I specialize in atmospheric productions for cinematic projects from films and commercials to songs for other artists. I enjoy working for indie/pop/folk/rock projects and singer-songwriters who can record their bedtracks on their own and are looking for help with the arrangements and the whole production. I love writing film scores and jingles.
I have over 15 years of experience working as a film composer and producer in the music, advertising, and film industries. I hold a music production degree from Nimbus in Vancouver, BC. I also have worked with well-known brands such as Netflix, Coca-Cola, Knorr, Tag Heuer, Levi's, Rolex, and more. Furthermore, I am also a singer/songwriter, having released 3 albums, an OST for the feature documentary "Unbounded" and I've been nominated in festivals for my sound design work for the film "What's My Name Again?".
Artists I've worked with include Chino y Nacho, Rawayana, Hanggai (China), Ozuna (Puerto Rico), Stephanie Ratcliff (Canada), Anakena, El Otro Polo, Caleb Isaacs (New Zealand), Tropical Man Go, Andrés Mata, Feralman (UK), Liana Malva, and many others. I learned to produce and engineer music from music giants such as Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd) and Garth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers).
If you are seeking someone who cares deeply about the creative process and the quality of the final product, and if you have written a story with a powerful meaning, my goal is to give it the time and attention it deserves to capture the emotion in the best way possible.
Services offered:
- Music production for artists.
- Writing to picture & jingle composition.
- Mixing and recording engineering.
- Post audio production: Sound Design, Foley, ADR and audio restoration.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Credits
28 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
Endorse Rafael Rico
check_circleVerifiedRafael is an incredible producer and composer. He was a voice of encouragement and wisdom while I created my song, and helped me explore the sounds and textures that worked with my song and the world I was trying to build.
You can't ask for a better collaborator, he's professional, brilliant, patient, meticulous, kind and supportive.
check_circleVerifiedAMAZING! 10/10 Brilliant producer. Great communicator and made as many amends as I wanted. Definitely would work with Rafael again!
check_circleVerified (Client)It was a pleasure working with Rafael as he is not only a nice person but also very clear in communicating the musical direction/vision. Looking forward to working on more projects to come.
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Rafael was great to work with! So patient and accommodating. He really listens to the feedback and is unafraid to try different things. It was a pleasure collaborating with him :)
check_circleVerifiedRafael was great to work with. He has a great ear for creating rich soundscapes while maintaining the core energy of track. He is responsive with quick turnaround times and provides appropriate direction and advice when needed. I look forward to having him apply his magic touch to more of my songs.
check_circleVerifiedRafael is a fantastic soul to work with. He is very well spoken and brings great ideas to a record. He's flexible and open to suggestions. He put in the work until everything was perfect. Will be working with him again soon!
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MASSIVE PRAISE and WHOLEHEARTED RECOMMENDATION for Raf. I am both delighted and saddened to have just completed my project with him. He helped me with the entire album (check out Feralman). Raf is an outstanding musician, composer and producer. He his highly emotionally intelligent and it is evident in how sensitively and carefully he goes about his work. I wanted to bring elements of soundscape and cinema to my music while retaining the feel and intimacy in my songs. Raf nailed it, seriously.
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I've just finished working on a song with Raf and I'm extremely happy, so happy in fact that I've entrusted him with the entire production of my forthcoming album, an additional 9 songs.
It's obviously important to find the right connection with your producer and Raf and I are definitely on the same page. He has treated his/my work with care and emotion and has dug deep into the feeling and soul and vibe of this song and my sound overall. He has taken his time and truly delivered. 
check_circleVerifiedI loved every step of the way in collaborating with Rafael! He was open and heard me out, even when it was outside of the box! He is super talented and wonderful to communicate with...he did an amazing job. I am very happy with what we created and I look forward to the next!
check_circleVerifiedOutstanding result for a great price.
I'll certainly be coming to Rafael for future projects.The project had delays at both ends but he showed passion in the project, politely took on board edit requests/feedback and was a pleasure to work with :)
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From the first contact Rafael, I felt very comfortable. I entrusted him with the arrangement of my first song, which thanks to his professionalism, know-how and a good dose of passion has become a great piece. I'm glad to go back to work with him and I recommend him highly.
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Very professional and easy to work with. Super happy with the end product
Raf was awesome every step of the way. I’ve worked with him on 2 projects now and will certainly be working with him in the future. Constantly professional, reliable, and extremely talented! 10/10!
