FAQ
How long have you been doing this?
I started playing music around 1999. My first band (Jason Alarm) released its first self-produced album in 2007 and played its first show in 2008. My first paid recording client was in 2011.
What's your training or background?
I'm mostly "self-taught" with the exception of a few classes in college. I am, however, very lucky to say I've had a few incredible mentors along the way. I skipped audio school on purpose, but I also think there are plenty of great reasons to go!
What DAW do you use?
Pro Tools is my main one. I'm also proficient in Logic and Ableton if that's what you're already working in.
How long does a project take?
It really does all depend! Recording and editing time varies a lot based on the arrangement of the song but also how prepared you are going in, which is why I try to give clients prep guidance ahead of sessions. My hope is that it saves you time and money and gets you more out of the hours you're paying for. As for mixing: a typical, "polished" 3–4 minute rock song usually takes me about 6–10 hours, if that helps put things in perspective.
How do you deliver files?
Dropbox.
Do you trigger drums?
Yes, using Slate Trigger 2. I will often take a few minutes in the recording session to create custom sample packs built from the kit we are using that you are free to keep after the session.
Do you use Autotune?
Yes — as well as manual pitch correction, depending on the situation. I love over-the-top, T-Pain-style autotune at the right time. I also like comping instead of using it at all, or otherwise just getting a great take. I also like bumping the tuning on one weird note in an otherwise good take to avoid comping. I do believe mindless autotuning and manual correction can easily suck the life out of a performance, so I make a point to be mindful of how I tune every note I apply this effect to.
What's your deposit and lateness policy?
In-person sessions require a $40 deposit for each date booked. For ordinary lateness, the clock generally keeps running — there's usually prep, editing, or setup work to fill the time — and it only pauses if I truly run out of things to do. If you have to cancel before the session, you can use your deposit for a later time. A full no-show forfeits the deposit.