Demo Production & Ear Candy

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

A: I would definitely recommend Matteo Cerescioli because his production and sound design work is top-notch.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I don't base my production decisions on whether something is analog or digital, I base it on if it sounds good, if it's appropriate for the project, and what the client's goals are for the project.

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

A: Basic pop demo production, creating the musical foundation for demos, song structure, transitions, sound design, and correcting the pitch of vocal stems at a high level using Melodyne 5 Studio.

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

A: I am very proud of my work on my July 2021 single release "Get Out" because it shows my continued growth as a vocalist, vocal producer, lyricist, melody writer, songwriter, programmer, producer, mixing engineer, editor, and graphic designer.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like that I get to help artists and songwriters make the best product they can.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you going for with this? Do you have any parts already recorded, for example, a starter idea?

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

A: Have an idea of what kind of sound you are going for.

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

A: 1. MacBook 2. MIDI keyboard 3. Guitar 4. Interface 5. Mic

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

A: I have had a variety of jobs and am just getting started. I have a degree in Music Business from UMass Lowell and Professional Certificates from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA in their Electronic Music Production and Independent Artist programs.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is Alternative Pop/R&B.

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

A: I would like to work with Anne-Marie because I think we have similar pop music instincts.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When mixing in Logic, to prevent clipping on the Stereo Out track (to the left of the Master track), you don’t have to select all the tracks/busses and drag the faders down relative to each other. Just put a Channel EQ on the “Stereo Out” track and drag the Gain on the right side down until the Stereo Out no longer goes past 0.0 dB at any point when you’re listening to the project! That way you don’t mess up your mix if you got it sounding how you like it but it’s clipping. That way you don’t have to totally redo all the mixing.

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

A: I usually work on Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, EDM, and Alternative.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ear for melody, pitch, and rhythm.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a very keen and timeless melodic sense and an awareness of rhythmic precision.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process is working with stems and finding all the major points that need editing and fixing those and then going back in and doing the smaller details in between. When I am working in the room with the artist and another writer, we come together, in the beginning, talking about what the song is about and the type of aesthetic they're going for, then I go into producer mode and put together the beginnings of the track. We check in with each other periodically each step of the way to make sure it's going right.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work primarily "in-the-box", but my studio setup consists of my SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface, M-Audio Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard, Aston Microphones Origin Single pattern condenser mic (Cardioid) with -10dB pad and 80Hz bass cut, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Shure X2U USB Microphone, MacBook Pro, Photoshop, and my 4K Camcorder.

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

A: I am inspired by tons of other musicians and music production professionals. Some of them are Greg Kurstin, Billy Walsh, SWIM, Anne-Marie, Dr. Luke, Tayla Parx, Sasha Alex Sloan, Tyler Cole, Rogét Chahayed, Carl McCormick, Mike Will Made It, and Third Eye Blind.