Music Producer, Mix Engineer

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is the NBA 75th Anniversary campaign, where I was hired to compose custom music for all 30 NBA teams. My role was Lead Composer and Music Supervisor, responsible for creating unique sonic identities that reflected each franchise’s culture, city, and fan base. I blended orchestral elements with hip-hop drums, jazz textures, and cinematic builds to give each track emotional weight and regional authenticity. I’m proud of this project because it wasn’t just music—it was legacy. It required deep research, creative range, and fast turnarounds. The work aired across national broadcasts, social media, and in-arena events. It’s a rare moment where I got to merge sport, culture, and sound on a massive scale.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I’m working on a few exciting projects: A sync-focused jazz album called Bleam Beam blending live trio recordings with soulful, cinematic textures—designed for both licensing and vinyl collectors. Scoring original music for a Jordan Brand campaign, following up on past work with NBA 75 and Converse. Finalizing a royalty-free catalog of 1,000+ tracks for use in AI training, sync libraries, and branded media. Teaching a spiritual music production class called Flow State, focused on unlocking creativity through intention, vibration, and emotional clarity.

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

A: If I were to recommend one trusted music production pro on SoundBetter to my clients—someone whose work I personally admire and respect—it would be Rob Bisel. He’s a four‑time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has worked closely with SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Travis Scott, Harry Styles, and more.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both—strategically. I love the warmth, depth, and saturation of analog gear—nothing beats running vocals through an LA-2A or gluing a mix with an SSL Bus Compressor. But I also embrace the speed, precision, and flexibility of digital workflows for editing, automation, and recall. In my studio, I use a hybrid setup: analog for character, digital for control. The goal isn’t one or the other—it’s using the best of both worlds to serve the music.

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

A: My promise is to deliver music with purpose, professionalism, and soul—on time, on brand, and ready for impact. Whether it’s a beat, a full production, or a sync-ready score, I guarantee clear communication, high-quality sound, and a collaborative process that puts your vision first. No shortcuts. Just authentic, emotionally resonant music built to connect.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is the impact—how music can elevate a scene, define a brand, or change the way someone feels in a moment. Whether I’m producing for an artist, crafting a sync track, or scoring a campaign, I get to tell stories through sound. I also thrive on the collaboration—working with talented artists, directors, or creatives to bring a shared vision to life. Every project is different, and that constant evolution keeps me inspired and sharp.

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

A: 1. “How fast can you turn this around?” My answer: I can usually deliver a polished demo or first version within 48–72 hours, depending on the scope. For full production and mix/master, I aim for 5–7 business days — faster for sync-critical projects. 2. “Can you match this reference track or artist style?” My answer: Absolutely. I study the tone, arrangement, tempo, and instrumentation to create something inspired—but original, emotionally aligned, and tailored to your needs. 3. “Do you provide stems and alternate versions?” My answer: Yes. I always include full stems, instrumental versions, TV mixes, and stingers if needed. Everything is prepped for sync or DSP upload. 4. “Is the music cleared for licensing?” My answer: 100%. All my work is original, royalty-free, and clearable. If any third-party elements are involved, I’ll guide you through clearance or offer replacements. 5. “Do you mix and master too?” My answer: Yes—I deliver industry-standard mixes and masters optimized for sync, streaming, or broadcast. I also offer mix-only services if needed.

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

A: The biggest misconception is that I just “make beats.” In reality, my work involves creative direction, storytelling, technical precision, and strategic thinking—especially when it comes to sync licensing and brand campaigns. From understanding copyright and metadata to delivering alternate mixes, stems, and clearable content, it’s far more than just laying down loops. I don’t just make music—I craft experiences that move people and fit purposefully into a bigger vision.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with new clients, I ask a few key questions to align creatively and strategically: What’s the goal of this project? (Sync, artist release, ad campaign, etc.) What emotions or vibe do you want the music to convey? Are there any reference tracks or artists you’re inspired by? What’s your timeline and delivery format needs? (Stems, alt versions, metadata, etc.) Do you already have vocals or collaborators, or do you need help sourcing them? Are there any licensing restrictions or clearance concerns (samples, tempo, lyrics)? Who’s your target audience or platform (TV, film, YouTube, DSPs, live)?

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

A: Look for someone who doesn’t just make beats—but understands storytelling, timing, and how music supports the bigger picture. Whether you’re an artist, brand, or filmmaker, you want a collaborator who listens, communicates clearly, and delivers professional, placement-ready work. Ask for examples tied to real-world success—syncs, charting records, or brand campaigns. And most importantly, hire someone who knows how to bring emotion and clarity to the music. That’s where the magic lives.

