Drumming, Recording and Mixing

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

A: I recently produced, tracked, and mixed a song called “Lewisville” from scratch — it started as a simple voice memo and turned into a full band production with layered acoustic textures, dynamic drums, and a lush mix. I played drums, engineered every part, and shaped the arrangement. It’s one of those tracks where the emotion shines through and the production feels invisible — just the way I like it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m producing a couple EPs, one specifically for sync - good showcase material for my studio's full capabilities forthcoming — tracking, arranging, mixing, and drum work — all mastered by Dave Kutch. It’s part of a campaign to show what’s possible at an indie-friendly price.

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

A: Not yet — I’m new to the platform and still getting a feel for the community. But I’m always happy to refer trusted collaborators from outside the platform when needed.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I use both every day. I love analog for its warmth, unpredictability, and the way it responds to touch — especially with drums and preamps. But I rely on digital for flexibility, recall, and precision. It’s not a debate — it’s a partnership.

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

A: I’ll treat your music with the same care I give my own. I’ll never rush it, phone it in, or settle. You’ll always know where we’re at in the process, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure you're proud of the final result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That moment when a client hears the final version and says, “That’s exactly what I imagined.” Bringing someone’s creative vision to life — and surprising them in the best way — is the best part of what I do.

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

A: Q: "Can I give feedback or make changes?" A: Absolutely. I’m collaborative by nature — your vision leads the way. My job is to elevate the song, not override your intent.

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

A: That great tones and arrangements come from presets or plugins. In reality, they come from years of listening, playing, editing, and knowing when not to add more. It’s not about how much gear you have — it’s about knowing how to use it in service of the song.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask: What do you want this track to feel like? Who are your reference artists? What are your biggest concerns? Getting clear on the emotional and sonic targets makes everything else easier.

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

A: Don’t just look for chops or a low price — look for someone who listens, understands your goals, and delivers work that supports your sound, not theirs. The right provider should feel like a creative partner, not just a service.

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

A: My A&F drum kit, an Apollo x8p, Neumann U67, ATC SCM45A monitors, and a MacBook with Pro Tools. If the island has Wi-Fi, I’ll even send stems. ;)

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

A: I’ve been a professional drummer, producer, and educator since the late ’90s. I earned my degree from Berklee College of Music, signed with Universal Records, authored five drum method books, and have recorded over 500 songs across all styles. I now run Vose Street Sound in LA.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Warm, organic, and intentional. Whether I’m producing or drumming, I focus on subtlety, groove, and making the song feel like it already existed before we hit record.

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

A: Brandi Carlile. Her performances are raw and emotionally fearless, and I love working with artists who prioritize truth over polish. I’d bring an earthy, dynamic feel to her sound while letting the vocal lead.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Spend more time on arrangement than plugins. A thoughtful part played with intention will always beat a perfect plugin chain. Strip it down until every element serves the song.

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

A: Most of my work is in singer-songwriter, Americana, indie folk, and organic pop. I specialize in warm, human-sounding productions that elevate the vocal and support the story of the song.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Serving the song. As a drummer and producer, I’ve learned when to lead and when to get out of the way. Clients appreciate my attention to detail, musical intuition, and ability to elevate their track without losing their vision.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Tasteful parts, warm tones, and a deep respect for the emotional core of the music. Whether I’m playing drums, producing, or mixing, I focus on supporting the vocal and making the song feel alive — not overproduced.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Everything starts with a conversation — I want to understand the heart of the song and the sound you’re chasing. From there, I map out the production, track drums (if needed), build out the arrangement, and mix with your feedback. All sessions can be streamed live for collaboration. Final mastering is done by Dave Kutch to ensure a radio-ready finish.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run Vose Street Sound, a fully treated 320 sq ft room in Los Angeles designed for warm, controlled tracking and mix clarity. I monitor with ATC SCM45A speakers, using Sonarworks for precise room correction. My rig includes an 3 x Apollo x8p, Neumann and AKG mics, a custom drum kit from A&F, and a rack of 12 channels Neve Mic Pres. The vibe is pro, comfortable, and creative.

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

A: Producers like T Bone Burnett, Blake Mills, and Ethan Johns inspire me for their organic, song-first approach. As a drummer, I’m also deeply influenced by the pocket and tone of Jim Keltner and Steve Jordan.`

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

A: I produce full-band and singer-songwriter tracks from start to finish — from custom drum parts and live tracking to editing, mixing, and mastering. Many clients come to me with a voice memo or rough demo, and I help them turn it into a release-ready song, always prioritizing warmth, clarity, and musicality.