Music Production

My focus as a music producer is on serving each song. The deeper I dive into my work as a songwriting coach, the more the line between writing and producing starts to blur. Just as I work with songwriters to figure out the very best chords to make a chorus pop, or the very best form to keep the momentum of a song from start to finish, I love to take this all a step further, to determine the very best sound for the songs. In its purest form, I believe production can be an extension of the songwriting itself.

Oftentimes this means that over time a songwriting coaching relationship evolves organically into a music producing relationship… I’ll work with you on the writing and polishing of a group of songs, and then when the time is right we head to the studio to make an album. But even without a songwriting coaching beginning, I produce by knowing the songs deeply. Sometimes a song needs only the very slightest touch, and other times it wants the kitchen sink. The more we get to know your songs, their lyrical intentions and melodic gestures, the ins and outs of their forms and the peaks and valleys of their chord progressions, the more intuitive it is to choose instrumentation, pick the right musicians, arrange parts, and capture the most vibrant performances.

The only other thing I must say is that recording an album is pure fun. It’s an experience like none other and I honor you for taking it on. I make sure that not only do you leave with a beautiful rendering of your work, you also have a super fun and creatively catalytic experience.

Contact me if you’d like to discuss working together in this way!

NEW RELEASE!!

It was pure fun to record Alison Gant’s extraordinary, “Calling All Good Wishes Home.” Ali and I did extensive pre-production, making sure that all of the songs were saying exactly what she wanted, and that all of the melodies, chords, and forms were completely serving her song premises. We tracked at Atomic Garden and 25th Street Studios in Oakland, with the help of the wonderful Jesse Nichols and Gabriel Shepard. Musicians Daniel Fabricant, Andrew Maguire, Omree Gal-Oz, Erik Jekabson, Alisa Rose, and James Deprato brought the songs to life. And Ali did an absolutely extraordinary job, from the writing to the singing, to making sure her intentions were being realized at every stage of the process. I love this album! Make sure to check it out.