Keyboardist, Producer

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: That depends on the context, but whatever I’m playing, emotion is the top priority.

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

A: Steinway piano, B3, Juno, Protools, Nord.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Co-writes, Keyboard session work, coproductions. I always try to keep it fresh.

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

A: Dylan Wissing is king of drum sounds!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Depends on the application.

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

A: Whether you’re an indie artist or a major label, you will get my best.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like getting to hear great music and ideas that I otherwise would not hear.

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

A: I guess one would be that pop music is easy to make.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Anything that might help me better understand the client’s vision. References can be a great way to communicate ideas.

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

A: Listen to samples and go with the musician who’s playing you connect with the most.

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

A: I’ve been playing since I was about 4. I’ve always done production as a hobby, but have made it my focus in the last 5 years. As a player, I was classically trained until college, then I switched to jazz. Training aside, I’ve always gravitated towards pop music, and cut my teeth on the NYC club scene playing with all kinds of bands, across all popular genres.

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

A: Maroon 5. They are some of the most talented people in the game.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If a part isn’t making the song better, take it out.

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

A: Pop

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I play like a keyboard player but think like a producer. My approach is to ask myself what the song needs rather then what I can add to the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My goal is to enhance the emotional experience for the listener through careful part writing, arrangement, and Sonics.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen to the song, discuss ideas with clients, maybe check out some references. After that, every song is unique and so I don’t have a set process. I try to figure out what the song needs, and keep trying until I find it.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run Protools, UAD interface, Prophet 600, Nord, Kronos, Minilogue, Farfisa, Behringer Model D, and lots of soft synths and sample based instruments.

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

A: Gian Stone, Jason Evigan, The Monsters, Stevie Wonder, Gene Harris, Ahmad Jamal, too many to list.

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

A: Anywhere from adding that last synth or organ part that helps the vibe come together, to co-writing and producing out an entire song.