Produce/Write/Play/Mix Music

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

A: My first solo album project. I'm especially proud of it because I proved to myself that I could produce/write/sing a complete album when no one would give me the time of day. I was fortunate enough to be awarded New Artist of the Year at a local radio station for one of the singles off of the album. My role on the project was, singer/songwriter/arranger/engineer/executive producer.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm working on two instrument/dub reggae albums with a few singles here and there.

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

A: I'm new here but looking forward to meeting and collaborating with the folks here.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. There are benefits to utilizing both platforms to achieve your goal. Digital provides you the ability to work small to achieve big results. Analog provides you with the warm feeling of a living recording, there's just something magical about having a live band record in one take and capturing all that magic through the warmth of analog processors.

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

A: I promise my clients that I will give 100% all of the time.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The never ending possibilities. Every artist is different and every situation different, no matter how similar they may seem. I love the creative process and starting off with a small idea that blossoms into an expression of one's self.

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

A: Can you take this track and take the vocals out so I can voice over it for my demo. My response is usually, "How about we work on a demo that you feel confident about with music created for your lyrics in the same genre you're looking to record a single for instead of using something that's already done".

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

A: My career path has always been working at being creatively involved in music and arts while working a day gig. I've been involved in the music/entertainment industry in some form or another for one 20yrs.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Mad Scientist is probably the best way to describe my style, or rather that's what individuals have describes as in the past. Probably because it only takes one spark and I focus in on an idea until it is exhausted. I think it has to do with my days as a music and the vibe generated from everyone being in sync and how important it was to keep the groove going for as long as possible so that the idea was exhausted and at the end you were left with something special.

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

A: That's a very difficult question, it would be almost impossible to answer. If I absolutely had to answer the question, for me it would be an artist that is serious about their career. The artist that understands the importance of the relationship between artist/musician/engineer/producer, etc. I think there are virtually thousands of artists that never get heard because of record labels and other things that get in the way. So to find an artist that is humble yet ambitious, that's a great artist in the making.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never second guess yourself. There is a reason why you got into music in the first place, if you have no faith in yourself no one else will.

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

A: I would definitely say that reggae is what I usually work on.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I would have to say my strongest skill is my ability to work quickly and creatively. I've been known to develop an idea in a few minutes.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring creativity, passion and an ear for good music. As a singer, I can assist with building background harmonies and suggest creative ways of building vocal arrangements. As a musician, I can play multiple instruments.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process starts with silence each morning so that I can listen to the music pounding in my head. If its something that I like, I'll jump to my DAW to lay down the idea before I forget it. After that I love checking out music is current and also outside of the genre that I love producing (which is Reggae). It allows me to appreciate elements that are outside the genre but can be incorporated. With regards to the production process, it really depends on what I'm working on. If its a solo project, it depends on what's playing in my head, sometimes its drums first, the other its melody. I've heard to be be very flexible in my approach.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am currently working on Logic Pro X, with a UAD2-Quad DSP unit, three guitars, (bass, electric and acoustic), AKG K240 headphones and Yamaha NS-10T monitors.

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

A: Most definitely Berry Gordy, the Motown production concept was light years ahead of its time. I am currently enjoying the musical legacy of the Marley's, Lailah Hathaway, and a number of other individuals.

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

A: The most common work I currently do is producing tracks from scratch, voicing artists and the producing singles.

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

A: Biggest misconception I have about what I do is that anyone can do it. That is very far from the truth.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask a lot of questions, mainly because I want to be as transparent as I can and want the prospective client to feel comfortable in working with me to achieve the best result we can. The first question I usually ask is: What is do you intend to do with your recording and when do you need a final product. Questions on cost usually follow once I have a clear understanding of what I am being asked to do.

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

A: Have your music ready for mixing, be confident in your decision making and be open minded.

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

A: 1. Neve 5088 console 2. Yamaha NS-10 Near-Field Monitors 3. Neumann - TLM-102 4. Mac Pro 128GB 10TB HD w/Logic Pro X 5. UAD Apollo MKII Octo Custom