Singer, Beat-Box, Acoustic

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

A: I am especially proud of how the track on my profile turned out. The song is called "1811" and I wrote, sang, played guitars and produced it. It was a real validating track for me and was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2015.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on my 5th EP. It doesn't have a title yet. It will be a 5 track record with a song featuring my brother hip-hop artist, Doc Optimo. This track will be our 3rd collaboration.

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

A: I met Andrew Dixon who was speaking on SoundBetter.com's behalf at the Tunecore Indie Artist Forum in Hollywood. I would recommend him.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. Its the future.

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

A: To give my very best effort, including my honest, genuine approach. I strive to be easy to work with yet diligent and efficient.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I know what it is I want to do for the rest of my life and I have the skills necessary to pursue it. Music.

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

A: How long will this project take? Whats your rate? How long have you been doing this? I always answer honestly.

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

A: That I just play and sing. I do much, much more.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Please be respectful, understanding, patient and cool. After all, music is supposed to be fun. That is my #1 rule.

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

A: I am genuine musician with a genuine sound in a time of formulaic, contrived music. Realness and honesty will always prevail in music and that's what I'll bring to your project.

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

A: My guitar of course. My harmonica. A small recording device of some sort. My first guitar I ever owned. AND a tent, cause I'd need some shade! :)

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

A: I began playing guitar at age 12, so 16 years. I have been singing for as long as I can remember and I'm 28 now. I have been writing songs since I was 16 years old and performing since 17. I recorded my first professional record in a band with my sister Mia Carruthers (MTV's Taking the Stage 2009). A 5 track EP, called "We Will Grow" EP. We recorded 2 more EP's with the band that were never released. The band fizzled so I began my solo effort in 2011. I took our bass player Seth Huff and drummer Stefan Wright and we have recorded/released 4 EP's since 2012. We have already begun recording the 5th EP for 2016.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A uniqueness. Freshness. I like to think I can give songs extra life. An organic genuine sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to be alone and dive in deep for multiple hours at a time. Once I begin a project I am hell-bent on finishing it. Constantly coming back to re-listen, make tiny adjustments until its the best that it can be. (No such thing as perfection) I have been sketching/drawing since I was a boy, I think that trait comes from constantly doodling. Its my "Other" creative outlet.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a MacBook Air. I have GarageBand and Logic X.

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

A: John Mayer is a huge inspiration of mine musically. Especially from a songwriting, guitar and overall sound standpoint. His records sound phenominal...Vocally, I am huge Freddy Mercury fan. Michael Buble's voice inspires me most of current acts. Timbaland is my favorite producer.

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

A: I have mostly worked for myself. I made a decision to release an EP every year for as long as I could in 2012. This makes the 4th year I've achieved this goal. I am new to LA and interested in collaborating with other enthusiastic, talented artists, mixers, engineers, producers etc! I do record vocals, guitar & beat box. As well as write and produce my own material.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Pop/Soul with singer-songwriter sensitivity, blues feel and folk sentiment.

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

A: I would love to make a record with Justin Timberlake in studio. He's the complete package to me. An amazing vocalist, performer, writer. Everything he touches turns to gold. It be a dream come true to have John Mayer play lead guitar on any of my songs live at Red Rocks.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Its a 2 in 1 tip. Cater to the individual song/Less is more sometimes.

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

A: Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Blues & Soul all in a Pop realm.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My voice and melodic tendencies.