Philipp Karajev

'Icing on cake' sound magic

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7 Reviews (5 Verified)
Philipp Karajev on SoundBetter

I’m a classically trained multi-instrumentalist happy to push your song to the next level

After years of learning classical violin and piano I started to sing and play the guitar to pursue a career outside the dusty, competitive world of classical music. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with inspiring people all around the world and have now settled in my hometown Vienna for the time being (thanks Corona) to focus on session work, production and writing and recording original songs.

I’m well versed in all kinds of genres, but I really dig working on Indie Folk, Pop, Jazz, Funk, House & HipHop. To see for yourself, have a look at some things I’ve done here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhHLrSFkVWnKRqz0CSGc4DWnj2FlPmiKs

Whatever instrument you need - I’ll probably have it at home (or on file) ready to overdub your track, like nylon, half-acoustic & electric guitar, ukulele, violin, saxophone, trumpet, (grand)piano, synthesisers, african & oriental percussion, virtual instruments and Splice samples on end.

I would love to hear from you and start right away with making your song sparkle & shine!

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

7 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Philipp Karajev
  1. Review by Ricky Allson
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    Philipp is an absolute professional. I knew I wanted to work with him immediately for a second time, and he did not disappoint the second time around either. Thank you Philipp for your violin talents!

  2. Review by Kent O.
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    Working with Philipp was an absolute blast. He provided numerous options for a string section on an electro-funk single I was finishing up and really helped take the song to another level. Highly recommended!

  3. Review by Ricky Allson
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    Philipp gave some top notch violin tracks for my song and he helped bring it to a whole new level. He is very easy to work with and had an honest, quick turn around. I HIGHLY recommend working with Philipp!

  4. Review by Jon-Yngve B.
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    Phillip was awesome! Super accommodating, nice, fast and handed over a great quality recording with even more than I asked for.

  5. Review by Joey F.
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    Great performance and a super PRO! Sent me multiple tacks to work with.Getting ready for another track for THE BIG "P" to play on for us...Thank you!!!

  6. Review by Arron Storey
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    As before, Phil was an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only a brilliant and creative musician, but a real gentleman. He feeds back quickly and clearly, I love the song we produced and I very much hope it's not the last time we work together. I strongly recommend him.

  7. Review by Arron Storey
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    Phil was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. Friendly, professional, communicative; and to top it off, the song was fantastic so I can't wait to hear it completed! He has no ego and was always open to my suggestions which made the whole process stress-free. I would recommend Phil to any musician out there looking for a writer or multi-instrumentalist.

Interview with Philipp Karajev

  1. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  2. A: With all shows cancelled until July I finally have the time to practise, work on my DAW skills and write and record music for myself and others.

  3. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  4. A: If you need great lyrics from scratch or someone to turn an existing idea into gold then hit up Arron Storey. He’s very friendly and professional, has a quick turn around and really knows his stuff.

  5. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  6. A: I always go the whole way and put in extra work, not only when I really dig a song. I don’t quit until my job is done properly and the client is absolutely happy with the result. My turnaround can be very fast now, with all my upcoming shows cancelled. I’m set up in my apartment and ready to go, so even next-day delivery is possible ;)

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

  8. A: The more info I have, the better I can serve musically. Artists without big online representation can feel free to have a chat on the phone, send some demoes, a list of songs with a sound they’re after or even a reference piece of art. Anything that can inspire my part.

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

  10. A: I’ve just finished recording strings for a track of the artist JPson. Apart from layering bowed strings, I’ve picked the violin with a plectrum, which gave it a banjo-ey sound and fit great to what the artist calls ‘psychedelic fresh folk’. The musical spectrum I work within is quite broad, but my skill is best applied to somewhere between acoustic pop/folk and jazzy house music.

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

  12. A: I usually record a first draft whilst listening to the song the first time. That spontaneity sometimes makes for the best ideas. I keep layering instruments and ideas, then sort through the mayhem and properly record the parts I like. I’ll prepare the stems (naming it properly, cutting silence, doing fades etc.) before sending the bunch of dry WAVs your way.

  13. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  14. A: When recording strings I use a Lewitt 440 (with a more brilliant) and a Rode NT1 (with a warmer sound). Its great to have different Mic sounds when mixing. With really big arrangements I record a second violin to give it a more orchestral sounding vibe. The sound travels through a high quality Vovox cable through the beautiful UAD Apollo MK2 into Studio One 4.5 on my Macbook pro, where I edit the stems and send them your way.

  15. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  16. A: For the most part I record violin solos, (disco) strings and full string arrangements, but I love adding different instrumentation to really spice up the track and make it stand out if the song calls for it. Find a list of all instruments I can add in the description above.

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Mix of original songs

I was the singer, player and arranger in this production

Terms Of Service

Once we agree on my musical role my turn-around is somewhere between 1-5 days depending on urgency. I'm happy to do up to 2 revisions, even though that was never necessary ;)

GenresSounds Like
  • Dave Matthews Band
  • Jamiroquai
  • Tom Misch
Gear Highlights
  • Lewitt LCT 440 PURE Mic
  • UA Apollo Twin MKII
  • Macbook Pro
  • Studio One 4.5
  • Martin D-35
  • Steinway Grand Piano
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

Discounts on multi-instrumental overdubs