Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes

Producer & Recording Engineer

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5 Reviews (3 Verified)
Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes on SoundBetter

You write an awesome song. You put your heart into it. You save hard earned money to record. You put the best of yourself into making beautiful art. Then you release it into a world that values potato chips and unused gym memberships more than music. Truth is: your music matters, it is valuable, and it is generous. Thank you.

My name is Zach Hughes. I serve self-publishing singer-songwriters and artists. You can find me @heyzachhughes on IG.

First off, if you're an artist, thanks for doing what you do. You make beautiful art. That is noble and honorable work. Thank you.

If you're here that means you probably need help with production, mixing or mastering. I might be a good fit. I would encourage you to listen to my work before contacting me. Listen to my work on this Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08zOuX1YiFZYogsns8IakA?si=IuLF21P8Q4WH5vSr7SENpg

Here's my disclaimer:

If your song has real instruments in it, such as an acoustic guitar, then I strongly believe I will do a great job. If your music does not have real instrumentation, then I would recommend you look elsewhere.

My works generate millions of streams every month. My production & mix of "If You Were the Rain" written and performed by Stephen Day charted at #2 on Spotify's Global Viral Chart.

I value open communication and candor. I work efficiently. I will keep you in the loop every step of way.

Thank you for your consideration.

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes
  1. Review by Anna W.
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    Zach did a really beautiful job mastering a track of mine. He was also willing to go the extra mile to help me out when I wanted to hear alternate versions. He is clearly very talented and also kind. Highly recommend.

  2. Review by Justin K.
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    Zach is absolutely tremendous. His attention to detail was patently clear from start to finish and he saw my song through several stages of revision with patience and encouragement. Zach was able to hear things in this song (both technically and artistically) that I couldn't, and to bring this to completion in a wonderful way. Hope to have the chance to work with him again!

  3. Review by Mikey J.
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    I couldn’t be happier with my first ever time using SoundBetter because I was able to land this incredible opportunity to collaborate with Zach. The entire process was not only pleasant and professional, but every bit of exciting and inspiring as a songwriter/musician would want a creative collaboration to be. If you’re looking for someone who understands the analog sound thoroughly and you want your track to shine, look no further. Will 100% be coming back for future business!

  4. Review by Rand Walter
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    by Rand Walter

    Where to start with Zach Hughes? We've been working together for 5 years now (!!) and he somehow wormed his way into my little heart, even managing to land a coveted groomsman spot in my wedding last year. Still not sure how he did that. Anywho. Zach is a meticulous and deeply thoughtful tracking and mix engineer. He's much more than a technician though; he's a great guitarist and a better friend, and he's always up for trying something new or different. He will shoot you straight if you let him, and I would highly recommend doing so. Everything he does is in service of the song.

  5. Review by William Holk
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    by William Holk

    Zach is an incredibly talented musician, producer, and engineer. He helped me turn my janky demos into quality, professional recordings that I’m extremely proud of. He will pour his heart and soul into fully fleshing out your songs. He is willing to write rad guitar parts, help you experiment with wacky background vocals, create fire mixes, and do so much more to help you realize your vision for your art. Working with him is truly a blast and a wonderful experience.

Interview with Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes

  1. Q: How would you describe your style?

  2. A: Soulful. Every song has a soul. My style is to let that soul shine and not crush it with with too much compression, lack of dynamic range, high frequency additive shelfs, etc...

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

  4. A: Listen to my work. Listen to the other providers work. Have a goal. Have a vision. Determine who you work with based off how well they can help you achieve your goals. If you don't have a goal and you don't have a vision, then you may not be ready to hire a provider.

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

  6. A: Gear is not the answer.

  7. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  8. A: I picked up guitar at 10 years old. I started writing songs at 15. I earned my degree in Audio Engineering Technology at 22. I worked shitty jobs and hustled to get freelance audio gigs for two years. I started doing full-time music in 2017. Now I'm here to help you.

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

  10. A: Glen Hansard. He has my heart.

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

  12. A: Yes I can. Background vocals can turn a good production into a great production. I would encourage you to experiment with harmonies, layers, doubles, etc... I love making pads from vocal layers because it's a sound no one else in the world can replicate.

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

  14. A: I primarily work with local artists & bands in Nashville. They play real instruments. Indie folk, pop, rock, alternative, singer-songwriter, etc...

  15. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  16. A: I'm good at starting and finishing projects. I work deeply and can enter into hyper extreme super duper focus mode.

  17. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  18. A: I built a 600 sq ft detached studio building in my backyard. There's a very cool story spotlight chronicling the process on my Instagram @lostharbormusic.

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

  20. A: I help independent artists produce music.

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If You Were The Rain by Stephen Day

I was the Producer, Record, Mix & Mastering Engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

Unlimited mix revisions (revisions must be requested within 30 days of receiving the first mix). 24 hour delivery per song on initial mixes (excluding revisions) once a mixing day has been booked.

GenresSounds Like
  • John Mayer
  • Allen Stone
  • Stephen Day
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