Music Production
Release Platforms
My music resides in different places depending on what state it's in.
Concepts, demos, and unmastered releases are on my SoundCloud profile. When songs get mastered releases they move on to my Bandcamp profile. With enough support, releases make their way to streaming platforms.
I appreciate all support, such as messages, comments, streams, and purchases. My main goal is to connect with you, however that may be.
Gear
Like many others, I am susceptible to Gear Acquisition Syndrome, but I try to limit myself to a repertoire that comes in handy when composing. That said, I have a standard set of gear that comes into play during most of my writing. Most of my setups favor low tuning because they just sound better to me that way.
Genesis Guitar
Genesis is my custom multiscale extended range guitar design, suited to my playing style and personal preferences. I am collaborating with my sister, Kristyn, on the custom neck inlay design. I am working with Captain James at Dood Craft Guitars to make this dream into reality. An in-depth story is in this Studio Log.
Specifications:
28-30" multiscale with neutral 9th fret
Fishman Fluence Tosin Abasi 7 pickups
This Fluence variant has even higher versatility than the Moderns
Setup:
Newtone Stainless Steel Hex Core strings
Stainless steel strings have higher clarity than nickel, which works well for low tuned instruments
.016w .025 .030 .039 .050 .072
This set has higher tension on the high strings mainly because this is the smallest wound string available
Drop F1 tuning (F1 C2 F2 A#2 D3 G3)
Balaguer Anomaly Guitar
This semi-custom guitar is my mainstay instrument because its ergonomics are great, it works reasonably well for my style, and the aesthetics suit my tastes.
Specifications:
28.5" scale
Fishman Fluence Modern pickups
I find uses for all voices available on these pickups: shimmering cleans, fuzz, and heavy distortion all sound great
Setup:
Newtone Stainless Steel Hex Core strings
.0135p .020w .026 .036 .048 .072
This set has a wound 3rd and 2nd, which is a bit unusual, but suits my preferences for roughly balanced tension
The .072w string has minor intonation issues at F1 past the 12th fret, but is serviceable
Drop F1 tuning (F1 C2 F2 A#2 D3 G3)
Lignum Sub Octave Bass
The Lignum Sub Octave Bass, built by my friend Gustav, is an extended range multiscale bass that has excellent low tuning performance. Compared to other similar basses, I prefer that there are only 4 strings because I don't usually play high enough notes to warrant a 5th higher tuned string.
Specifications:
39-42" multiscale with neutral 12th fret
The low fret intervals are quite large and angled, but these tradeoffs are required to sound good and play somewhat ergonomically at long scale lengths
Fishman Fluence Bass Soapbar 4-String pickups
Setup:
Newtone Stainless Steel Hex Core strings
.076w .100 .130 .170
I'm still tweaking this set to optimize tension because it was intended for E0
F0 Standard tuning (F0 A#0 D#1 G#1)
ESP LTD B-1005 Bass
This 5 string bass has typical specifications used for low tuning, but is a bit muddy in the low end due to the tradeoff between string thickness and tension.
Specifications:
34-37" multiscale
Nordstrand Big Splits pickups
Setup:
Newtone Stainless Steel Hex Core strings
.053w .070 .090 .130 .174
This is the Northlane Signature Multi-scale set
F0 Standard Tuning (F0 A#0 D#1 G#1 C#2)
Software
I use a variety of applications and Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins throughout my writing processes. Here are some that I use frequently:
Impulse Responses (IRs)
BUNNSONICS IR Guitar & Bass Cab Pack
My friend, The Bunn, made these great captures
Kristian Kohle Eminence / Orange Bass IR Pack
Excellent for low tuned basses and guitars
OH META Low Tuned
Excellent for low tuned guitars
iZotope Neutron 3 Standard
Versatile mixing plugin suite
iZotope Ozone 9 Standard
Versatile mastering plugin and app
Line 6 Helix Native
Versatile modeler with mountains of pedals, amps, and cabs
Minimal Audio Current
Great wavetable synthesizer with many presets
Reaper
Minimal, functional, and highly configurable Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that also suits my stylistic preferences
Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional
Highly configurable and realistic orchestral instruments
Spitfire Audio Symphonic Organ
Inspiring and epic sounding organ
Toontrack EZdrummer 3
Great sounding drums with little configuration and even more so when you bring them into the mix
EZX Sound Expansions
Death Metal
Drumkit From Hell
Duality I
Electronic
Progressive
Synthwave
Miscellaneous
Alesis Nitro Max Mesh Electronic Drum Set
Vic Firth American Classic Drumsticks - 7A - Nylon Tip
Audio equipment:
Adam Audio T7V Monitors
Hosa HSX-005 Pro Balanced Interconnects REAN 1/4" TRS to XLR3M
Monkey Wires Instrument Cables
PreSonus Studio 24c
Shure SM58
Sony WH-1000XM5
Headphones I use as one of several mixing references
Bog Street Axe Blade Light ULTEM-Tak pick for guitar
The .5 mm flat tip has excellent clarity in the string response
The two 1.5 mm chisel tips have a nice round tone and help with holding it
The ULTEM-Tak version seems to be a little brighter and more durable than the regular version
This pick seems more durable than other similarly thick picks
Bog Street LEAP Lead Model pick for bass
The .73 mm tip has excellent clarity in the string response
The raised ridges help with hold during aggressive picking
This pick is highly durable
M-Audio Oxygen 49