TheOnlyBrianArnold

Making tracks & Mixing records

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11 Reviews
TheOnlyBrianArnold on SoundBetter

Leverage Brian's 12-year experience as a mixing engineer and producer, along with his unique insights gained from independently releasing music through Universal Music distribution, to create music that truly stands out in the fiercely competitive industry.

With a rich portfolio encompassing work with major label icons like Kardinal Offishall, Demi Lovato, Masters Of Ceremony, Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, and many more, I've honed my craft as a multifaceted recording, mixing, producing, and composing virtuoso.

My journey commenced at the esteemed Studio 451 in Montreal, where I imbibed invaluable techniques by observing industry luminaries, emphasizing the critical art of capturing the essence of a song. After years of dedication and countless cups of coffee, I now guide and nurture independent artists towards mainstream recognition.

My expertise extends to various facets of music production, including complete production, subtle production style infusion, drum sampling, vocal tuning, analog audio processing, analog mixing, and digital and analog mastering. I eagerly await the opportunity to collaborate with you, empowering your music and professional journey.

Let's embark on this creative adventure together – hit the contact button and share your project with me.

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

11 Reviews

Endorse TheOnlyBrianArnold
  1. Review by Fi Lennon
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    by Fi Lennon

    I would highly recommend working with Brian. He mixed one of my tracks and he really listens to what you want different and adjusted as well as bringing his own creativity and making it stand out. Brian was really accommodating with the minor details ensuring I was completely happy and satisfied with the end result. If you're looking for someone to bring out the best in your song and who cares about the track even when completed, Brian is the man for the job.

  2. Review by Onix Mastering Studio
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    I highly recommend working with Brian. He is not only a very accessible and friendly person, but also an engineer very predisposed to work and get the best possible sound.
    We worked together in the production of an album and it was an incredible experience. His work in the mix was perfect: he used very interesting criteria and he gave the music a new identity. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work at his side. Lovers of the good sound, Brian will take the promised lands.

  3. Review by Nicole
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    by Nicole

    Working with Brian is a great blend of casual and professional. He never fails to deliver and contribute in the most skillful way. His vast knowledge of gear and techniques combined with prominent people skills makes him an amazing guy to team up with. My Croatian gospel record managed to stay true to its tradition and roots thanks to Brian’s ability to listen, adapt, and conform.

  4. Review by Spelling Bee of Canada
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    by Spelling Bee of Canada

    Spelling Bee of Canada, an education corporation, is delighted to endorse Brian Arnold's studio work for our online platform. We have worked with Mr. Arnold since 2014 and can highlight his professionalism, work ethic, and artistry. When exploring for studios, Mr. Arnold's professionalism stood out as he was communicable and amiable. His mastery of studio engineering and work ethic are well displayed yearly through long hours of studio time. We are always pleased with his artistry conceived in the end product. We thank Mr. Arnold for his continued work with SBOC.

  5. Review by Eric Abrahams
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    by Eric Abrahams

    I first met Brian when I had some mics that needed modification, and clicked through to him on a rather humourous ad he placed on Kijiji. His great sense of humour really resonates with people, and his humble and unpretentious attitude radiates trustworthiness. Meantime, Brian's skill set is top shelf. He can record a track using string and a paper cup and make it sound good. And he never gets rattled. A session can threaten to go completely pear-shaped, and he will remain calm, setting things right before anyone knew they weren't. The man is a marvelous technician and has great people skills.

  6. Review by Oleg Donner
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    by Oleg Donner

    I have been working with Brian for last two years. What I would note about him in the first place is his reliability. He always wants to play it safe, and has a plan B and even plan C. In fact anything can happen during an event and having a experienced person who is prepared for unexpected is a huge bonus in my opinion.

    Besides that his communication with other departments is excellent.

  7. Review by Mo
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    by Mo

    Ive known Brian for a few years now and worked with him on multiple projects, including a tour and project development for major artists. Brian’s professional attitude and skill set is exceptional, and he’s always been competent in managing the project. A pleasure to work with, and always trustworthy.

  8. Review by Philip Garcia
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    by Philip Garcia

    I worked with Brian while I was writing songs for one of his artists. He was very accomodating and made sure I felt comfortable before, during and after the whole process.
    Look forward to engaging with Brian once more.

  9. Review by Lula
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    by Lula

    I've had the pleasure of working with Brian for three years now. He is super talented, very genuine and always delivers above and beyond expectations.

  10. Review by Gagan
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    by Gagan

    I have had the pleasure of working with Brian on my musical compositions and he always managed to add the few extra touches that bring the music to life. He is easy to work with and to bounce ideas off of. I learned a lot from him during our sessions whether it was formal or just through fun collaborative projects. He has the ear to bring out what might be missing in a piece and to take away what should not included and he accomplishes this without taking away from the feeling of the music. I highly recommend speaking with Brian if you require any musical insight and friendly reliable service.

  11. Review by Jd
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    by Jd

    Always held it down. He has great ideas and can make a very nice mix.

