Writer, Vocal Expert, Producer

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I've heard processed vocals with analog gear sounding much worse than digitally processed, because of a wrong setup. So it depends on who's managing the hardware. Personally, I work in digital using a lot of analog emulators.

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

A: People often think vocals are just like playing an instrument, which isn't true. Also, many believe the longer you work on something, the better it must be. Writing a great song could take as little as15 minutes, and its real worth can't be based on the time you put into it.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the goal of your project?

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Articulate words when you sing, make space when you produce, and, when you write, treat your song like a puzzle where the pieces have always been in your heart and head already.

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

A: I began my discography singing on electronic dance music, participating in numerous EDM productions. However, my focus has shifted towards melodic pop and cinematic music inspired by Disney. Recently, I've been writing and producing contemporary Christian and worship music, as well as two musicals.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: When crafting a vocal, I tend to notice production details and nuances that many producers don't normally pay attention to.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I like to bring an accurate and coherent "delivery" of the story and, given my musical tastes, an overall brightness and pop vibe to it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I write and record my own vocals on an instrumental track (provided by the client), I typically spend a couple of days on research (and prayer) for inspiration. Then, I proceed to write, usually recording a lead vocal on the same day. Once the demo is approved, I spend a few days crafting the sound and perfecting the interpretation. When working with other singers and songwriters, we hold a couple of preparatory sessions for every 4-5 songs we plan to record. If asked, I often contribute to the writing process, and then we refine the vocal performance, addressing any issues with interpretation, pronunciation, and technique. During recording sessions with the artist, I usually focus more on drawing out the emotional aspect, although it's also beneficial to experiment with tips to improve a note or phrase. I prefer to do the editing and recording on the same day to avoid having to call the singer back, who might be in a different mood or vocal condition. The production of a song is usually a different process, a little bit more complex: but the inspiration and creative moment, and listening to the artist's needs are important parts of this type of work as well.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Everything I personally create, record, and produce is done on Logic Pro X. Since I frequently move between different studios, my basic setup always accompanies me: a MacBook Pro, SSL 2+ interface, and my cherished Neumann TLM 103 microphone, which is treated with a Kaotica Eyeball. All my processing is done in-the-box. When assisting in another studio, I adapt to the available setup. Although I've worked with producers using Ableton Live, Cubase, and Pro Tools, I am most comfortable with Logic Pro X and my chosen set of plugins. For mixing at home, I rely on my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Headphones.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Lately I'm doing a lot of orchestration and arrangement for my church group songs, I just finished a 60 minutes piece of music (19Tracks) for a musical theatre project about the passion and crucifixion of Jesus. I'm running an AMAZING creative lab with awesome young talents of a local label where I teach stuff and help their craft and career. On SoundBetter I'm recording and producing backing vocals for a beautiful worship project in Spanish, and I have a few more project pending as a vocal editor, producer, songwriter and ultimately singer... the remaining 95% of my time, I'm working very hard to raise my son and keep my wife happy.

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

A: I promise you I'm not perfect. I'm surely not the best there is. But when I commit I care about who I'm working with.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's always rewarding

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

A: A Bible, a piano or a guitar, a couple of notebooks and a pen

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I place high value on a good melody, a cinematic harmony, and in a vocal interpretation, timing is the most important thing. I like to give my lines room to breathe and ensure my songs have an evolution. Typically, I arrange vocal parts so they form a complete, self-sustained section within the production.

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

A: My dream job would be to work with Gary Barlow and Take That... and make songs for Disney movies with them!

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

A: "Cantàmmo a Gesù!" is a catholic music project with the kids of my church and I loved to be one of the authors and producers of it.

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

A: Emilio Lanza, top acoustic guitar player. Absolute genius.

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

A: A lot of producers tend to get stuck to what they fell in love instinctively, usually the first demo.

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

A: Be patient and trust the natural work process

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

A: In the entertainment industry for about 15 years. Music recording and songwriting industry for the past 7 years.

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

A: Four general types of work: song writing, vocal performance, recording coach and vocal production. Usually combined together.

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

A: Watching old school producers and arrangers work can hypnotise me. I always work best alongside a good musician producer.