Piano & Keys

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

A: Would have to say: 1. Mellotron MD-40000 2. Steinway Hamburg Concert Grand 3. Wurlitzer 200A 4. Moog Grandmother 5. Korg Microkorg

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Logic as my main DAW with an Apollo twin as an audio interface. I use Nord and Spectrasonics products as I believe they have the greatest adaptability in the digital music marketplace. I always record both Audio and Midi to give the artist a chance to edit on their own terms.

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

A: Car Therapy by Faye Webster. 1 day in the studio with her and members of the Richmond Symphony. It was a dream come true. A dream I didn't even know I had.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on songs I've played for a long time but I'm working on bringing new life and focus to them. First time I've done that and I'm really enjoying it.

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

A: I'm brand new but if I find a friend on here, that's who I would recommend.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! No need to limit yourself with music. Just play.

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

A: That I will do my absolute best with every ounce of my being to bring your vision to life. I don't just love working on music, I love music. So it's in all of our best interests to put our best foot forward.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The freedom and sincerity. I love and I'm so grateful for the chance to be myself in this world and to give meaning to someone else's creations.

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

A: Typically my customers trust that the job I'm doing will get done in the way I've spoken about, however, if they haven't worked with me before, they try to get a sense of who I am and how I will approach the project. They ask about my favorite songs and albums and what I've done in the music industry.

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

A: The biggest misconception is that the musicians serve a role and don't bring their personality to the song. Sometimes, that's what's necessary but even that is a choice to better the song that comes from a musician's emotional makeup.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Man.. so many. First I want to ask them what inspired them to write what they're sending me. I want to get in their head as much as possible so I can really understand where they're coming from. Honesty and integrity are so important to me in music so I try to do the best I can with that. Then, I ask if they had any specific influences regarding the song that might help me to choose the sonic palette to best serve them. Afterwards, I want to know about logistics. For example, if they're on a tight timeline that influences how I prioritize their music and I work to make space for them mentally. It's not always possible but I do the best I can with that.

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

A: I would advise you to listen to whatever music you can find them on. Each musician is special and unique and it gets to a point where you like a certain provider more just because they have that certain something you're looking for.

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

A: I've been playing music since the age of 5 so I never really stopped but I've toured all over the world, played in some of the greatest venues and worked in some of the best studios. I'm almost 40 so.....

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I came up playing Jazz music so that's always in there but I fell deep in love with Soul music not too long after. My style is supportive and melancholy.

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

A: It sounds silly but I would love to work with Drake. I just think I could be really effective playing for him.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Find the sounds and gear that inspires you. I went through a few different "Piano" keyboards before I settled on the Nord. I was afraid of the price but I never regretted it a day in my life. It's the best thing next to a piano for me.

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

A: I usually work on music that is original whether it be Jazz, Pop, Indie Singer Songwriter, or Soul.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Adaptability in music. My sincere passion is to bring music to life so whatever your influences are, I can maintain the integrity of the music without losing sight of who I am as a musician.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Patience, and a unique interpretation of music. I can sound like anyone in the business but I do things a certain way that I'm proud of.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves listening to and really digesting the song that I'm working on. I typically don't jump to a conclusion right away in terms of sound unless something really hits me. Again, I'm all about subtly and support. Once I decide on the right sound, for example Wurli, then I'll dial up the best patch and effects to compliment the song and record a few takes. Once that happens, I'll work to get the take perfect with edits or re-recording and sometimes plugins. I repeat that process with as many sounds are necessary to complete the musical tapestry.

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

A: There are so many but I'm a huge fan of musicians like Larry Goldings, Shedrick Mitchell, James Poyser, and Federico Pena. Each one of them has their own musical imprint but they never seem to overshadow the artists they work for. Larry's work with James Taylor is a huge inspiration as well as James Poyser's work with Erykah Badu and D'Angelo stand out to me.

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

A: The most common type of work I do is taking something that is bare bones and bringing it to life. My passion is to ensure that the music never loses its interest from the listener and that takes time and subtly. The exact organ patch or the perfect synth to compliment the vocals. It's incredibly, fun, engaging and I never lose the excitement when I hear the final product.