Interview with TheOnlyBrianArnold

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I had a chance to work on a alternative version of a Demi Lovato song for Hollywood Records. I was contracted to record, produce, mix and master an alternate pop rock version for a licensing deal. We recorded a simple piano part with some co-writers, and that started it all. 18 hours later and 2 McDonalds runs we had the song recorded and sent to post. It was effortless to come together, I look back on that day and wish all my production sessions could be that easy. I love that track.

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

  4. A: I’m currently working on a double EP for a project in collaboration with the Croatian Catholic Church. I'm also wrapping up three pop singles set to be pitched to my friends at Universal by the end of the summer.

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Both, because it’s 2018 and nobody edits on reel to reel anymore. Also sometimes I don’t feel like patching in all the gear. Joking aside I really believe we are in the age where cross over setups are the way of the future. You can't have a studio without either one present, so it's only natural to make them work in harmony.

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

  8. A: Clients come to me because they know a song will be brought to a commercial level. I spent many years bridging the gap between artists and labels. The artists want something true to them creatively, the labels want a specific format. I try to make all my records something digestible and understandable for the audience, but also creative enough that it still has an edge. In the end, I make every song sound like it deserves its own spotlight.

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

  10. A: Honestly, it’s the pop punk era of 1998 to 2005 that inspires me. They acted like fools and the world loved them for it (or at least a decent enough number of people to get them featured on about 7 Tony Hawk games and to literally embody the X games).

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

  12. A: The bulk of my work is mixing, prepping sessions and helping my clients get all their recorded material ready for the next phase. I do spend a great deal of time working things out on a production level with artist in how we might be able to boost the production.

  13. Q: How would you describe your style?

  14. A: Loud! Especially when I comes to drums and guitars. I have a soft spot for compression and width in a song. I produced and co-mixed a lot of pop and rock tracks in my early years, so that influences many of my mixing choices.

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

  16. A: I start by importing all the audio and pressing space bar. I like to hear the song without any references, it helps prevent having a preconceived direction to take the song in. When Mixing a song, I’ll arrange my session with what I feel are the lead focus parts/instruments. Do some basic EQ, compression and minor effects. Nothing too much, just enough to get some space. After that I’ll go back and listen to any references the client may have sent. I like being surprised by what they did and what I did. It brings a different element to the table and helps mash our vision together.

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

  18. A: Not every track needs to be the cleanest, most pronounced sound. Sometimes a muddy backing vocal or gritty organ is just what the song needs. Don’t try and make it clean, just make it fit. Another specialty of mine is using reverbs and delays to create specific moments in a song that emphasize the lows and highs of the energy, rather than using them as glue to bring a song together.

  19. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  20. A: When working on a song I imagine what it would make people feel like and how would they move or jam out to the song in their car all by themselves. I always try to see the big picture and who the music is for.

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

  22. A: I, TheOnlyBrianArnold, promise to make you the best sounding record or single that you could get.

  23. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  24. A: The people - everyone has a story and I love hearing them. Plus, most musicians are a little wacky, so that always makes things interesting.

  25. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  26. A: I often get people asking me to present their record to my label contacts, but, unfortunately, I rarely do. It takes a lot of 'wow' factor to get labels to buy into an artist these days, so naturally I have to be selective on what I bring forward to them. If you do want to get presented however, my best advice is to be active in the artists’ and producers’ community. Word travels very well once people start hearing good things about you.

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

  28. A: I’m very easy going and I like to get to know the person I might be working with before we get started. My best advice is to be personable and don't be afraid to ask any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

  29. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  30. A: I’d bring a 96 channel SSL desk (good for for making a tent), 2 channel Millenia mastering EQ (good for weighing things down), an AKG C12 (it’ll keep me warm at night), and a harmonica.

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

  32. A: All American rejects, Paramore or Dr.Dre (who wouldn’t want to cook beats with that dude?) because they are all iconic and defined a generation. Their music captures the emotions, thoughts and style that spanned genres and demographics. You might not have listened to their music, but you've definitely listened to an artist that was made to sound like them.

  33. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  34. A: My studio setup is quite basic, I have a protools HD2 system and my favourite pieces of hardware. I have a special place for outboard compressors and tube pre amps. They’ve been curated over the years and so far it’s the gear that I find the most versatile. I can mix a rap record and the next day reconfigure for a pop/rock track. I like the flexibility of working both in the digital and analog domain.

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Pop/Rock: Demi Lovato

I was the Recording, Editing & Mixing engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

Deposit of 50% upon commitment. The remaining balance is due on approval of master track. All files will be send via Dropbox, wetransfer or client supplied media device.

GenresSounds Like
  • Stand Atlantic
  • Hot Milk
  • State Champs
Gear Highlights
  • Protools HD2
  • Manley Core
  • SSL G compressor
  • 1176’s
  • Dbx 160VU
  • 161 &160X
  • Avalon U5
  • SPL golden pre
  • 1073’s
  • LA2A
  • LA3A
  • EQP1A’s
  • Mics: Manley RefC
  • U47
  • C414
  • C451
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SoundBetter Deal

25% off first record/single mix, 15% off when mixing a multi song project