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

A: If I were stranded on a desert island with just 5 pieces of gear, I’d bring: Akai MPC X SE – My all-in-one creative hub: sampling, sequencing, and standalone production without needing a computer. Lynx Aurora N – Pristine AD/DA conversion for recording and playback — clean, reliable, and pro-grade. Neumann U87 – A versatile, industry-standard mic that can handle vocals, instruments, and field textures. LA-2A Compressor – For warm, buttery dynamics on vocals or instruments—simple and irreplaceable. ATC SCM25A Monitors – Because I need to actually hear what I’m doing. No compromise on accuracy. If I had solar power, I’d never stop making music.

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

A: I’ve been producing music professionally for over 15 years. My career started at age 16 when I won a grant that funded my first studio. By my early 20s, I was working under hip-hop legend Traxamillion and landed my first major placement with E-40, which became a multi-platinum, Billboard-charting single. From there, I expanded into music supervision, sync licensing, and brand partnerships, composing for HBO, Nike, Microsoft, and the NBA. Along the way, I’ve worked with artists across three generations—from Aretha Franklin to Rod Wave—and built a 1,000+ track sync catalog. It’s been a journey shaped by both creative passion and strategic execution.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is soulful, cinematic, and rhythm-driven—a fusion of analog warmth and modern edge. I blend live instrumentation with hard-hitting drums, emotional chord progressions, and layered textures. Whether it’s hip-hop, R&B, or sync-driven work, my sound always aims to tell a story, evoke feeling, and leave a lasting impression.

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

A: I’d love to work with Anderson .Paak—he bridges soul, funk, and hip-hop with live energy and timeless appeal. His artistry is both experimental and accessible, which aligns perfectly with my approach to production. Collaborating with him would be a chance to blend musicality, emotion, and rhythm into something truly unforgettable.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Leave space in your arrangements. Don’t overcrowd the mix—every element should serve a purpose. This not only creates emotional clarity but also gives room for dialogue, voiceover, or visuals to breathe. Simplicity often leads to stronger impact.

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

A: I primarily work on hip-hop, soul, R&B, Indie and cinematic sync music—genres that thrive on emotion, groove, and storytelling. Whether it's gritty boom bap, lush neo-soul, or anthemic tracks for brand campaigns, I focus on music that moves people and fits seamlessly into visual media.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is translating emotion into sound—whether through production, arrangement, or mixing. I have a sharp instinct for crafting music that tells a story, fits a visual, or elevates an artist’s message. That, combined with my experience in sync licensing and commercial campaigns, allows me to consistently deliver music that’s both authentic and placement-ready.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a deep sense of emotion, rhythm, and cinematic polish to every song. Whether it's a soulful chord progression, hard-hitting drums, or subtle textures, I build productions that connect instantly with both listeners and visual storytellers. I also bring a sync-first mindset, making sure the music is not just creative—but clearable, dynamic, and placement-ready. Above all, I bring versatility, professionalism, and a strong intuition for what makes a record or placement unforgettable.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process starts with understanding the client’s vision—whether it’s for sync, an artist project, or a brand campaign. I usually begin by building a musical foundation: selecting sounds, laying down drums or chord progressions, and developing a mood or theme. From there, I move into arrangement, vocal production (if needed), and mixing. For sync, I prep alternate versions, stems, and metadata for fast delivery. Throughout, I keep communication clear and turnaround tight—always focused on emotional impact and commercial quality.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is a hybrid setup designed for both analog warmth and digital precision. I use ATC SCM25A monitors with a Focal Sub One for accurate monitoring, routed through a Lynx Aurora N 16 interface. My analog chain includes an LA-2A, Distressor, Bettermaker Mastering Limiter, and SSL Bus Compressor, all patched via a custom insert bay. For DAWs, I primarily use Pro Tools, FL Studio, and the Akai MPC X SE, paired with premium plugins and virtual instruments. It's a pro-level workspace built for high-quality recording, mixing, and sync-ready mastering.

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

A: I’m inspired by visionary producers like Quincy Jones for his arrangement mastery, J Dilla for his rhythmic soul and innovation, and Rick Rubin for his minimalist, artist-first approach. I also draw from Pharrell, Madlib, and Terrace Martin—creatives who blend genre, culture, and emotion effortlessly.

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

A: I compose, produce, and mix music for sync placements, brand campaigns, and recording artists—delivering polished, licensing-ready tracks with quick turnaround times.