My music production career started in Los Angeles, California in 2009. I had just co-written a song with Meaghan Smith (2011 Juno Award Winner for Best New Artist) called ‘Heartbroken’. It was to be the first single on her debut album and it was currently being produced by Greg Kurstin (Pink, Tegan and Sara). Observing him work and seeing his studio environment inspired me to run out the next day and buy some of my own recording equipment.

His work space was not the classic LA studio we all imagine in our heads. Tucked in the hills of Silverlake, his basement served as a cozy and simple room in which to make magic. There was a computer, a midi keyboard, a great mic, a bass guitar, an electric guitar, and an assortment of synths. That was it. Everything came from his head and minimal equipment. I instantly knew I wanted to start producing music for great artists in my own space and saw that it was actually possible.

Once I got back home to Canada, I started reaching out to promising local artists who I thought had a bright future. Having begun my own musical journey many years ago as a guitar player, I delved into learning about drum programming, mixing, and acquiring and educating myself on numerous synths. Staying in contact with Greg and having the privilege of picking his brain really helped me grow quickly in those areas.

Soon after I co-wrote a song that was produced by Ash Howes (Ellie Goulding, One Direction), who I got to shadow for a week in his London, England studio. The time I spent in his presence was invaluable as I learned how a top notch producer inspires artists, works with musicians, and keeps a project on a strict deadline and budget in a professional and collaborative environment. I also picked up a lot of sonic secrets from him and his team.

Then came 2013, my biggest year for growth as a producer yet. I got to co-write and co-produce the album ‘Have A Heart’ for Meaghan Smith, due out in April 2014. I worked with Ron Lopata (Warner Music Canada A&R) and Ash Howes on production of the album. Throughout the process, I learned even more about what makes a great song, and how to produce a hit single. The first single and title track was on the AC radio chart for 4 months and made it to the top 15. It also was a top 25 song on the Hot AC charts. For the single, ‘Have A Heart’ I did the drum programming, played all the guitars, played bass, played some synths, and edited the track. Other responsibilities I had as a producer on this album were to book studios & musicians, engineer the album, and prep the tracks for mixing and mastering.

I’ve been fortunate to work with plenty of talented people in many areas of music production from producing, writing, engineering, playing, and mixing. I’ve produced songs for Meaghan Smith (Juno and ECMA winner), Ria Mae (ECMA winner), Laura Roy, and many others. I’ve had the chance to co-write with artists such as Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Maroon 5), Matt Hales (Jason Mraz, Sara Bareilles), Jimmy Messer (Kelly Clarkson, Meiko), Charlie A’Court (Multiple ECMA winner), Kim Wempe (ECMA nominee), and Jon Bryant (ECMA nominee). I’ve produced songs that have been mixed by some of the great mixers in pop music today like Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons), and Joe Zook (One Republic, Katy Perry).

I am constantly looking for opportunities to search out and develop new talent, and work with established artists to give them exciting new sounds. With each project I’m fortunate to work on, I learn new skills and acquire more experiences that I can then reinvest in creating music that I hope will inspire audiences across Canada, and beyond.