Joseph Barrios on SoundBetter

I'm an Indie Electronic Pop, producer/engineer in LA. Whether you're looking to build a track from the ground up or add the last creative touches, I'm here to bring your musical ideas to life! I've worked with COIN, The Lonely Biscuits, Rusty Clanton, and on my own project Jonie. I've also written music for Netflix and other film projects.

My passion is to create bold sounds in the music that I work on. I strive to work closely with my clients in order to nail down exactly what their vision is. I've worked on indie, electronic, pop, rock, hip hop, singer-songwriter projects, and love to cross genres in order to make something fresh and exciting. Some of my productions have been featured on Netflix series, full-length films, and web series, and I've worked as the producer, mixing engineer, songwriter, and instrumentalists on projects big and small.

Before you commit to working with me on your project, I'll work with you to asses exactly what you're vision is, listen to references, and layout a gameplan on how best to approach the recording process and draw up a schedule for production. I'm happy to do this free of charge and once you've sent me a message via the "Contact Now" button I'll reply within at least 48 hours so I can learn more about your vision.

Let's make something unique and interesting that'll move your career forward. Feel free to reach out through the contact button above and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Recent discography Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D1NjDN3NQyLBEvFDKuuZP?si=7rymVrlMRm2m28GdJzs4bw

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

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Joseph Barrios

Sebastián Yatra
Warren Storm
Joe Barry
Joe Barry
Jonie
Jonie
Jonie
Jonie

13 Reviews

Endorse Joseph Barrios

by Rebecca R.
Verified
I can't say enough good things about working with Joseph! He was communicative, super enthusiastic, and brought so many amazing ideas into the process to take my song to the next level. Cannot recommend him enough!! Already looking forward to working with him again in the future :-)
by Bella F.
Verified
Joseph is so kind and helpful, he really takes his time to understand your track and takes it to heart. He listened and is more than willing to go above and beyond
by Izabel
Verified (Client)
Joseph was very clear, professional and overall a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend and hope to work together again in the near future!
by Toby H.
Verified
Joseph is an incredible talent who uses professionalism, intentionality, and a massive range of expertise to perfectly match exactly where a project needs to go. A 5 star rating is an understatement!!!
by Saniyah X
Verified (Client)
Jonie was an absolute pleasure to work with! From the moment he reached out, the music and communication were 10/10. I look forward to our final product and working with him in the future!
by David and Tiffany
Verified (Client)
Knew what he was looking for on this song and provided clear direction!
by Zach Chafin
Verified (Client)
I always love working with Joseph! He is an incredible musician + producer with some amazing ideas. Joseph is a dream to work with and can take your project to the next level.
by Nathan D.
Verified
Joseph was a pleasure to work with. Detailed and speedy communication, invested in the project, and contributed artistic vision where it was needed.
by Jake P.
Verified
Joseph took my track far and above what I imagined it could be - it was a blast working with him! Throughout the entire process, he brought his A-game to every aspect - stellar musicianship, creative production, collaborative and thorough - all on top of being such a friendly & easy to work with guy. Can't wait to work with him again!
by Monica
Verified
Joseph brought my instrumental to life! He is kind, encouraging, and patient. Very accommodating when it came to making continuous changes to the track.
by Hubert M.
Verified
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Joseph! He’s detailed, collaborative, creative and is able to take simple direction and turn back something 10 times better. Can’t wait to work on the next song together!
by Erik M.
Verified
Joseph has an ear for production as well as the ability to bring new and unique tracking and production ideas to the table. We worked with him at OOKO Studios and had great results tracking live. He's efficient and provides explanation to his processes while always considering our vision. Highly recommend working with him!!
by Zach R.
Verified
Joseph was great to work with every way. He was able to contribute valuable ideas and balanced it well with his ability to respect the source material. Timely, efficient, and highly professional both in the studio and during the mixing and mastering process. Would highly recommend!

Interview with Joseph Barrios

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: If Rolling Stone reviewed this single/EP/album we're about to work on, what would it say? Which artists inspire you? What are some references for your project? What is your timeframe?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Talk with them and make sure their vision aligns with yours. Ask lots of questions. If you have similar tastes and you vibe with their style, then it's a good fit.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Nile Rogers. His sound is so effortlessly cool. I think I could learn years of music wisdom from one studio session with him.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work from home in Los Angeles, bouncing between Ableton, Logic, and Pro Tools. I have lots of little toys, from synths to guitars to effects pedals to analog gear. I also bounce around other studios here in LA if there's a specific setting a client is looking for.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most of my work is working with vocalists and songwriters to build an interesting track/arrangement around their songs that matches their vision. I love to take a demo with just a vocal and guitar or piano track and build a whole arrangement from a simple foundation.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Lately, I've been working with an artist to build their sound from the ground up: Writing songs, tracking, mixing. I love being able to guide artists through that journey and help them bring their best music out into the world.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I know a few fellow producers/musicians on here, and can always refer if I fell I'm not the best fit.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog going in to get the color. Digital in the back for the flexibility. And then I like to print effects through analog gear in order to commit to ideas. So both in different ways! There are no rules!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'll always go hard for your art. I only choose projects I'm passionate about and that I can devote myself 100% to.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with artistic people.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: I think most of the artists that I work with want to know artistically where I fall and what my influences are. I think this is the most important question you can ask a producer! I try to keep a healthy diet of music that inspires me: from alternative, to pop, to hip-hop, r&b, to global flavors - I love to talk about music before a project gets started to get inspired.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think most people don't understand how much time "electronic" music takes. From the initial idea to the finished product so many hours go into getting things dialed in to be just right.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Fender strat, Linndrum LM-1, Shure SM7B, audio interface, and a Macbook.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've done just about everything, from touring to working on the industry side, to now landing in the studio and helping the artist to realize their vision.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Funky, catchy, but with some texture.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I can yoyo really well.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: With every project, I work on I hope I bring my sensibility for melodic catchy pop music, but clothed in a weirder/more unique production. If I could find the balance between Max Martin and Rick Rubin I'd be completely happy.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There are so many! Producers/Engineers that come to mind are Nile Rodgers, Dave Fridmann, Steve Albini, Brian Eno, John Congleton, Eric Valentine, Greg Wells, Mike Dean, Tom Elmhirst Artists: Prince, Chic, Michael Jackson, Toro y Moi, Tame Impala, Washed Out, Flume, Kaytranda, Blood Orange, Still Woozy, SG Lewis, Charli XCX, and many many more.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like treating music like a 9-5. Starting early in the morning helps me to be focused and alert. Often, before a session begins, I sit and listen to references, or make notes on things I want to accomplish. I then like to let go of the analytical side and get creative, experimenting with sounds, and then finishing the process by making notes on what's need to complete the project.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Right now I'm working on SoundBetter project with an artist based in Shanghai to complete their track. The internet is an amazing thing!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Forget the rules. Does it sound good?
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Anything interesting that's just a little left of center. I love indie pop, electro, rock, alternative, electronic, house, and hip hop.