Producer, Composer, Songwriter

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

A: I am very proud of "We're Just Getting Started" an album of pop songs with R&B influences at Atomica Music. The tracks are fun and I love the vocals / toplines on them. I was the producer and co-writer on the project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: An album of female swagger tracks for Atomica Music, and an album of string quartet covers for a well-connected library.

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

A: Yes. Audrey Callahan is a frequent vocalist for my projects. I also know and really admire Kimera Morrell. KZ Kova has also worked with me on more than 20 songs.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. That's the medium we're gonna end up with, so I like to stay there.

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

A: I promise to put your song first and to serve what you've created. I'll bring my vision to yours and hopefully we can make something special through collaboration.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love making music. Ever since I was a little kid sitting at the piano, I loved making things up.

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

A: Beyond how much do you charge... They mostly ask how long a project will take to complete and some will ask if I can help them get the song pitched for sync. The answer is always, it depends on many factors, but we can move quickly when we need to. And I can help you get your song pitched for sync.

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

A: That we can make anything sound great... There's got to be quality recordings at the core of the project. It doesn't matter how many tools you have, you have to have a solid foundation to get great results.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask them if the have a reference track! :) I also ask them things like their goals for the song, whether it's a single / artist track or if it's been written for a specific purpose, like to be pitched for sync.

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

A: Have a reference track in mind when you approach a producer. They will most likely ask you if you have one, and it really makes the whole process flow better when you start there. I'd also say, ask a lot of questions, and remember you're investing in yourself and your songs by hiring a professional to work on them with you. Listen to them, but don't lose your own vision for the song.

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

A: My piano and a guitar. A Zoom recorder with a solar battery charger. :)

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

A: I studied classically... Was trained on piano and got my master's in music at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. I have a thorough understanding of orchestration, harmony and counterpoint. I have been writing and producing music for over 20 years. Many of my compositions have appeared on television or in advertising.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is not as important as the client's style. Producers are a bit of a chameleon in that regard. I am fluent in many styles of music within the Pop / Rock universe.

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

A: Billie Eilish. She's unique and creative.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Templates are your friend! I build up customized templates for the styles of music I like to work with, which makes production go much faster.

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

A: Usually, I'm working on pop / rock tracks. But it varies quite a bit inside that broad niche.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication is certainly one of my strongest skills. I'm also fluent in a wide range of music styles.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A strong sense of collaboration, and serving the song. I bring a great deal of experience with a variety of genres, and I am always listening to what's new. I am also always investing in and learning new techniques to stay current with production trends.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It all starts with the song. I will often make recommendations to the songwriter or artist if I feel something could be improved with the chorus or other sections. And, when we get to work, I like a solid worktape with a clear vocal to give to the session singer. I'll send out a basic track / arrangement to the singer to get a solid scratch track, and then review with the client to make sure we're on the same page. Communication is key to the process. I am open and have a service first mentality when working with clients. I rely on their feedback to guide me in the process. After initial review, we begin to push the production elements to final versions, and send out the track for final vocals, BGVs etc. If the client is also the vocalist, then that tends to streamline the process a bit, and we work together to sort out tuning and aligning vocal stacks, etc. I'll usually send a client a couple of mixes to choose from before we settle on a final version to be mastered.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am a Logic Pro expert and I have invested heavily in production tools, virtual synths and instruments from all the best manufacturers such as Native Instruments, East West, Output and Serum. I work "mostly in the box," and routinely use my roster of session players to provide additional live guitars, drums, bass, strings and more when the project calls for it.

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

A: I'm inspired by lots of styles of music. Lately I've been into "swagger" styles by Zayde Wolfe and The Score. Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish / Finneas and Ruelle also find their way onto my playlists. And, I also spend quite a bit of time listening to Leon Bridges and Bruno Mars as well.

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

A: Most clients hire me to produce, mix and master their songs. Their "worktape" typically consists of a vocal and some basic instrumentations. I really like to use a reference track when possible to help identify the sound my clients are looking for. If you don't have one, don't worry! We'll find one together...