Personalized Pop/EDM Songs

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

A: Carl Bahner, Mark Frigo

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: In 2019 I really started putting time into my own artist project called CakeKnife. I put out 6 singles in the second half of the year. I've started the writing process for 2020 and getting things lined up for the new year.

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

A: That I make music and send artists on their way. I like to work with artists and help them throughout every step of the process, not just recording and producing music. Once we've started working together, I'm always available to help answer questions and offer any tips and recourses I have available. Your success is just as important to me as it is to you. We're working together!

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

A: Do your research and make sure to find the right provider for you. You won't achieve the best results by working with someone who isn't the right fit.

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

A: Laptop, Apollo Twin, SM7B, Serum, Kontakt

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication. Without proper communication, a project can go south fast. I always strive to keep an open line of communication with my clients to make sure we are on the same page throughout the project. That way we can work together to keep the project moving forward and avoid any wasted time having to revisit anything.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I always want to make sure that I'm servicing the artist and the song as best as possible. Prior to starting a project, I like to sit down with the artist to go through pre-production, go over references, and help define a sound for their music. That way once we start the writing process, we have a road map ready to go.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: In 2019 I really started putting time into my own artist project called CakeKnife. I put out 6 singles in the second half of the year. I've started the writing process for 2020 and getting things lined up for the new year.

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

A: That I make music and send artists on their way. I like to work with artists and help them throughout every step of the process, not just recording and producing music. Once we've started working together, I'm always available to help answer questions and offer any tips and recourses I have available. Your success is just as important to me as it is to you. We're working together!

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

A: Do your research and make sure to find the right provider for you. You won't achieve the best results by working with someone who isn't the right fit.

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

A: Laptop, Apollo Twin, SM7B, Serum, Kontakt

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication. Without proper communication, a project can go south fast. I always strive to keep an open line of communication with my clients to make sure we are on the same page throughout the project. That way we can work together to keep the project moving forward and avoid any wasted time having to revisit anything.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I always want to make sure that I'm servicing the artist and the song as best as possible. Prior to starting a project, I like to sit down with the artist to go through pre-production, go over references, and help define a sound for their music. That way once we start the writing process, we have a road map ready to go.

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

A: I enjoy working with Pop and EDM artists. Occasionally I will break out those and go back to my roots of rock and metal.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I primarily work with digital synths and other software, however, I always love the opportunity to work with Analog outboard gear, synths, and FX. Digital just offers the ease of travel and recall-ability in my sessions makes it simple when moving from place to place.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you looking to do with your songs? What are the overall goals for the project? Is there a deadline? When would you like to release? What style or genre are these songs? Are there any artists or songs that are similar to the style of what you'd like your songs to sound like? What type of instrumentation would you like (electronic, live, a blend of both?)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I do a lot of work both in the studio and at home. When recording things like live instrumentation and vocals, I prefer to work out of the local studio. This way I have access to an amazing room, a great selection of microphones and outboard gear. When working at home, im working on a home setup using Pro Tools 12, JBL 305 Monitors, and the UAD Apollo Twin Interface. I have a huge list of virtual instruments, mixing plugins, as well as an assortment of guitars and basses, and microphones.

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

A: It all started with the guitar at age 10 when I picked up the guitar. From there I played with friends and bands for many years, throughout high school and into college. During that time I had worked with a few different styles and recorded in the studio. That is where my interest in recording really started. I wanted to learn more about recording and production so I attended Full Sail University in Orlando Florida, receiving my BA in Recording Arts in June 2015. After school I moved to Southern California and started interning at the local studio. After about 500 hours of intern time, I was asked to join as part owner of the business and continue to work with clients. That gave the ability to really get my feet planted, build a client base, and really grow and perfect my craft. Since then I have continued to work with local artists and grow as a producer/engineer.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My best music production tip would be to communicate! Communication is key to creating a successful project. Ensuring that we are on the same page every step of the process from start to finish will help keep the process running smooth. I do my best to keep you posted on where I am when working on a project, as well as asking any questions that come up a long to the way to make sure that there is no wasted time or efforts on either end.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Every song and project is different! It depends on the music, the artists, and what the desired sound is for the project. I like to speak with artist a bit and find out what your vision is for the project in order to understand the approach that needs to be taken.

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

A: I really draw inspiration from all over. I have a very diverse taste in music ranging from hip hop, EDM, Heavy Metal, Singer Songwriter, etc. Artists that I enjoy listening too and take inspiration from are Periphery, Veil Of Maya, Aesop Rock, Atmosphere, Aaron Carter, The Chainsmokers, San Holo, City and Colour, Mumford and Songs, etc.

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

A: Most of my work is working one on one with the artist in the studio tracking instruments/vocals or building productions around scratch tracks. I do both live instrument recording as well as a lot of MIDI programming and production "in the box"