Producer | Piano Guy

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

A: There is a client here on the site, Zachary Ray. I'll tell you how in-synched we were. He sends over a demo, sends a reference, I lock myself in the studio for a week, send him the first draft, he approves, then he sends files over for my team to mix and master, then BOOM we have a hit! This client and his song inspired me so much and reminded me why I get involved in this life in the first place. His song has made me the most proud in a long time! Thank you for choosing me for the last song to wrap up the album.

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

A: There's a guy, Killian Cruiser, from LA originally from the UK. Killian is killing the game!! (you see what I did there) This guy has become my official unofficial Production guru and Music Life Coach. I see the numbers that this guy has turned over here on the platform and it inspires me so much. Recently he told me he was able to purchase another property for him and his family, and that made me smile. His work ethic is second to none and sound is unmatched.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My set up changes quite frequently. I just added my new best friend, the Apollo Twin X with all of it's glorious plug-ins. I recently added the KRK Rokit 7, Gen 4 edition. Life has officially changed for the better.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I would ask, how serious are you about this? I get approached every single day by people who say doing music is a 1. Hobby, 2. Seems like a good idea since they sound really good singing in the shower. Please please please let me know if you take this as seriously as I do. I put my life's work into this and make sure I'm perfecting my craft daily. This is what I do to feed my family and create generational wealth. Are you doing the same?

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

A: Take a listen to every producer, beat maker, session musician that you inquire about. Cheaper doesn't always mean better! I take your investment very seriously so I work to the detail for you. You want someone (like me) that will spend time perfecting your project and paying attention to detail! If you are passionate about your work, you want to hire someone who will be as well.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: It is all about your mix, be-it rough mix or final mix!! Depending on what genre you do, the drums come first and stand out mainly in the mix. I made this huge mistake when I first started really getting into production in college and a few of my close producer friends would always critique the work to make it better. In any record, it should range; drums, top line/melody, guitar, samples, pads, extra stuff!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is detail!! It normally takes me longer than 20 minutes to complete a song, because I'm not just a beat maker - I'm a creator. "CA, the Creator" hmmm I like that! I continue to get work because people are starting to see the difference between beat makers and music producers. Attention to detail is what separates us.

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

A: To name a few, I really enjoy Timbaland for his versatility and his creative genius. Pharell, Calvin Harris, Jon Bellion, Ryan Leslie, Mustard, Mike Will, Asaph Ward, Trent Phillips, etc.

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

A: I "promise" to pay special attention to your project, because it is your baby therefore it is now my duty to help nurture it and watch it grow. Therefore, we become music partners.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the creative freedom! Music is more than just a hobby or something to do, its another world for those who are really submerged. It allows the voice of the voiceless to be heard and expressed in other ways. I love when clients are satisfied and refer me to their friends and family.

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

A: I started playing the piano when I was 9-years old, wrote my first song at 13, starting producing at 17 and have produced over 900 independent songs and projects since then. So I'm not a veteran, but not quite a novice.

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

A: One of my bucket list artists might be Beyonce! Her creativity and passion for her art is second to none. Not to mention she is extremely talented and detail orientated. Haven't you seen The Bey-chella Documentary?? SHEESH!

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

A: I got a few recently asking if I was a musician. The answer is Yes, I play piano!

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

A: Laptop (Logic Pro X included - please endorse me *smile*), a AKAI MPK Mini, Battery pack to keep laptop working, interface and headphones.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I have a lot of Urban music influences, but I love the Lo-Fi/Pop feel. When I work on a project I approach it from a vibe and feeling standpoint. What feels good? You know?

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

A: These past few projects I've gotten have been Rock, Pop, Lo-Fi, EDM, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Trap, you name it, they call me for it!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working with various SoundBetter clients. In the US and abroad!! #exciting

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

A: I produce tracks, arrange music, be the "creative mind" in the room to make clients' projects come to life.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Analog has that warm vintage sound that makes records feel good like back in the early days of recorded music. Digital because we live in a digital world and it is becoming easier to create, track, mix, edit, etc.

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

A: I think people think I just make beats and loops. That's 10% of what an actual Music Producer does. A Music Producer takes time to digest the demo records and create a brand new feel! I charge by the project, because I want every client to walk away from working with me saying that I was the greatest professional experience they'd ever had. I pay attention to detail (YEP there it goes again) and that takes time and energy.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I am one of the most musically driven people you will ever meet. I view making music as painting a picture. The music is the paint and production is the canvas. You can't have one without the other. I marry both components to a song and create the art!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I listen to the original work, preferably the demo file and begin to build from there. Each project is different but the flow for me is to lock myself in the studio and don't leave until I have a hit.