Singer, Songwriter, Producer

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

A: I was recently hired to mix a song that had several mixers try before me. One of those mixers was a well known guy in Sweeden. The artist was very unhappy with all of the others which made me a little nervous. I heard the other mixes and they were not bad, but I understood what was lacking. I took on the project and decided to mix the song analog with all my vintage gear. The client was so happy that we talked on Skype for 2 hours and he expressed his gratitude. Here is the review he left me.. "This was my best experience ever, working with an online engineer. Ziv brings 3 elements with him, which make him excel from the many services online: He brings the passion of a great musician, the ears and skills of an experienced engineer and a big talent for communication. "

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have 2 mixing projects for an artist in Los Angeles, a couple of full productions for a children's book/movie series, and a few "my vocals on your track."

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I have recently joined Soundbetter so I don't know anyone personally, but I'm sure there are many great providers here who would do an excellent job.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I use both analog and digital. They are both great tools and there is a time when either one is appropriate.

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

A: The end product will be what you had in your vision! I don't put a cap on revisions, so it's done when you say it's done.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I get to do music full time and spend most of my day doing what I love most.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: They usually ask me why I am willing to communicate via Skype and on the phone when most don't. My answer is simple, this process is more than just about the music. It is about relationships and building trust between me and my clients.

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

A: That because my rates are very affordable, the product might suffer. It never does, I only deliver radio quality work.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1. What feeling do you want this song to evoke 2. What is your target audience 3. To whom will song be delivered 4. What is best way I can help you

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

A: Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. It's your song/project...you will never regret demanding excellence , but you might regret not getting what you really wanted.

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

A: 1. Yamaha upright piano 2. Martin Acoustic guitar 3. Apple Macbook pro 4. Neumann U47 vintage mic 5. Korg keyboard

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

A: Much like artists like John Mayer, Sting, and Seal, I have always been a solo act that toured with a backing band. I built my company from the ground up. I learned to do booking, tour management, and all other aspects of the music business out of necessity. I had a few record deals fall through at the last minute and I just lost the desire to keep fighting to complete a contract with one of the majors. So I built my own label, my own management company, my own booking arm, and cruised on for 12 years. It was the best decision I ever made. My start came playing the streets of Los Angeles with a boombox. I soon started selling records and graduated to a full blown P.A. and 6 hours a night singing at the Santa Monica Promenade, Universal Studios, or Hollywood and Highland. These outdoor venues allowed me to make a lot of fans and make a nice living selling my own music on my own terms. In 2008 I started touring nationally and have been doing so since.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Clean with some edge, and with passion and energy.

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

A: I would love to work with any of the British piano based bands...(Coldplay, Keane, Radiohead...) I think they all the have the same influences I do and I happen to really love their work.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Music production is a natural extension of thoughtful arrangement. Classical music is where I got my start, especially with Bach and Beethoven. If you can hear all four voices in a Bach fugue than you can do any kind of production. I think those early days of listening and trying to mimic the masters of yesteryear gave me ears to hear the space in recording. And production to me is about filling the space with color, rhythm and feeling. Pushing and pulling the listener and evoking a feeling.

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

A: Mostly rock/pop, alternative, rock, and some EDM.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is being able to create from very little. Most of my clients come to me with ideas that really need shaping and building. I love these projects because it allows me to really put in my energy.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring 15 years of professional writing, production, and artistic experience as well as passion and energy. Music is the language the I know and love most. I never settle for just ok, my goal is to have every client succeed with their song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The most important part for me is listening. Listening to what the client wants. My first pass is always mine, meaning, that I just go for what I hear in my head. I communicate with the client so that they can pick and choose what they like. Then, we come to a collaboration point where the best of me and the best of their original vision comes through. This has worked really well!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio centers around a custom 36 channel Soundraft 8000 vintage analog console and a Mac Pro 8 core with Logic X and Pro Tools 11. I also have great outboard gear...Neumann M149 microphone, several Lexicon effects units, Vintech and Jensen mic pres, Joe Meek SC2 master buss comp, and much more. My room is tuned and treated to have proper frequency response.

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

A: Keane, U2, Seal, Fink, Brian Eno, Trevor Horn, David Foster, Imagine Dragons, One Republic, Peter Gabriel and so many more.

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

A: The bulk of my work is music production, mixing, and my vocals on your song. I will always put the same care and attention into your work as I do on my own songs.