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I HAVE LOVED, STUDIED, AND PRACTICED MUSIC NEARLY MY ENTIRE LIFE.
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I still remember the first time my parents played me The Beatles' Rubber Soul. That album had a profound effect on me (one look at my house and studio and you'll understand; The Beatles are everywhere). There was something in the way the melodies moved and the songs were crafted. Little did I know that moment and album would change my life forever. Thus began a lifetime of music with an emphasis on songwriting.
I started in fourth grade on the clarinet and later moved to percussion in junior high. Around this time I also picked up my dad’s old Yamaha classical guitar, which I still have to this day, and started teaching myself how to play. But I didn’t start by learning other people’s songs, I was just never that interested. I wanted to write my own songs. I honed my craft over the years, forming various bands in high school. But after a devastating band break-up in 2006, two major musical directions happened in my life.
I decided to take up recording. I always had an interest in it and loved being in the studio when my bands were making albums. So I decided to take it into my own hands, buying a few pieces of recording gear and taking some classes at my local community college. Around this time my performance career took a huge turn for the better. Enter A Change of Pace.
My good friends from A Change of Pace, or ACOP, asked me to join their band. These guys had signed a record deal and were touring nationally and overseas while they were still in high school - something I had barely even tasted. After a little soul searching and the confidence from my former band mates (let's not forget my parents telling me I'd be crazy to say no), I accepted their offer and signed on to be their rhythm guitarist.
I will forever be indebted to the guys of ACOP for giving me that opportunity. That band took me around this country more times than I can count and gave me the opportunity to work with Billboard-topping songwriters like Jamie Houston (Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Santana, High School Musical), platinum-selling producers and engineers like Elvis Baskette (Incubus, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Escape the Fate) and Mike Green (Paramore, All Time Low, New Found Glory, Pierce the Veil) to name a few, plus a ton of musical and industry experience I use in my everyday life. These experiences have molded me into the producer and musician I am today, helping me create my philosophies and understand who I am when I sit behind a mixing board or guitar.
I am a songwriting-oriented producer. I strongly believe that any recording or production can only be as good as the song itself.
I find that pre-production and working with a song at its core, perhaps just an acoustic guitar and a vocal, is the most important part of the recording process. Now sure, I care about getting the fattest snare sound or the biggest guitar tone, but if the song itself isn't as strong as it can be, the rest of the process can only suffer.
I encourage my artists to check their egos at the door and come in the studio with a positive and open attitude. This really lends itself to enabling a very creative and organic experience on both sides. Collaborating is a unique process, and I believe honesty can go a long way with bringing out the strengths of a song and ironing out the weaknesses. I like to get down to the nitty-gritty of a song and look at every chord, lyric, and melody to make sure they are the best they can be. By getting into the headspace of my artists, I can help them see their vision through, emote, and inspire brilliant performances that will ultimately translate to their listeners. -DP
Studio Tips
Practice, practice, practice! - This will always remain important. Being well-rehearsed and comfortable with your instrument will go a long way in capturing your sound.
Change your strings/drum heads, set up guitars - Trust me, I know it's expensive, but maintaining your instruments will keep them in recording-ready shape.
Be open-minded - I'm very hands-on with my artists. I'm honest and constructive with helping your song be the best it can be. It's nothing personal - let's work together!
Be patient! - Whether you're struggling with a part of the song or waiting to hear a mix - good things come to those who wait!