Violin Viola String Section

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

A: I play the violin since 40 years. I grew up in a music/artist family. Dad violinist, mother ballerina, uncle composer/conductor. I studied violin and piano in the Vienna music university where I graduated with distinction.

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

A: I am a trained as a classical violinist. But my 10 year older brother had his own studio where he produced his songs and records. So I am used to switch styles from an early age on. And I got used to work in a studio more than 30 years ago.

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

A: My violin, bow, Macbook, Headphones, Mic

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

A: Why do old italian violins seem to sound better? This is difficult to answer. I mostly say something like: they have a history, the material was different, they have a special aura reflected in an unique varnish, they survived multiple pandemics and wars.

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

A: 110 % satisfaction.

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

A: Violinist in the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, working with Claudio Abbado and Pierre Boulez was an experience I will never forget.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My new album, which will combine classical compositions, with my songs produced in a modern way.

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

A: Chuck Sabo, love his drumming. Yoad Nevo, his mixes are pure magic.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love both. I try to get the benefits of both worlds.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every project feels like a new creation. I never get bored with what I do. I just love the excitement connected with art.

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

A: I don´t have to practice anymore))

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Is there a story you want to tell with your composition?

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

A: Be open minded for a creative process.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am very versatile regarding my sound, from sweet to quite rough. If you are looking for a jazz violinist, better look for someone else, more specialized in that genre.

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

A: Hans Zimmer. I think there is something I can learn from him))

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be open to different work methods. Everyone is completely different how he achieves his goals. And that makes working together so exciting.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: People whom I worked with say I am very creative and flexible. I try to give a touch of uniqueness to things I work on.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Magic and emotions.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I think the most important is listening. Understanding the story of the composition. Then to communicate with the client, what he is looking for and how I can help.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a fine and rare violin by Giuseppe Guadagnini of Cremona 1795. I can choose between different mics by Neumann, Rode, AKG, Shure and many more. I love my Chandler Limited TG2 preamp going into Mytek converters. I tame the room with an SE reflection filter. If you have a special request regarding room, I can choose between two different concert halls (smaller and bigger). Here I like the Jecklin mic placement, that gives a very natural spacial sound.

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

A: Beatles, Pink Floyd, Glenn Gould, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, John Williams, John Grant, Frank Zappa, ...so much good music out there

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

A: Add magic with an unique violin or string section that plugins can not deliver.