to end, without an instrument in my hand. This puts me in the listener's seat. When I comes time to actually lay down ideas, I always double check my client's references or notes. I always ask for directions in as detailed of a description is possible before I start work, so I can provide 'that sound' which my client is looking for. Don't forget BPM!

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

A: It's important that any artist or songwriter works with a musician who understands them. The best musician in the world might not understand where my music is coming from, my influences, etc. Also it honestly doesn't matter how 'great' somebody plays. It's about serving the song. I've hired musicians for my own music before who played way too much, or just didn't play the right approach. Easier said that done.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How do you want your music to sound? If they are unable to really describe it properly, I like to ask for references.

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

A: I'd bring water. And a boat. And my electric mistress! That pedal is amazing, but it's rare that somebody besides me wants to hear that sound. LOL. I still love that pedal anyways.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I specialize in Pop, Indy and Acoustic-fingerpicking styles.

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

A: The bulk of my work is either fully producing completed tracks for self-funded artists or playing acoustic guitar fingerpicking style on pop style tracks.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Low cut filter. Often times there is a huge build up down in the low frequencies which can muddy a mix, reducing clarity and overall hurting the blend. If the track is acoustic-only instrumental with vocals, then the low frequencies are much more important and the recording approach should reflect that.

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

A: Whatever we feel like that day! It really depends on the artist, as that is what I do for a living. Lately I've worked with a few clients from India, and I really love working on that stuff.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Flexibility! I've been a working guitarist for over a decade and I've been in every scenario imaginable.

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

A: The beatles! All day every day. Their songwriting and recording techniques continually inspire me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: On a weekly basis I am producing or tracking for independent artists who live all over the the world. I do it all through the internet. I often play guitar for various producers for their library tracks or for their commercial work. My song "I Love You Baby Still" was placed in the film "Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase" Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: As much analog as possible before we go digital! Call me old fashioned. I use real gear. It's taken me years to find and collect it to get the best possible sounds.

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

A: I wrote the song 'roll one up' for Yonas in my bedroom one morning. Eventually Sammy Adams and Roscoe Dash jumped on the track and it all came to life. I love how the song turned out!

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

A: Yes! The psyclones!

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

A: I put the same effort into every project whether it is a big budget production on a label or someone doing their first song.

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

A: I've been on the road and in the studio for over a decade.

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

A: Paul McCartney. Ringo. I love them!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a full 3 room studio right in here in Los Angeles with the vintage outboard gear and modern top of the line recording hardware available at major commercial studios.