Producer/Mixer/Studio Owner

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 the debut EP I did with Beachwood Coyotes (EP is called Scrubby). It was 3rd full EP, and it's done exceptionally well with over 35 placements on various TV shows, but more importantly the artist and I become very close and have continued to work on over an album's worth of material to this day!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently finishing the debut EP for Erika Davidson, as well as two rock projects. I just finished my own band's 3rd EP, as well as mixed a single for Beachwood Coyotes that just aired on Showtime's Shameless.

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

A: Yes, I am a huge fan of Rian Lewis - a good friend and outstanding engineer!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I love my Burl convertor, and outboard preamps are the way to go. But I mix mostly in the box, so that I have an easier time with the inevitable mix recalls client's request.

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

A: That I will always do everything in my power to stay true to YOUR vision. It's not my song, it's yours, and as such, we should produce it the way you want. I will offer my ideas, but ultimately you are the artist.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working with fresh creative minds! It's always cool to see someone else's perspective on things and learn from those I work with.

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

A: Why am I more expensive than other producers? The biggest reason is that I charge a flat rate in order to allow the most creative freedom. My rate includes studio time, engineering, mixing and production work. It's a lot! I don't like to rush things so we can get the best product possible. Sure I could slash my rates and produce your song in a day or two...but it wouldn't be up to the standard I hold myself. Which is very, very high.

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

A: That the producer/gear/studio can take you all the way to the next level. At the end of the day, the SONG is the most important thing. And I pride myself on being able to help you choose your strongest songs to fully produce, so you don't waste your time and money.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your favorite records? Why? What are your dreams as a musician? Do you want to play live? Get syncs? Tour? Are you willing to grind for years to make this a reality? What's your marketing plan? What do you want YOUR record to sound like?

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

A: I would say ALWAYS make sure the fit is right. You should work with someone who has your best interests at heart, will be honest with you and allow you to be the best version of your creative self, to enable YOUR vision to come to life.

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

A: Neve 1073 DPX preamp, AKG C414 XLII mic, Burl B2 Bomber convertor, PMC monitors, iMac Desktop Pro

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

A: Career path has been interesting! I started doing production in earnest in 2015, but had been doing so for myself since 2007. 2015 is when I released my band's first record which I produced. Some local artists's caught wind of it and asked me to serve as producer on their records. The rest, as they say, is history.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my production style as collaborative, encouraging and experimental. I like getting a little weird with sounds and trying new things out. Throwing spaghetti against the wall until it sticks, if you will. And I always try to keep a positive vibe! Hard to be creative if you don't like the person you're working with, so I try really hard to foster a strong relationship built on trust and good communication with everyone I work with.

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

A: I would love to work with Coldplay. Their old music (Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head) was so formative and important in my life. They're not the same band anymore (much more pop) and I'd love a chance to do a record with them that returns to the form of their early recordings.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One tip I would say is be mindful of over-producing. It's easy to cram so many sounds into one song, but making sure you carefully select only the best sounds will really help a production sound clean and loud! Things need space to live.

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

A: I work on a variety of genres, but my primary focus in indie/alternative. I'm great with real instruments and blending in fun synths and modern production like hip hop drums. I've engineered a lot for pop and hip/hop vocal sessions as well, and am comfortable in almost everything.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My communication skills. It's crucial we can talk about how you as the artist are feeling at all times. If an idea we try doesn't pan out, tell me! I want you to let me know your thoughts throughout the process so we make sure that come mastering, you're so stoked on the project you're jumping in your seat ready to release.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a diverse musical background and skillset to each and every song. But more than that, I bring an attitude of "it's YOUR song. YOUR vision. I'm just here to help it be the best it can be." I will not hijack a musical project. I only strive to apply my knowledge in engineering, music production, mixing and songwriting to help what you've created become what you heard in your head.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically bring a client in for a consult. We talk goals, listen to songs, discuss vision and make sure we're on the same page. Then we decide whether we're doing a single, EP or full-length, as well as my involvement. I then draw up a contract and we finalize that before starting. Once the annoying money details are decided, we're off to being creative! We'll start by deciding the track list, pre-production and arrangement. Then drums/bass, next guitars and then keys or vocals, depending on the song. Finally, I'll mix the song, and get it ready for mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a commercial recording facility in Los Angeles, CA. Studio A and Studio B are both options for recording, though A is my primary space. It's a 3 room studio with two drum rooms on either side of a control room. Live piano room, tons of amps/synths and instruments, awesome hardware (Neve, Avalon, Burl, Maag, EL8, PMC etc.) and top-of-the-line treatment and monitoring.

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

A: My favorite bands are: Radiohead, TV On The Radio, Elbow and Young The Giant. I love the production work of Paul Epworth, Jeff Bhasker, David Sitek (TVOTR), Greg Kurstin, Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) among so many others.

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

A: The majority of work I do is full production and mixing. An artist will come in wanting to do a single or (typically) an EP. I will help them finish songwriting, arrange, engineer, produce and mix the tracks. I often play and/or sing on the songs as well, given I'm also in a band called Midnight Divide.