Jump to page:

 

Music Production

Studio

I record and produce my music using Cakewalk Sonar (2025) alongside Yamaha’s XGworks - a MIDI environment well ahead of its time.

Vocals and instruments are captured through an Audient iD44 interface into a dedicated home studio designed for clarity, warmth and dynamic range.

Every track is recorded, arranged and mixed in-house.

Monitoring & Capture

  • Audient iD44 interface

  • KRK MR5 Mk II active monitors

  • AKG C414B condenser microphone

  • Shure Beta 87A condenser microphone

  • DT100 studio headphones

Instruments

  • Taylor 714ce steel-string acoustic

  • Handcrafted Spanish guitar (a wonderful instrument built by my brother)

  • KOMPLETE keyboard

  • Chappell piano

  • Faith “Eclipse” 12-string

  • Fender Jazz Bass

  • Yamaha Pacifica electric

  • Rocket Deluxe electric

  • Grafton Banjo

  • Bruner “Outdoor” travel guitar

  • Djembe & LP bongos

  • Rainstick

  • Danso (traditional bamboo Korean flute)

Acoustic textures form the backbone of most recordings, with layered instrumentation used to support narrative, atmosphere and emotional depth.

Songwriting

Songwriting remains at the core of everything I do.

Most songs begin with lyrics - a strong thematic centre or narrative hook that anchors the piece. Occasionally a guitar or piano motif sparks the direction. Very rarely, a complete song arrives almost fully formed (“Puffins” and "Pearls" are examples). Those moments are rare and - a true gift.

For me, the key to a lasting song is clarity of focus: a defined subject, sometimes a historical story, a place, or a human truth worth exploring. Once the hook is strong, the craft can follow naturally.

The most rewarding songs often feel simple - seamless in lyric and melody - even if they took months to shape.

If you're a songwriter yourself, you'll know: there’s nothing quite like the moment a new song comes alive.

Studio Cat

Essential studio presence for many years: Henry - large tabby, accomplished chair-warmer and unfazed by extended mixing sessions.

Sadly Henry has now passed, but his friendly presence is still very much felt in my studio!