Rich Woodson on SoundBetter

Hi. I'm a composer/producer/songwriter based in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I love writing sophisticated melodies/harmonies and building pop productions. I strive for catchiness above all else.

I always start with harmonies, then add bass to anchor the root (usually) then a scratch beat and lastly the vocal melody, which (as with everything else) I write directly into Logic using MIDI. Sometimes a melody comes together in 5 minutes, sometimes it takes weeks and sometimes nothing ever comes of a particular sequence of melody, chords, and rhythms. Sometimes abandoning an idea (at least temporarily) is the best solution. As a lyric writer, I'm very much a "melodic math" guy. Melody first, then fit syllables to the melodic contour. The words have to make sense, of course, on both micro and macro levels and have a sense of overall narrative arc. But having said that, my process is pretty 'mathy.' In most instances, if there's something novel about a song's melodic and harmonic construction, people will go along with just about any kind of lyric. It helps though if it's sung well.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

7 Reviews

Endorse Rich Woodson

by Michelle Rescigno
Verified (Client)
Rich is always so great to work with! He's super professional and quick to respond with notes, etc. Love doing projects with him!
by Michelle Rescigno
Verified (Client)
Love working with Rich! Fun songs, unique, gives great direction, clear communication.
by Michelle Rescigno
Verified (Client)
Loved working with Rich - super professional, great communication and a really fun song. Awesome experience!
by Matt Dougherty
Verified (Client)
Good times per usual!
by Gabriel Kitzman
Verified (Client)
Great songs with an fun vibe ! Excited to jump in the next one 🤘🏻
by Gabriel Kitzman
Verified (Client)
Great track, great song, great attitude. Loved the opportunity to sing for Rich. Definitely a master of melody, if you have the chance to work on one of his songs take it
by Matt Dougherty
Verified (Client)
GREAT time working with Rich on his track, super catchy and well written song. Very professional and super clear sense of direction, good times!

Interview with Rich Woodson

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Songs for a personal project.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Gabriel Kitzman, a singer in Nashville. Stellar vocals, great work ethic.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will do my best until everyone's happy.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: It's fun. Some days are more so than others. But as long as I'm busy I'm pretty content.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it's easy and quick. Making songs requires listening to the same song or songs many many times and making tweaks that to the undiscerning ear are either negligible or completely inaudible.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Know what you want going in. Try to be clear and upbeat in your communication, especially when asking for revisions of something that may not be what you were looking for originally. Communication style makes a HUGE difference!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: It's been a long, winding path from metal to avant-garde jazz to contemporary classical to pop. Not all paths are linear. Sometimes they're positively serpentine!
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Adele.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Serial compression. Stack compressors that each reduce gain by a dB or so as opposed to one compressor that reduces 4 dBs. Stacking compressors achieves the same amount of gain reduction but tonally and texturally, it allows for much more control and doesn't lead to smashing and pumping artifacts.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Harmonic and melodic sophistication and catchiness.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work out of my apartment with a pair of Yamaha HS 5 monitors, acoustic guitar, tambourine, shaker and a buttload of synth software on my MacBook Pro. I had my room "treated" about a year ago and everything sounds way better.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Greg Kurstin, Max Martin, Dr. Luke. As for composers, I think Burt Bacharach is absolutely top notch, as is Stephen Sondheim.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Songwriting (music) and production.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Deadline, goals, where will the song end up eventually? Demo? Release for digital distribution?
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Melodic, left-field pop.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Different shades of pop.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is writing melody. It helps to start off with harmony that's a little bit unusual but I can usually make something out of nothing in this regard. It's not always easy but I think the end result is worth it.