Music Producer and Songwriter

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin by basic analysis, and refine through a stepwise process, getting more detailed with each step. For instance, when I work on vocals, I begin with soloing the single track for the first round of pitch correction. I want each phrase of the vocals to be in pitch, but also flow naturally into the next phrase. After this, I analyze it in the mix, and sometimes the pitch needs to be slightly dragged further on certain words. Once the pitch is right in the mix, I jump back and forth from the track soloed and in the mix to adjust timing issues. Finally, when I think it's just about there, I listen back looking for any microscopic adjustments for flow or pitch that'll hit the ear better. It's an amazing and frustrating thing that, though the brain may not know why, these small adjustments caught in a final listen is the difference between a good vocal moment and straight ear candy.