Just had the most delightful and creative time working with RAF on TOMORROW the short film from the prestigious LEE STRASBERG THEATRE AND FILM INSTITUTE. RAF did truly great and innovative work on the film and brought a resource of talent and professionalism to the process. The final mix has truly elevated the film. Can’t wait to work with him again. Thank you RAF.
Rafael is a very talented person with great communication skills. Working with him was overall a 10/10 experience. I highly recommend.
Rafael is a very talented person with great communication skills. Working with him was overall a 10/10 experience. I highly recommend.
Rafael helped me score a short film that I wrote and directed and I was very impressed by his ability to take direction, add artistic input, and work in a timely manner. His communication was always prompt and professional and he did a fantastic job of understanding what the story needed and heeding feedback with deliberation and authenticity - I appreciate his work and would absolutely recommend him and look forward to working with him in the future.
Rafael was one of the easiest composers to work with. Really injected his own vision and creativity into our project, yet was so receptive to any feedback. It was so great to work with you Rafa, thanks again!
Hi I intersted for composer my phone number is 4026860485 my nombre Artistico JNasha. Thanks
Highly professional. Very recommended composer and instrumentalist .
Interview with Rafael Rico
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie Folk/Rock, Alternative, Country, Blues, Soundtrack, Cinematic, Ambience, Orchestral, Electronica, etc.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Deadline, references and goals.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work in my home studio in a mountain in the outsides of Caracas. It's cozy and inspiring, I sit right next to a chimney and I'm surrounded by nature. I have a small but efficient setup with top-notch equipment which allow me to be creative and offer the best quality at the same time.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I had the opportunity to work on the original soundtrack for a feature documentary called "Unbounded". It narrates the story of 4 young travelers hiking for 4 months in the wild Patagonia. I'm constantly inspired by nature and being part of such an adventurous project, presented as an ode to wilderness and its preservation, is an honor for me. To find the right sound and tone for this film, I dug deep into the music of Gustavo Santaolalla, Simón Díaz, Olafur Arnalds, Eddie Vedder's solo albums, along with other inspiring artists. The director's intention was clear, he was looking for acoustic and organic ambiences slightly focused on the South American cultural aspects. As a latin american singer songwriter, I couldn't find this opportunity more fittable for me. You can find this soundtrack in all the digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, etc.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Depending on the project. Usually, the production should start with a meeting, defining the objectives and the characteristics of the project. This is where all the ideas are thrown at the table. Once we have a direction, we define what is that we need to make it happen. If it's an audiovisual piece, a spotting session is needed to spot the parts of the piece that need to be scored and/or sound designed.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: As a film composer, I'm inclined into melancholic, introspective and modern sounds. Some kind of electronic soundscapes with organic and classical textures. As a singer/songwriter, indie folk rock is what prevails, but I'm always trying to experiment with new things around that.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Olafur Arnalds Christian Henson Bruce Springsteen Glen Hansard Gustavo Santaolalla
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Nowadays, you can barely tell the difference and it saves you tons of time (and money). Though analog helps you discover new places in your imagination.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: When a customer gives me freedom with my work. Deeply appreciated.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be as specific as possible, show references and stick to the locked picture.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My guitar, a notebook, a pen, a capo and a cup of coffee.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started writing songs at the age of 13.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Organization is key.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Creativity and good taste!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: It's my job to nail the intention of the scene and support the visuals with music to evoke emotions.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I do everything around the post-audio production of your pieces, specially writing music and sound designing.
I was the producer, guitarist and arranger in this production
- Water Made With You by Benjamin Fruit (Indie Folk)
- Reel 2022 by Rafa Rico (Ads & Films)
- Our Place In Time by Mike Wolf (Orchestral)
- Where Were You Before by Feralman (Indie Folk)
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- Sound DesignContact for pricing
You get 2 revisions (3 takes total). Let's fully discuss expectations and share references prior to tracking to nail what your project needs. Commercial projects budgets vary depending on license type
- The National
- The War On Drugs
- Gustavo Santaolalla
- Macmini 2018 32GB
- Apollo Twin Quad
- Octopre Dynamic MkII
- Yamaha HS5 spkrs
- Epi Sheraton II
- Taylor 114e
- Gibson Les Paul
- Yamaha RBX A2
- Gretsch Jim Dandy
- Admira classical guitar
- Senn HD600
- Fender Frontman 212r
- Zoom H6
- Se T2 mic
- SM57 mic
- Senn ME66 mic
10% bulk discount, 15% customer loyalty discount
