Piano. Keys. Tracks. Sounds.

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

A: A piano. Nevermind that the environment would wreak havock on it. I'd also take my gutstring guitar and a Juno 60. That's three... so I'll lump computer/interface/microphones/speaker into one and then a solar array for power:)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The flexibility. And it's MUSIC!!! So thankful.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: It's a studio/worklab. Everything is within reach and I work standing up (mostly). Piano can be virtual or I can send you real upright. Synth is whatever it needs to be; I have tons of virtual synths as well as a few digital and analog outboard favorites. I use a pair of hand-made passive direct boxes with custom Jensen transforms for synths.

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

A: I love lots of stuff... Top 40 is a guilty pleasure; there are so many incredible tracks on the radio these days. I do a lot of work for film/tv placements. Lots of that. For piano stuff, ambient is awesome. Hammock, Nils Frahm and Sigur Ros are great. Jacquire King continues to do amazing work as a producer and engineer. Beyond music, I'm inspired by visual art; movies, industrial design, sci-fi.

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

A: Let's figure out what you want me to do for you and your songs. No idea is too weird. I'll help you focus the approach; it will be right. It will make your song better and we won't stop until you love it!

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

A: It never hurts to ask! Let me know what you are thinking.

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

A: The Google G-Suite release. I did all Music and Sound Design. They needed a fast turnaround and it turned out great. The latest Corey Asbury record is something that I will always be proud of. I did a Covid- related project for Lady Gaga that turned out great but may never see the light of day:( Also, Kasey Musgraves "Same Trailer Different Park" record. I did 95% of the piano/keys. Great songs, she wasn't afraid to go after new approaches.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Using sounds, synths and piano to set a mood.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Sound design for a logo presentation and also some pop keys overdubs.

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

A: Charlie Lowell. Chad Carouthers. Both incredible talents.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Yes to both. Analog just sounds better. So does digital.

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

A: That it is somehow glamorous or easy.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your timeline? Do you have any references? What is this for?

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

A: After college (music degree) I was asked to join a band and toured for years. Eventually, I got off the road and began working on records; producing, writing, playing. I travelled on and off for a while but now I'm all in-studio. It's been over 20 years now!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Dynamic. Moody. Slightly quirky but still mainstream.

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

A: I never was able to work with Michael Jackson. That would have been incredible.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't get stuck on a section for too long. Switch gears. Take a walk. When you come back, you'll get it!

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

A: For records, it all falls under the pop category. Ambient and electronic as well. I have a specific sound that people come for.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Mood. Life. Something unique. I tend to use interesting ambient loops and sounds to bring depth; I mix electronic with organic.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'll load the song/demo in, listen a few times, make notes, then reach out to the client. After that I dive in! I don't have a standard approach; sometimes I start with drums, sometimes I start with instruments. If I have a clear idea of what the song needs, that vision informs every decision. It's your song, not a place for me to show off!

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

A: I do a few things, really: piano/keys/programming work, composing/score and sound design.