Hip Hop/Pop Music Producer

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

A: I worked as a mixing engineer for a funk/jam band song. I was really fun because it's a style I don't usually work on, yet I was able to accomplish the sounds I was going for as I worked on it. It was an old song that never came out, but it was cool to see how my experience enabled me to successfully mix a song that was something less familiar.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on an 80s pop single.

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

A: No.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, because both have their own unique characteristics and serve different functions based on the needs of a song.

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

A: That they will leave satisfied with their project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Collaboration. It's really enjoyable to be in rooms with other creatives and make music with our blended lives and experiences. Music is meant to be made with people, so it's always fun.

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

A: Can you help me write? My answer is always yes. I can help write lyrics, concepts, and flesh out ideas.

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

A: That you can't make a living being a music producer.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's the vision? Are they looking to do this full-time, is this a passion project, is this just for fun? Help me understand why you're here.

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

A: Go with your gut. If you like what you hear, take your shot.

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

A: A Lauten Audio Atlantis Mic, Neve 1073 preamp, 1176 compressor, Martin D28 Acoustic, and an upright piano

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

A: I started producing at 16, after I heard the song "Blu" by Jon Bellion. I went to college for music and graduated with a BA in Music with a Music Technology minor. I started my recording studio, Knox Studios, in 2023 and have been working part-time as a producer, mixing, and mastering engineer for the last 3 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Prominent drums, simple melodies, and a taste of live sounds.

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

A: I would like to work with Jon Bellion because he is the reason I got into music. His ear for melodies and vision for his music is unmatched and inspirational.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The simpler the better. Beginner producers often do too much to their productions, which limits the artist. They are the key.

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

A: I usually work on hiphop and pop music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being able to bring the artists' vision to fruition.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a great ear for melodies and the ability to emulate sounds and styles that the artist is influenced by. In addition, I offer a skillset of being able to play live instruments to help create a more human sound in a digital music world.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually start by creating an instrumental demo. This lays the groundwork for the artist to be able to write and find melodies. Afterwards, I create the arrangement and add other production elements to compliment the song and main vocals. Finally, I mix and master the song to its finished product.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a one room recording studio. Mostly everything is done in the box, but I have a variety of electric and acoustic guitars, a 1973 Rhodes Mark 1 Stage Piano, electric bass, and trumpet.

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

A: Jon Bellion, Charlie Puth, Said the Sky

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

A: I primarily work with rappers and singer songwriters. Most often, artists are coming to me for full song production, mixing, and mastering for their songs.