PIANO | KEYBOARDS | PRODUCTION

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Completing instrumentals and multitracks to further show my abilities and strengths while also learning my novices and weaknesses. Also, I want to begin composing/licensing for multimedia in the near future

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

A: To serve as a creative asset in efforts to provide quality, meaningful, and memorable sound as a staple in the identity and presentation of music & multimedia worldwide.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your overall goal with this production? What are we aiming to invoke from the listener? How can I serve you in your efforts to achieve this goal?

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

A: It varies, gospel is my roots, but I'm also able to play pop, rock, r&b and jazz as well, and I'm an 'OK' sight-reader too so I'd like to think I'm pretty versatile. I refuse to box myself into one lane.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Keyboard chops, synthesis, sound design, and since I've started on SoundBetter, my ear for arranging has grown much stronger

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a simple home set up with my MacBook Pro running Pro Tools 2020, Logic Pro X, my Roland Fantom, Roland Gaia SH-01, Roland Cloud VST's, and dozens of virtual instruments in my arsenal. But my new pride and joy is my Nord Electro 6D. Most of my piano tracks are recorded with it now, and it's a huge improvement to my quality of work.

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

A: Jamel Kimbrough, Vaughan Phoenix, Jim Daneker, Ray Chew, Adam Blackstone, Daniel Weatherspoon, Robert "Sput" Searight, Aaron Lindsey, Chris Baker, Rodney East, Mike Patrick, James Poyser, Julian Pollack, Nicolas Semrad, Cory Henry, Shaun Martin, just to name a few.... 😉

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

A: I was able to be apart of a recording project for my church in Chicago, where I played as one of the keyboardists and hammond organist. It was a memorable experience, being my first live recording. I'm believing it to be the first of may more to come

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Oh boy.... digital, because VST's have improved so greatly over the years, and it beats having to carry around heavy equipment and causing wear and tear on them, although they sound great in their on right. But at the same time, nothing beats the warmth of analog sound.

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

A: A loaded question! But if I could bring Michael Jackson back to life, that'd be a dream come true. RIP King of Pop

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fact that I can use my gifts and talents as a means to both serve someone on their project, as well as a means of provision for myself.

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

A: Don't overlook those who don't have the experience or credentials as those at the top. We're all trying to work to get to the same level. Be willing to work with the underdogs.

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

A: MacBook Pro, Roland A800 Controller, Roland JDXA, Sennheiser HD280 headphones, Large sausage pizza

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

A: I have been working as a keyboardist since 16, and went to college to further my studies in music and audio production. the past 10 years has taught me quite a lot, and I'm grateful. It enables me to continue on and gain more traction in the music business.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Edgy yet calm, aggressive yet relaxed, versatile yet focused.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Name your tracks! Save your engineer the headache!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Clarity by means of quality, well-thought, and precise music accompaniment, manifesting the goal and vision in the mind of the artist.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Generally, I'll hear the demo that's sent to me by the client to get an overall feel of what they're trying to accomplish. Next, I'll write out the chord progressions appropriate for the melody being sung, or what type of rhythm or syncopation comes to mind along with it. I'll then use various synth leads or pads to add more texture and feel to the song where necessary.

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

A: Most of my work will consist of me accompanying the song by means of keyboards, piano and synths, all tailored to the feel of the song. I'm also able to assist in songwriting, and arranging as well.