Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why.
To many to say but engineering “Never gonna break my faith” by Aretha Franklin, is definitely up there. Had the pleasure of working with Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East, and many other incredible musicians, plus it’s Aretha!
What are you working on at the moment?
Engineering for DJ Mustard, mixing the amazing Jenny O.’s new EP, developing/working on an indie rock/singer songwriter project/band The Peace’s.
Analog or digital and why?
Both, because it’s 2016 and some of the best record ever were made 30,40, 50 years ago.
What’s your ‘promise’ to your clients?
If you know what you want, you will absolutely be happy with the results, if you don’t, you will more than likely still be satisfied!
What do you like most about your job?
Making a living being creative, and not having to wear a suit (unless I want to).
What’s the biggest misconception about what you do?
There is a pervasive misconception that working in music is glamorous. It may be on occasion, but it’s hard work, and takes attention to detail and grinding, grinding,grinding…
What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
Don’t compromise your vision, but be flexible. You are not what you create, so be able to set your ego aside when necessary, but also believe in yourself and your goals.
If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
Hmmmm…. almost impossible to answer. Am I able to record or just play? Am I alone or not… not sure, but if I’m stuck on a desert island probably just instruments and the basics to make a record.
What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
I’ve made a living in music business for 12+ years. I’ve been a musician and played in bands for years, in the studio, started out as a runner, moved on to assistant engineer, to chief engineer, to mixer/producer.
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic. I’ve successfully worked on projects in almost every genre. My style is really to do whats best for the music, and to let it be what it is meant to be, without twisting it into my own personal preference or vibe, unless it coincides with my personal vision/direction.
Which artist would you like to work with and why?
John Mayer, great musician and songwriter. The two don’t always go hand in hand.
Can you share one music production tip?
Feeling is everything. How music makes you feel should trump everything! Intonation, tuning, accuracy are all essential, but feeling and vibe is king. Also, hooks and pocket!
What type of music do you usually work on?
If I have to classify “Indie rock” is kinda my thing right now, but I’ve done a lot of work on R&B/Rap/urban music in the past.
What’s your strongest skill?
My musicality and my ear. Even technical endeavors should be preceded by musicality and what is best for the song/project. Also, I’m about as fast and proficient as it gets with Protools/other DAWs
What do you bring to a song?
Taste and sensibility. I like to let the music be what it’s meant to be. Especially if it’s great, then I try not to reinvent the wheel. My starting point/philosophy is less is more!
What’s your typical work process?
Depends on the vibe of the song. I try not to prejudge the music and don’t have a “typical” process per se. May be cliche, but I let the music be my guide.
Tell us about your studio setup.
Mac, Pro tools, Logic, Ableton, Apogee, Maschine, API, Neve, Empirical Labs etc…
What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
Joe Chiccarelli, Dave Pensado, Manny Marroquin, John Mayer, John Scoffield, George Benson, The Beatles, Queen, George Martin, The Beach Boys, Jimmi Hendrix, Skrillex, The Band, Beck, Bob Dylan, CSNY, D’Angelo, Miles Davis, Greatful Dead, Kenny Burrell, Jenny O.,
keshore ent. among others.