Songwriter, session player

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

A: Some years ago I was asked by a Dad to brush up two of his Daughters songs into a more professional production. When he heard them he cried.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My own songs at present.

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

A: I'm new here. try me in a few months.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. There's nothing like the experience of a whirling Hammond B3 with mad rotors cranking around the back of your head. But there's nothing like the convenience of the digital version either. All good by me.

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

A: You love what I do, or you don't pay.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is food for the soul. To get paid to do it is a privilege I will never take for granted.

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

A: Is that you playing/singing that? Usually... yes.

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

A: Just because I'm a pro muso, doesn't mean I'm a juke box you can switch on and off at will. Do accountants go to parties and do your tax return for free? Playing music really well takes a lot of effort, both physical and emotional effort. Non-muso's rarely appreciate that.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your timeframe? What style are you trying to capture? If you could choose anyone in the world to do this, who would you choose?

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

A: Take your time. There's a lot of awesome talent here. Just be sure that what you listen to, is the actual person you are hiring.

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

A: Acoustic guitar (with nylon strings so they don't rust!). Bongo drums, ukulele, blues harp and a kazoo!

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

A: Started playing 30 years ago. Turned pro 5 years later. As soon as I started earning money from music, I was hooked for life. What could possibly be better?

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Bluesy, groove-based, soulful. Love what Eric Clapton has done over the years.

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

A: Paul McCartney. He is the godfather of music... and he won't be with us much longer. If anyone can introduce me, I'll be eternally grateful!!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Seek out a great producer! That's a legitimate craft all on it's own. Many muso's "think" they are good producers, but only 1% would make the cut IMHO.

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

A: Ballads, rock, pop, blues and the odd jingle or soundtrack.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Most would say my piano playing. Seems to stop people in their tracks, above everything else.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Ideas, chops, 20+ years of blood sweat and tears. All yours... ;)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen, listen, listen. If I can add something, I know it straight away and will get to work. If I can't hear it immediately, I'll let you know. Best we sort these things out fast ;)

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Very basic, but functional. All the goods to get the job done.

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

A: Where to start? Too many. Anyone who knows their stuff and plays/ sings/ writes from the heart. If I had to pick just one artist it would have to be The Beatles.

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

A: Music production. I've created over 1000 songs for performers and still collect royalties from them.