R&B/Pop Music Producer

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

A: The song on my profile, ''Wave'' by Diomi, is a song I am very proud of because I put a lot of work and passion into it and it was received very well. It was an experimental journey with the production, mixing R&B and a bit of EDM sounds but I think it came out great and captured a great vibe. It was a slow organic grower, eventually getting 140K+ Spotify streams as Diomi's debut single.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on multiple client projects, ranging from R&B to Hip-Hop and UK Garage. I do artist management with an R&B Artist here in Dubai, and also do commercial DJ mixes on the side.

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

A: Wes Whelan is a great vocalist, I collabed with him on ''Lost & Found'', a track that is coming out soon.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Currently digital because it is easily accessible and useful for production but for mixing I like to experiment with analog textures and it can be cool to master a track through analog as well.

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

A: I will always do my best with my clients, I put passion into my work and the music I make. It is very important to me.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: For me it is fulfilling helping an artist create the art they have in their mind and heart and helping them showcase it to the world in a way that it can not only fulfill them but their audience too. Bringing joy to the world is definitely an amazing part of this job.

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

A: I've been asked whether I help with writing, which I do. And also I've been asked how long a typical project might take. In my experience, 3 weeks is a good time frame to look at for finishing a single from start to finish. First week for writing and demo production, second week for the final vocal recording, third week for final production and mixing/mastering. With 1 meeting or 2 per week. Time frame may be quicker depending on how quick we work, whether the song has been written already and/or what else the client may need. Additionally, artists ask me if I help with branding or artist development which I do too and which is a main thing on my mind when I am helping them produce their song.

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

A: That I only produce beats. I do make beats but it is a small part of my process. When it comes to producing music for an artist, the important part in my opinion is connecting with the emotions they want to exemplify in their music. This makes it a much deeper pursuit than simply making a beat. For me it's about showcasing the artist and their song in the best light possible.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually do a full interview before starting work asking them their past success, goals, and whether or not they are happy with their current situation. This helps me assess how I can help them reach their goals in the best way.

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

A: Check out their other work and see if it aligns with your vision. Secondly, just see if you think you would vibe with the person, as music is a very personal thing.

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

A: Macbook Pro for software, iLoud MTMs for sound, Komplete Kontrol to play on, Bluebird Mic to record vocals and Apogee Duet for sound.

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

A: I actually started producing when I was just 9 or 10 years old when I found a videogame EJay that was basically a basic DAW. I started taking it seriously at 16, recording myself and rappers from my high school. I then went to London College of Music and also attended ICON Collective in LA. At first I focused on my music as a solo self-producing artist but then, with the guidance of an Atlantic A&R in NYC transitioned into the producer path that I am on now. This is why I currently also help a lot with writing for the artists I work with.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is rhythmical and catchy, through the use of funky drums and r&b pop melodies. I like to drive the listener forward with dynamics while taking them on an emotional journey.

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

A: I would love to work with Charlie Puth as I think it would be a lot of fun. I would also like to work with Justin Bieber as I think he is amazingly talented. I also would like to work with Jay Park in Korea as they create New R&B that is fresh and current.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: The production has to support the singer and the song. So whatever the production does, make sure it is in favor of the message of the song and what the song needs. I think it's important to build a production around that.

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

A: Pop/R&B Music but I also produce some Latin and Singer/Songwriter records.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ear for melodies and finding a suitable production for a song -- I have done this for 10 years, since I was 16 years old and before.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring R&B/Soul and poppy-ness to a song. I like to create music that has meaning but package it in a way, with catchy melodies and suitable production that it also can connect to the mainstream Pop audience.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When producing a record with an artist, I initially have a pre-production session with them to sit down and discuss their artistry so far and where they would like to go. Then, we will have a writing session and produce a demo beat. Then we will get full demo vocals down. Then I will fully produce the beat and we record final vocals. Most often, I will do the mix and then I can master it or send it off to a mastering engineer. Then we're done!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I produce on Rokit KRK Monitors as they help me get a vibe going. I play the different instruments, keys and chords on my Komplete Kontrol and record vocals on my Bluebird Mic or Shure SM7b.

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

A: Charlie Puth has recently become a great inspiration of mine, the way he blends funky chords into Pop music and creates this clean sound of his (check out his song ''Girlfriend'' if you're reading this for an example). Max Martin is among the great producers I admire and look up to. Craig David is one of my favorite artists. I like to create soulful music with a pop taste.

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

A: I most commonly work with R&B Pop artists and help them get the sound they want that fits their brand. Additionally, I help them with branding and bringing it to the market.