'Session Guitarist'

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

A: Lucius Page is a producer with immense experience. We work together a lot and he is super easy to work with.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I am grateful for the ability to make a living with music because it is an artform that allows you to be expressive in powerful and very specific ways. It's also something that you can share and collaborate with other musicians and connect in a very meaningful way.

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

A: Because I am a guitarist I can't do other things as well. I think of myself as a musician who appreciates all styles and is constantly growing.

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

A: I like to work with singers the most because I can give them everything they need to complete a song. Making instrumental music is fun, but having a voice bring melody and lyrics to a track is another level.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I can bring anything from a specific part to an entire track. I have the ability to match the vibe of almost any reference track and enjoy finding new techniques and sounds for genres I'm less used to. I recently made a pop-funk track for someone (which is outside my normal vibe) and had a great time learning how to get the right sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It depends on the project. I always ask an artists for reference tracks because hearing their inspiration helps capture the vibe they want. If I'm just redoing a guitar part, I learn the part exactly and record it multiple ways so the artist/ producer has options to work with. If it's a track or a beat I find the elements that are most important and start with that. Usually the drum sounds and groove are the most important and I will find the best snare and kick to get started. Then I will find a good chord sound (on guitar or keys) and based on the register the chords are in/ the tone I will choose a bass sound that compliments that. It's usually here I'll choose a new kick to best pair with the bass sound. I also like to mix and tweak things as I go to better hear how new elements fit in as I add them.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a Fender Deluxe Tone Pro for my guitar recordings because it has amazing quality with the direct out option (so you don't need a microphone). I use to JBL MK 2's and a Scarlett 18i8 as well as Ableton to do all my music. I've got a Korg Minilogue as well as a lifetime of guitar pedals I use to get the right analog sound when I need it.

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

A: I get inspired by well crafted songs. My favorite artists are Daniel Caesar, Joji and Frank Ocean. The artistry that they bring to the table is timeless.

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

A: Most of the time I rerecord guitar parts. Someone sends me a guitar take, or song and I learn the part and rerecord it with a higher quality. I also produce tracks for singers to create with!

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

A: Quality sounding audio, 24-48 hour turn around, easy to work with attitude

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have reference tracks or an idea for what the song sounds like completed?

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Whenever adding elements to a track you must think about where you want that sound to exist in the frequency spectrum in order to keep two elements from competing. Also need to be careful when adding too much low mids

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Versatility. I can be involved in a song from the ground up or find the right elements to add and complete a track. I'm also ready when the client has a specific sound or idea they need recorded.