Jonathan Warman on SoundBetter

From producing records that have been praised and reviewed in Spin + Pitchfork, to composing + producing music for major ad campaigns while creating a sonic identity for top brands and scoring indie films. I have an extensive amount of experience in many genres and production pathways.

Jonathan Warman is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer + engineer, and sound artist.

For the last five years Jonathan has been working as a music supervisor, composer, and producer overseeing the curation and creation of music at Microsoft. He has left a sonic thumbprint on many high profile projects including the next generation of Microsoft's audio language, leading global retail music programming, and writing/producing music for major campaigns and products (Xbox, Office, Halo Wars, Windows, Surface).

Currently his focus is bespoke composition for film, tv, and podcasts. Starting December 2019 he will start writing his first video game score. Beyond composing, he has records reviewed in Spin, Pitchfork and has a long history of producing, engineering and mixing records in the Seattle music scene.

Previously he toured as a guitarist and keyboardist while performing in A-list markets, major festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and even making the occasional television appearance. He has performed with, supported, and shared the stage with bands like Against Me!, Switchfoot, Silver Torches, The Lonely Forest, The Head and the Heart, Hello Goodbye, Jamestown Revival, Sarah Watkins of Nickel Creek, Kris Orlowski, Mansions, Cataldo, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Fences, City and Colour, and many more.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Jonathan Warman

Benjamin Verdoes
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
The Oregon Donor
The Oregon Donor
The Oregon Donor
The Oregon Donor
The Oregon Donor
Sea Fever
Sea Fever

5 Reviews

Endorse Jonathan Warman

by Adrianna K.
Verified
Jonathan is a joy to work with. Not only does he have serious tech skills, he also has a great friendly demeanor. He has fantastic communication skills and would update me all along the process. He also provided me with very organized files and multiple versions! A talented and artistic engineer!
by Jonathan D.
Verified
More than I could ask for! Jonathan was a great collaborator and really brought my song to life. 10/10.
by Caleb Jacobson
I gave Jonathan the stems for two songs, he deleted everything except the vocals and worked from the ground up on beautiful new melodies, chord progressions, and instrumentation. The way that Jonathan plays with dynamics and unique sounds are mind-blowing. Each song weaves effortlessly through the sections from start to finish. Jonathan’s creativity and imagination are inspiring. I highly recommend Jonathan for any musical project as he is a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and inspiration. I most certainly will be collaborating again soon!
by Brian Fisher
Jonathan co-produced and mixed some of my recent projects and I'm so grateful for the way he helped shape the sound. I typically produce and mix all my own stuff, but I am really happy with the results of our collaboration. He offered great feedback on the arrangement and helped shaped the tonal character of the songs, adding just enough grit and punch where it was needed. I would definitely recommend working with Jonathan. He has an ear for good melodies and arrangements and experience with a wide variety of genres and styles.
by Benjamin V.
Jonathan has engineered and produced some of my biggest projects and has helped me bring my vision to life. He is always down to explore and find the sounds I need, no matter how difficult or abstract they may seem. Jonathan is a brilliant writer, composer, engineer, and I will definitely be working with him in the future.

Interview with Jonathan Warman

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I just finished a project with a singer song writer called Moody Bear. I essentially did a re-mix of two of his songs. He gave me the stems to what were essentially pop rock and ballads. I deleted everything except the vocals and wrote all new music. Both songs could not be more different than they were but so beautiful. Have a listen on Spotify... The first will be released 9.27.19
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: in pre production to score my first video game. The game will launch in 2021 and I am gearing up to write up to 30 pieces of music over the next year! I am also finishing up an ambient piano record.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I have a feeling there is, but I have not seen them on here just yet. I am hoping to explore the platform more and I sure will recommend some friends and acquaintances when/if I find them!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital brain with an analog heart. I have a very analog focused studio with killer converters and a powerful computer. But there are real instruments surrounding me every day and tons of beautiful preamps to play those instruments through. While I do use a lot of sample libraries - I try to always have a few actual performed instruments to add to the human element. Of course it also depends on the project.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That I can hear my imagination come to life and bring other peoples imagination and vision come to life.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How did you get into what you are doing now? I usually answer that its a build up of years of grinding and working really hard while treating people how I would want to be treated. Being a good hang and fun to work with is very important.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Wow. Honestly I am not sure. Let me think about this and come back...
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Whats inspiring this project/song... What is your vision and whats holding you back from getting there? How can I fill that gab?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Have a reference or two on hand to share with me.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1. Piano 2. Piano 3. Piano 4. Piano 5. Piano
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied classical music all through high school and was sure I would go to college and become a performance major/flautist. Instead I found a guitar and went on tour. I then spent almost ten years touring, playing numerous festival circuits and venues I had dreamed of performing in. After meeting my better half it was time to settle down and stay home. I then took a job as a music supervisor and focused on composing and writing.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Hopefully what it needs and the ability to leave out what it doesn't.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: John Powell. He has lovely poodles and a lovely writing space.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: It depends on the project, artist, and my role. Reach out and lets talk about your project and how I can best help you.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is very analog focused. Its filled with analog outboard gear, vintage and new analog synths, lots of vintage amps and instruments. Beyond knobs you can physically turn I run Pro Tools, Logic, and of course have Soundtoys, Waves, Slate Digital, and many others. And lets not forget sample libraries. Currently I am composing mainly with Spitfire Audio but have many others including Heavyocity, Audiobro, NI, and many others.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Adaptive.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Buy Oblique Strategies and have it sitting in your work space at all times.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: A very wide variety of genres.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor are huge inspirations. I also absolutely love johann johannssons writing.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: As of late I am writing original music for podcasts, trailers, and commercial work. Besides the writing I am also performing all of the post work. I have mixed several records as well.