Session Guitarist

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

A: I produced an album for Coby Grant (I was Young), that was a great experience. I also toured around the globe with the legendary rockband FOCUS. That was cool!

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

A: If I can finish it yesterday ;-) Just kidding, but I try to deliver as soon as possible. Usually within two days.

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

A: A lot of people think that I only like to play solo stuff but I love to be a sideman and play a simple but good guitar part.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What they want to express with the music, and for what purpose the music is. Also which feeling/emotion they want me to put into the track.

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

A: A strat, a good overdrive, delay and reverb pedal and an amp. Thats all you need.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always check your part in the mix to hear if the sound blends with the other instruments and also check it solo with all the other guitar parts. They have to work together and not against each-other.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A new solo album with instrumental guitar songs.

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

A: There are all kinds of great artists on Soundbetter. It really depends on what your looking for.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, its 2020! c'mon...

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

A: To make them happy and deliver killer sounding tracks.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every day is different and every piece of music is different. Its never a dull moment.

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

A: Always check if the sound and style of the player fits your music, no matter how good he is.

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

A: I started in 1995 and never looked back. Only guitar playing and music for a living since then.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic and groovy. I can play loud but also soft.

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

A: John Mayer because he writes interesting guitar parts and songs and has a killer band.

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

A: From pop to funk/fusion and from rock to acoustic singer/songwriter stuff. I'm also really into old blues and americana music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My timing and sound.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A lot of character, groove and vibe. I also like to add catchy hook lines.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I first listen to the demo and then contact the client to discus the general approach and his vision. Then I start working and record every part I have in mind. When everything is recorded I send a rough mix to the client. After he/she listened to it we decide if I have to add something else or maybe replace a track for a different take.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an iMac based setup with Logic Pro X as my main DAW. I use a Universal Audio Apollo as a sound card. I have great onboard plugins like Neve and API preamps. I use a Kemper amp, Fractal audio Axe FX3 and Line6 Helix when I go direct. I also use my good old tube amps. I have a Meyer handwired amp, a Mesa Boogie and a Diezel amp. I use mics and a Suhr reactive load box. For acoustic guitar I use a trusty D-18 with a Neumann KM184 mic.

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

A: As a solo rock guitarist I'm inspired by guys like Satriani, Vai, Lukather, Oz Noy, Guthrie Govan, Eric Gales, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck and Michael Landau. As a sideman I'm inspired by guys like Blake Mills, John Mayer, The Edge, Coldplay, The 1975 and Tom Bukovac.

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

A: I play mainly electric and acoustic guitarparts in various styles. From funk to rock and pop to jazz/fusion. I do a lot of commercials, trailers, synch tracks, demos, singles and album productions. Sometimes I play just a better version of what's already on the demo, but most of the time I can add my own vision to it. It's always a collaboration between me and the artist/producer/songwriter so we'll discuss a lot about the best approach for the song.