Write and produce hits

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do they hope to achieve? How far do they want to take it? Why is it important? Who they want to sound like?

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

A: Be as honest as you can with what you want to achieve and don't hold back. Collaborating with people is the most exciting and surprising experience and can be very rewarding if there is trust and transparency - an unnbeatable experience.

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

A: Acoustic Guitar (plus all the strings and kit for changing them) probably my Washburn Old school type 4 track recorder (that runs on batteries and a whole lot of batteries and tapes) Sm-57/58 Mic Mouth Organ Cry Baby

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

A: I started rapping when I was about 12 on and off till I was about 18 when I really got into rock music and then devote the next ten years of my life to doing alternative rock/pop music with a band that is still considered the defining band of our generation and music scene. I then took a break from music for a few years and mostly focused and finding my passion and muse. Since I have been back into the music making fold I have been experimenting successfully with creating an 80s inspired synth sound and that project (Dozenz) has launched quite successfully.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Unpredictable. I like to not be constrained by genre or style and try and find a happy mix of different rhythms, melodies, structures and instrumentation.

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

A: I would love to work with Bruno Mars right now. He has proven himself to be of cosmic music capabilities verging on Michael Jackson-esque stature.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Experiment. Start off emulating but always try to find a way to make your track have its own sonic identity.

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

A: Pop in general whether its rock pop or hip-hop pop or alternative etc.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: The lyric and melodic hook - what makes a song memorable and catchy.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring that "pop" appeal. I have a challenge listening to music that isn't engaging and catchy so I won't ever put my name to something I don't thing other people will enjoy.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Its important to understand what the client is trying to achieve with their musical project so I like to get a good brief and then understand where the music is meant to go once its completed. Will it be something to share with friends and family? For a special occasion like an anniversary to wedding? Or is it part of the clients ambitions for a music career of some kind? Once that is established its all about managing expectations on both sides and delivering an outcome that both the client and myself can be proud and happy with.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Logic extensively and do programming with synths and sampled instruments more. If live instruments are required I work with some great sessionists that can deliver any type of playing required.

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

A: All the great producers from Timbaland, Dr. Dre and P. Diddy to Quincy Jones, Brian Eno and Nigel Goodrich

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

A: Taking an idea for some whether its a lyric, a sound or just a feeling and converting that into a complete song.