Joe Kelly Jr. on SoundBetter

Joe Kelly Jr. is a dynamic producer, recording/mix engineer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer known for his original music and lyrics rooted in the human condition and convictions.

As the former leading songwriter and lyricist of Toronto indie rock outfit My Psycho Ex. Joe helped release MPX's self-titled full-length record and an explosive EP titled Coyotes. Currently, he produces his own music under the moniker Oceanview Jr, showcasing his versatility as a singer/songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and engineer. Joe's heartfelt compositions continue to captivate audiences with their raw emotion and soul-stirring melodies.

Joe Graduated from Musician Institutes Recording Arts program, Los Angelas 1997. Joe is an independent, self produced musician. He works great with similar artists trying to find their way through an ever changing landscape. Joe puts the art and the artist first.

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Credits

Languages

English

19 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Joe Kelly Jr.

by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
Joe is one of my favorite artists/producers. I always enjoy working on his projects.
by Gilad
Verified
Joe is a true professional with great energy and vibe he intuitively get it and how to make great vocals 🙏❤️
by P.M.
Verified
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Joe on a recent song, and I had a great experience. As a singer-songwriter, finding the right producer who not only understands your vision but elevates it to new heights is a rare gem, and Joe is able to do that.
From our initial discussions to the final mix, Joe demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in my music. His passion for the craft was evident in every step of the process, and it really made a difference!
by Melissa L.
Verified
Amazing attention to detail, project completed in an efficient and timely manner, great communication and overall a pleasure to work with. Thanks Joe!
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
Joe is one of the best producers that I worked with. It is always a fantastic experience working with him. Thank you very much, sir!
by Elliot James Mulhern Mastering
Verified (Client)
Incredible experience with Joe entirely, super professional, perfect communication and mega talented, highly recommend !
by David Mohacsi
Verified (Client)
This was my first time working with Joe and it was a great experience! Hope we can work together again soon!
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
It's a real honor and joy to track drums and percussion for Joe's projects. I'm so glad and thankful for being part of his music.
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
Super multi-talented artist. I'm so glad to work with him. Thank you so much, Joe.
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
I feel so honored and happy every time Joe invites me to work on his projects. I wrote this once, but I have to do it again: he's a multi-talented singer-songwriter. I love his music. Thank you so much, sir!
by Charlene
Verified (Client)
A dream project of beautiful truly unique songs. Was an inspiration to work on Joe's music because it's rare to find his type of musicianship. Professional and highly recommended.
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
AWESOME artist. Thank you so much, sir!
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
I feel so lucky to work for talented artists here at SoundBetter, and Joe is one of them. Thanks a lot for choosing me, sir!
by Matthew DeRubertis
Verified (Client)
I had a great time working with Joe J. Fun, groovy songs that were a blast to write parts for! Communication was prompt and clear.
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
Again, I'm so glad to be part of Joe's music. Thank you very much, Sir!
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
It's such a great pleasure and honor to be again part of Joe's music. Thanks a lot, Sir!
by Palli
Verified (Client)
It was a pleasure to work with Joe. He gave me plenty of room to be creative but also just enough direction to let me know what he was looking for to make his tune come alive. His music was so much fun to play on for a bass player. I can't wait to hear more from him.
by Marcelo Effori
Verified (Client)
First time recording for Joe, and it was a great experience. Excellent communication, a beautiful song, and a very good audio reference to record on. Thanks a lot, Sir! Hope to work again with you.
by Clifton David Broadbridge
I’ve worked with Joe producing and mixing a few of his albums and singles. He is an incredible talent and brilliant songwriter. I always look forward to working with him!

Interview with Joe Kelly Jr.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm currently wrapped up working with singer songwriter Paulina Morgan. I helped arrange, I played multiple instruments, recorded, mixed and mastered a pop/rock singles for her. I am also working with the UK band Jones Radio. Currently in writing / pre production with band members in New York, Toronto, Germany and the UK. I just released a single called LOVE, under the name Oceanview Jr., and am currently finishing tracking 3 singles of my own.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a recording engineer in Los Angelas in the late 90's and slowly gathered the tools and skills to self produce and release music. Now I'm an independent artist releasing music consistently and producing other artists.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Organic. Dynamic. Rich. Conviction.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I bounce back and forth from a home studio to a recording studio I'm associated with. UAD Apollo X4, all the plug ins, vintage fender guitar and bass. Access to an amazing mic locker and tracking studio.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I engineered a song called Crazy L'il Mouse by In Bloom. The song was featured in the film The Bandits (Bruce Willis. Billy Bob Thornton). I saw this band in a tiny club in Santa Monica. Approached them after and we went on to record 3 songs. Two of the members turned out to be the sons of Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. Fun project with a great outcome. It's on Youtube.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Marcelo Ifori
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Hybrid. Recall is magic to those of us who worked on consoles. The ability to edit is great. Finishing in analog or even just printing to tape adds that certain character. Analog provides depth and separation that is hard to emulate in the digital world. I choose both.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Communication. You're going to get what you want. I always get there.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It's technical. It's not. Everything is in the song.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Push your own limits. Go further.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Sade, Night Moves, Miley Cyrus, Band of Horses. A lot of love in theses artists.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I recently completed a modern pop/rock song for a client. I would say I float around the Indie rock vibe but my tastes are extensive and my influences go deep. Versatile and engaged.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Flow. I can keep the tech moving in the background and keep the sessions focused on the music. I'm an artist as well. I know that when I'm working on my music I don't want to be overwhelmed with tech.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm have inspired by many artists, producers and engineers over the years. Rick Rubin, Neil Young, The Flaming Lips, Band of Horses, Modest Mouse, Dave Fredmann, Steve Albini and on and on.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: People. I think they are magical. To be able to take an idea from our imaginations and bring it into the real work is quite a spectacular thing.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q) What do you think of this? A) What do YOU think of it?
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I listen. The questions naturally come. I like to figure out what lights them up. What got them to this stage and place.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, Apollo, 57, acoustic guitar, bass guitar
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Baskin Robins serves 31 flavours of ice cream. Vanilla outsells them all
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring exceptional vision to every song. I get inside the song and turn it inside out and outside in making sure we've got it all. Sometimes that is very little. Subtleties in emotion and colour.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I flex with the artist. Getting that initial communication is key. Go over references and research. Find the vibe. Get to it.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Up to this point it's been helping artists get across the finish line, whatever that may be. Most recently producing. Including writing, arranging, performing, recording, mixing and mastering for clients.