Songwriter: Hooks & Slow Jams

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

A: I write original lyrics and arrangements rooted in R&B soul, slow jams, and real-life storytelling.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring depth, real life, and a sense of identity. I know how to write hooks that catch but still carry meaning.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start with the feeling first. Whether it is love, pain, nostalgia, or strength, I figure out the message and write the lyrics around that. Then I shape the hook and structure the full song. I build rhythm using drums or tapping out patterns to match the energy and singing my ideas into the mic, making sure it flows and hits emotionally.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I write on my iPad Pro and build full song ideas including lyrics, hooks and structure. I sing into a digital platform to hear the song back and shape the melody. I use a RODE mic and AI-1 interface to record vocal ideas, and listen back using Edifier and Bose speakers, and Sony, Apple and Audio-Technica headphones. My setup is simple and focused on writing.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Writing lyrics that connect. I can turn a feeling or memory into a full story that someone else can step into. Whether it is heartbreak, healing, or just vibing out, I write from a place that is real and relatable.

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

A: One project that meant a lot to me was being approached by a local pastor who heard my music and asked me to write tribute songs for their church services and memorials. They wanted music that carried deep emotion and comfort, something soulful.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I am working on a range of personal and professional projects. That includes birthdays, tributes, and songs for friends and unsigned artists. I have also been offered a commission to write original music for future projects. Some clients just want a personal song to sing or share with someone they love, and I write for them too.

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

A: Not yet. I am still exploring the platform and building my connections but I am always open to collab's with real ones who value storytelling and soul in their work.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital for speed, precision and flexibility. You can record anywhere, edit freely and collaborate easily. It’s clean, efficient and built for today’s workflow.

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

A: My promise is to write something real for you. I will bring your message to life in a way that feels true and emotional. No generic lyrics.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Helping people tell their stories. Whether it is their pain, joy, or journey I love putting their truth into words they can sing or share with the world.

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

A: Most people ask if they can give me a story or message and I turn it into a song. I tell them that is what I do best. If you know what you want to say, I will bring it to life.

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

A: That songwriting is just about rhyming words or following a formula. A good song tells a story and makes people feel something. It takes time, care, and skill to do it right.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the message you want the song to carry? Who is it for? Do you already have a beat or want lyrics first? What emotion are you trying to capture?

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

A: Look for someone who writes from the heart not just someone who can rhyme. Make sure the lyrics actually say something and that the song feels like it came from a real place. You can feel when a writer puts their soul into it.

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

A: iPad Pro, Wi-Fi dongle, power bank, headphones, drum.

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

A: I started taking songwriting seriously a few years ago. I taught myself everything from scratch and kept pushing to build my skills. I have been writing consistently and creating music nonstop ever since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Soulful, gritty, and heartfelt. My style blends old school R&B with a modern Kiwi voice. I bring rhythm, storytelling, and emotion in every line. It is music that speaks to people who have lived through something.

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

A: I would love to work with Aaradhna. She brings pain, happiness, spirit and a voice that speaks directly to the people.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Let the lyrics lead. Even with beats and effects around you, if the words do not mean something, the song will not last. Focus on the message first and build everything else around it.

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

A: Slow jams, street soul, and R&B inspired by the 90s with a strong Aotearoa flavour.

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

A: I am inspired by other storytellers. I rate artists who stay true to their sound and bring culture and real life moments into every track.