Vocalist, Writer (all styles)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Several tracks for clients in varying styles, writing for a new solo album, touring as a duet partner with Michael Bolton.

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

A: One of my favorite studio projects I worked on was with the great drummer Dave Weckl for his Convergence album. Dave called me to sing “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder live in the studio. Arranged by Jay Oliver and also featuring Chris Coleman on drums and Dean Brown on guitar, we tracked it live. Full horn section, a background vocal section, full rhythm, doubles drums. You can view the video on YouTube and hear a clip at the end of my reel here on SoundBetter. It was an honor to be part of that legendary tracking session and sing the lead on that Stevie Wonder classic!

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

A: The great Ari Hest!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Why limit to one? Both have incredible advantages! There is a strong case for each in this world and I am fully immersed in both idioms as an artist and as a listener.

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

A: We will work on it till we get it right.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating something beautiful and unique that makes my client ecstatic.

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

A: Most commonly clients will ask my opinions one melody or vocal arrangement and I’m always happy to give my input.

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

A: I think some people don’t realize how mischief of a songwriter I also am and how much I’ve written for not only myself but for others!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: If you could have a superstar artist sing your track, who would it be? What is the sentiment behind your song? How do you envision your song being heard once released (online only, vinyl, CD, etc…)

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

A: Just let me know what you need and trust that I will collaborate with you until we hit the mark.

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

A: An acoustic guitar, a solar powered voice recorder, a drum kit, a piano and a piano tuning kit. ;)

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

A: I have been singing and performing since I was two years old! I knew by the time I was 12 that I wanted to be a professional vocalist, recording artist and performer. I have never looked back, having traveled all over the world as a vocalist and solo artist. I’ve released several solo albums and EPs, collaborated in the studio with many other singer songwriters, and honed my skills as a session vocalist for TV, film, radio and personal clients. It’s been an incredible journey!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Soulful, full bodied and adept for the style called for.

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

A: I have been so blessed to have worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, but I’m still aspiring to be in the room working with Paul McCartney!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure your recording levels and chain are correct for your voice and for the style of the song. I would set up levels and mic placement for a Chaka Khan-type vocal quite differently than for a Joni Mitchell-type vocal.

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

A: A wide range, from Soul to Pop, Country to Broadway, Jazz to Rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Singing in varying styles with depth and impact, so that the listener not only hears but truly feels. Melody and lyric writing with the same intention!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A lot of heart and soul, and a clear delivery of the clients vision.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I love to begin by communicating with the client and getting a firm understanding for the style and nuance they are looking for in a vocal performance. Depending on the project, I will begin writing and/or tracking vocals right away based on their specifications.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run both Luna and Logic off my Mac Book Pro, using the Apollo Twin pre amp/interface. My favorite mic in our home studio is the Mojave MA 200.

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

A: Some of my colleagues that have inspired me the most both in and out of the studio would certainly be Nile Rodgers and Will Lee. They are legends and masters at bringing forth the best performances out of singers in the studio, I’ve learned invaluable things by working with these mentors.

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

A: I love providing clients with the exact vocals they are looking for, both lead and bgvs. Capturing the vocal essence and nuance clients are seeking in their songs brings me great joy and the collaborative process always brings us to where we need to be.