I am a seasoned producer and audio engineer seeking new challenges and creative opportunities.
I am a gemini that loves adventure and believes if its worth doing its worth doing right. If not don't do it at all.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Interview with Dobie Lee
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: The latest release I worked on was $LIM PUDGEE- EVERYTHING DOPE EP. I executive produced, recorded, mixed and mastered and sequenced the project. The artist was heavily influenced by the Atlanta sound, but we were able to take that, add live instrumentation and craft something unique sounding that truly told the story of the war on drugs. It was a dope experience indeed.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Mixing and mastering new CPMG releases.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Mr. Magik from Area 51 Studios in Hollywood Florida. Excellent Engineer.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: In a perfect world everything would still be analog and gas would be .75 cents a gallon. But it is far from perfect out here so I keep my Waves and UAD's on deck! I still have shoeboxes full of tapes by the way.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise personalized service, attention to detail and to deliver the best product possible based on what I've been given.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I don't feel like I'm working. Is that what this is called, work?
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The gear means nothing without the expertise. Those Jordans on your feet won't guarantee you 50 points just like using autotune isn't a sure shot to a club hit. Somebody actually has to know what they are doing.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What feel/emotion are you going for? How are you planning to use this song and what are your goals for the project? How soon do you need this done? Do you need to setup a payment plan?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: know what is possible and what is impossible.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Macbook Pro loaded with every damn thing I could fit Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 Guitar Bass Tamborine
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started out as a wannabe dj and progressed to music production and beat making, that was 1997. Over the years I have learned how to actually "Produce" records in the traditional sense, overseeing the production for songs and albums and managing creative energies in the studio.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is tangible; something you can feel. I believe music should speak to specific emotions/experiences and I try to guide the songs to reflect that. If the lyrics suggest anxiety I make sure the soundscape contains complementary energy and sounds that convey the message to the listener. I want you to get chills down your spine because the music takes you to a real place!
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with the likes of R&B singer Miguel, songwriter James Fauntleroy or even something more abstract along the lines of Radiohead or Imogen Heap. They all have fearless creativity in common and I would love to be challenged by their genius.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Subtle sound reinforcement and really paying attention to what makes the track work is key. Do what's best for the overall mix and don't fall victim to pre-sets.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work with artists and producers primarily focusing on Pop, Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B, EDM, and Classic Soul. I'll take anything with a strong back beat and provocative melody really.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening and assessing before making assumptions and acting. This helps out greatly in life!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I like to think I bring a unique perspective to songs I work with. I stray away from pre-sets and cookie cutter signal chains because I know that each song is different and needs its own attention to get the best sound possible. I actually enjoy the work so its no problem.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I get real real comfy and listen to the song in my natural environment (car, headphones, kitchen stereo while I'm cooking lol). I get familiar with what works and what needs to be improved, added or subtracted. Once I understand and appreciate the track I'm working with I enter the studio environment and listen a few more times before bringing up the session. By the time I actually begin working I have specific ideas and goals to enhance the music. I find the preparation and relaxed listening saves time by cutting out the frustration of trying to figure out what’s wrong with the mix. If you chill your subconscious will tell you, "That cowbell is annoying as hell"! Then when you go in the lab you can act on what you know.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Mac Pro Trashcan (4) Yahmaha HS8 Monitors (2) Yahmaha NS-10 Monitors (2) Avalon 737 pre-amps w/compression (2) Neuman TLM 103 mics (2) AKG 414 mics UAD Apollo Duo UAD plugins Wave Diamond Bundle Brass Section (trombone, trumpet) String Section (Cello, Violin) Gretch Catalina Maple Drum Kit Hammond Organ
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love originality. Im always inspired by multi-instrumentalists and engineers that have the ability to shape their own unique sound thats hard to copy. I apply that inspiration to client projects to showcase whatever it is that makes the song and the artist one of a kind.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: As head engineer at CPMG I help clients achieve separation power in their music with dynamic mixes and creative sequencing that enhances the listening experience and tells the intended story.
