Pop Vocal Chameleon

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work from my own studio in Studio One or Pro Tools, on a Mac Mini with my trusted Universal Audio Apollo or my new SSL2 interface, recording my vocals with a Shure KSM44 condenser microphone which compliments my vocal sound. I also love my Aston Halo mic shield which makes sure that there’s no unwanted room noise and sibilance on the recordings.

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

A: I highly recommend songwriter and producer Eric Barao! He's a super talented writer (his lyric & melody writing is uniquely special and just amazing!), producer/mixer and multi-instrumentalist. If you're looking for a top-class talent for your next musical project, don't miss out on the opportunity to collaborate with Eric: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/422827-eric-barao

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that I get to do what I love to do the most in life every day – I always had the dream to be a singer and to sing all the time, it just comes natural to me and it's the most important part of my life, so I am immensely grateful that I get to live that dream AND it's the absolute best when I can help people realize their musical dreams too with my vocals! :)

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It’s really helpful to know if there is a deadline for the project, so I can schedule and book the session and estimate the time required for the completion of the vocal production.

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

A: For the success of a collaboration and satisfaction on both the client and the provider side, it helps immensely when the creative vision is clear. 

Clear, friendly and professional communication is what makes a project really enjoyable from beginning to end. :)

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

A: An acoustic guitar, and a computer with the Apollo interface, my vocal mic and a bunch of cables. (But what if there is no power supply?! :O)

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

A: A producer who I would LOVE to work with is Robert John "Mutt" Lange, I am simply obsessed with his polished productions and unique way of working with vocals and vocal harmonies. As a songwriter, I would say Max Martin! His pop songwriting, vocal melodies and current sounding yet timeless style absolutely blows my mind – he always puts a unique fingerprint onto his songs and they just stand out.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Comping vocals: Look for the imperfections! Is there a spot where the voice cracks a bit, or a breathy noise – anything like that makes a vocal performance more vulnerable and tends to create a strong emotional impact.

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

A: I think it can best be described as timeless pop – sometimes I lean more towards a pop-rock style, but anything with a strong vocal melody and often lots of backing vocal harmonies comes from my studio speakers.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Delivering a strong vocal performance that evokes emotions in the listener.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Unique, clear sounding vocals – performed with passion and a sunny enthusiasm. My main goal is to touch and emotionally move the listener.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: After getting to know the project through personal communication with the client, I first like to get a good feel for the overall vibe of the song. In the recording studio, I first set the mood by adapting the room (let sunlight in or dim the lights, put on a scented candle or get myself excited & dance to the reference track to elevate the energy. :) ) I always like to take a moment to think about the meaning of the lyrics, and then I’ll record a handful of takes until I am happy with my performance. Then I will look for the best spots and comp a vocal track that is both natural and polished! Usually, time editing and tuning follows, then I’ll add backing vocals and harmonies. I really love that part...vocal harmonies can add so much magic to a track!

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

A: Vocalists like Demi Lovato, Brandi Carlile, Shania Twain, and producers & songwriters like Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Butch Walker, Dan Wilson, John Fields, and Max Martin. I am a huge fan of vocal harmonies, timeless pop melodies…vocals vocals vocals! :)

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

A: Session vocals in various styles – one day I’m singing an uptempo rock song, the next day I’m working on a dreamy Disney ballad! I just love the versatility of this type of creative work! :)