Mixing, Producing, Demos

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

A: One of the most unique projects I’ve gotten to be a part of is the song “Til Kingdom Come” by Joanne Cash and For King & Country. The song was written by Coldplay and originally intended for Johnny Cash to sing. Unfortunately, he passed away before that became a reality. Recently, Joanne Cash, Johnny’s sister, decided to record the song in his honor. Joanne and I had a mutual friend working with the Cash family, and he approached me to help produce the track. I was so honored! I knew I wanted to keep it simple and maintain the spirit of the original version as recorded by Coldplay. I recorded some acoustic guitar tracks, ukuleles, piano, etc..and Joanne loved it. Then the amazingly talented guys from For King & Country got involved a little later in the process, and the song became a duet with both artists – which totally took it to another level. It was incredible. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of that.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Working on several singer-songwriter projects in Nashville!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: A combination. The ease of digital workflow and the flavor and color of some analog elements.

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

A: That I'll do my best to serve them and exceed their expectations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The creative process. It's never exactly the same, it always changes and morphs depending on who you're working with. I love participating in something that has a tangible feeling of discovery and endless possibilities.

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

A: It usually involves discussions about what my approach would be for their project and what I've done in the past that qualifies me to undertake their project. It usually becomes apparent fairly quickly if the relationship will either not be a great fit, or a fantastic one. Personalities matter...I don't put up a front - I am very open and let people see who I am and what I'm about from the start.

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

A: One misconception I've occasionally run into is when an artist thinks that if you haven't previously worked on something that sounds exactly like them, you don't have the ability to take on their project. But - skilled creative types are always capable of stretching the envelope and making new things. Also, side note: no two artists or projects are exactly the same anyway. Who would want to be a clone of someone else?

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your goals both short term and long term? Who are your biggest influences? What are your expectations? What is your vision? These questions help me determine whether or not I'd be a good fit to work with you.

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

A: Look for someone who you feel comfortable with and can trust them to partner with you on your music and vision. The most successful producer or mixer in the world might not necessarily be the best fit for you. You're looking for someone who gets you - someone who can pull out what's great and unique about you and make it even better.

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

A: Let's see...in order to actually record something, I'd say I'd have to take a Mac, Pro Tools, my Apogee Interface, my Neumann or Audix mic, and my Breedlove Journey Concert limited edited Brazilian Rosewood acoustic guitar!

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

A: I've been producing full time since 2013. I was mentored by Mark Heimermann and Roger Cook - both have been very successful in music and are incredibly good people.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Personal and focused.

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

A: London Grammar. Stunningly beautiful and unique...I love hearing things that seem to come from a totally different place than what we're used to hearing a lot of.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Song is king and the production approach should always serve that as well as the artist's vision. Try not to get bogged down in the things that don't matter as much.

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

A: Singer-songwriter, pop, CCM, country, indie stuff.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'd like to say it's the ability to land and complete something that started as only an idea. Seeing things through.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Honesty, commerciality, hooks, memorability.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I'm producing a project from start to finish, I like to know early on what the artist's hopes are for that project. I cater the approach towards that individual, rather than simply running everyone through the same process every time. The same is true of mixing or recording a demo of someone's song...although not quite as involved or extensive.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I've got a setup that utilizes high quality gear is a simple and straightforward way. Typical signal chain involves Neve preamps, Distressor compressor, Apogee Ensemble interface. Mics include Neumann u87, Sm7b, Shure Sm57, Audix SCX25a. Adam A7X monitors. I have several Kala Ukuleles, Taylor Guitars, Breedlove Guitars, and a variety of electric guitars and basses as well. My room is a fairly modest but comfortable home studio in East Nashville.

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

A: I'm inspired by producers and mixing engineers who have been able to successfully serve a wide variety of artists and projects. Markus Dravs and Michael Brauer are a couple of my favorites.

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

A: I do a lot of demos, production, and mixes for clients.