Kat Johnson

Indie-Pop Audio Producer

Kat Johnson on SoundBetter

Unlike some, my mixes aren't a formula; I mix music to evoke the emotional response that you felt when you wrote it. Let's get to work on bringing your vision to life.

Hey! Thanks for considering me for the job, I promise you won't regret it.

I've been an independent audio producer for the better part of 4 years. After my first band Seasonal Regression split as we parted for different next life steps, I realized that I had a lot of learning to do. Now that I was a solo artist, I wouldn't have my buddies to lean on for instructions; I had to do it all on my own, so I got to work. In my basement, with a little midi, shitty condenser mic, headphones and probably first edition Focusrite, I made my first song.

Fast forward years later, my at the time solo project Silo Red became a duo that gave the indie-pop Salt Lake City music scene a makeover. I've produced, mixed & mastered the high quality tracks that Silo Red has out for streaming, and have recently decided to start mixing for you, too. I'm back in my hometown Cincinnati now, and I'm ready to dive deeper into the music scene here.

Whatever step of the process you're in, whether you need a track produced, mixed, or mastered, I'm your girl! Your music drew the picture. Let me help you add the color.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Languages

  • English

Interview with Kat Johnson

  1. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  2. A: Who are your biggest musical influences? What's the story behind this song? How did you feel when you were writing it? Do you have any specific requests for me to help bring this to life?

  3. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  4. A: Do your due diligence. I respect that I'm not everyone's type, and that's alright. Find someone who you feel like is in the best position to give you the sound that you're looking for, not just the cheapest option. It'll be worth it!

  5. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  6. A: I seriously have to choose? My gut reaction is Justin Vernon, though I have a signed boygenius vinyl and any of them could spit on me and I would say thank you.

  7. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  8. A: Don't take yourself too seriously. When you're recording, you have to have fun, especially if you're singing. When you're too focused on hitting every single note, it removes a lot of the emotional impact. Besides, we can fix that up with tuning and comping! Just sing your heart out!

  9. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  10. A: As noted throughout my profile, I'm mostly interested in indie-pop, alt-indie, or indie-rock. Anything that appears on the Lorem Spotify playlist, that's my vibe. That said, I'm always open to trying out new things, so if you have something else in mind, send it over anyway. If I listen and decide that I'm not the best person for the job, I'll be straight up.

  11. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  12. A: I'm the best at producing, mixing and mastering, but also can provide smaller services such as vocal comping & tuning, or making a beat for you.

  13. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  14. A: Like I mention in bio, I think what I bring is the color. Anyone can play chords in a formulaic way, and likewise, anyone can mix in a formulaic way. I just haven't found that to be effective at truly conveying sound. I imagine that while you're mapping out the track, you're drawing the lines of an illustration. If you don't have good linework, the drawing is destined for failure. Once the linework's down, the mixing is where you add the color.

  15. Q: What's your typical work process?

  16. A: The beginning of my song writing process is actually starting with the song that I've currently got on repeat. I learn the chords and key, and then start switching things around and moving from there. Often times I'll start taking inspiration from other songs/artists and mess around until I've got something that's completely fresh. As it says in one of my favorite books, Steal Like an Artist: “If you have one person you're influenced by, everyone will say you're the next whoever. But if you rip off a hundred people, everyone will say you're so original!”

  17. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  18. A: I'm fortunate enough to have a whole room in my quaint little house in Salt Lake City to use as a studio. Overtime I've invested tons in quality instruments, microphones, and monitors. We have a condenser mic, dynamic mic, Komplete Kontrol Midi, as well as a bass and two electric guitars!

  19. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  20. A: My number one inspiration for my music has always been Bon Iver, but I also certainly take a lot from popular indie artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Novo Amor, The 1975 or Clairo.

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I was the Producer, Mixer, Masterer in this production

Terms Of Service

Up to 10 revisions per track. Depending on the service, the track will get back to you within a week, where you can give me feedback and any further revisions can be made.

GenresSounds Like
  • Phoebe Bridgers
  • Clairo
  • The Neighbourhood
Gear Highlights
  • Adam Audio Monitors
  • Logic Studio
  • Focusrite Scarlett 8i6
  • Audio-Technica Condenser Mic
  • Audio-Technica Headphones
  • Shure Sm58 Dynamic Mic
  • Komplete Kontrol Midi Keyboard
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

20% off your first service with me!