'Track Producer' 'Film Scores'

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

A: Writing additional music for Michael Mann's latest 'Ferrari' film starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Working on film projects and a fourth album feat. Lisa Gerrard on vocals and an incredible cast of guest artists.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. A perfect marriage. Just have to know how to use them both however Plugins and in the 'Box' is not enough. You need 'Analog' gear especially in 'Mastering'. One can only know this when you actually have 'Analog' gear.

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

A: How much do I charge?

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

A: Portable high def recording unit, Mic Pre, Mic, Computer with pro Tools, Solar Power Generator...

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

A: I started out investing in a tiny studio back in 1998 to later launch my business full time in 2003.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Cinematic, vocal, tribal, electronic, epic... Got to my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@MarcelloDeFrancisci1

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

A: I am already working with them...

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

A: Not at this time.

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

A: That I will deliver the best possible results for what we have agreed to work with. I have all the tools, track record and experience to do it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The collaborative process. I get to dive into a variety of creative areas that are not always comfortable, moreover, challenge me to grow while finding solutions. One always keeps learning something new.

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

A: That because I deliver fast it is actually easy... It's not and it takes serious effort.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What their expectations are, who they listen to or aspire to be, samples of such artists for reference purposes, what time frame they need material delivered by, and the budget they are working with.

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

A: Listen to a list of samples given by providers like myself and do an a/b comparison up against professional-commercially released work in a listening environment you trust. Do the comparison and choose someone who you feel best fits your needs regardless of credits, and make sure they will take your project to the finish line. Ask for references.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Do not cut corners to get the best result. Pay for good quality from the very inception of a recording. Outboard gear and a good producer engineer will save you headaches, and money. You cannot fix a bad mix in 'Mastering'. Plug ins will not deliver what a good outboard EQ, or Compressor-Limiter will provide. It also helps when you work with someone who knows how to use these tools.

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

A: Cinematic, World, Folk, Experimental, Electronic, Vocal, Choral

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Composing recording, arranging, producing, mixing- mastering.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Everything but the singer. Check out my work on my profile, search samples on my site, or Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/@MarcelloDeFrancisci1

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Spending days in the studio without going home...

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use both Cubase and Pro Tools. I have racks of outboard gear including Manley, SPL, Elysia, Pultec, and use mainly out-of-the-box tools to sculpt audio for better separation and clarity. Producing, mixing and mastering is very much a sound sculpture to me that requires an understanding of architecture alongside emotional response.

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

A: Lisa Gerrard, Eivor Palsdottir, Onuka, Hooverphonic, Wardruna, Kate Bush, Bjork.

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

A: I compose, produce, mix and master music for eclectic artists that are looking to do things out-of-the-box, especially in genres like albums, film, trailer, video game, and cinematic-world music. I have worked extensively as a motion picture soundtrack score composer, in addition, collaborated with Golden Globe winner-singer Lisa Gerrard who is well known for her work on "Gladiator", "Dune" and band member of Dead Can Dance.