I specialize in crafting top-notch musical productions optimized for the ever-growing demand for great music licensed in Film/TV. I realize the important role that high-quality music plays in bringing to life the stories being told through visual media. Capturing the right emotion and energy in a song is the key approach to my productions.
My name is Ellis Dews. I'm a Music Producer/Composer based in Nashville specializing in Pop, RnB, and Hip Hop music production, and mixing. I have composed and licensed music for some of today’s top brands and television shows. With over a thousand placements on shows such as American Idol, America's Next Top Model, Love & Hip Hop, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Married At First Sight, Real Housewives, Fox Sports, Black Ink Crew, and much more.
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Credits
Interview with Ellis Dews
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I produced, composed, and mixed a song called "Need You On Christmas" for the Lifetime Network project "It's A Wonderful Lifetime".
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm finishing up a Lo-Fi album for Universal Production Music and several other productions for Film and TV.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Although I came up in the analog era and love the sound you can get from it...The possibilities and creative freedom you get with digital have been life-changing for me as a producer.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To give their project the attention it deserves and to deliver a finished result that they love.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The joy of making music every day and helping other creatives realize their musical vision.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: What Instrument do you play? Answer: Keyboards
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That as the producer I just make the beats...which may or may not be done by the producer. As a producer, I am their creative visionary. My role is to help complete and deliver the final masterpiece in its entirety.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is your vision for your song? What was the inspiration behind your song? What are your musical influences?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: To definitely listen to the work of the producer to make sure they can deliver the sound you are looking for. Also, you want a producer that makes bringing YOUR musical vision to life top priority.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Macbook Pro with Studio One onboard, my Komplete controller keyboard, my precious harddrive and a power supply that works off of solar...since there's probably no outlets in the desert ;)
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been creating music for over 25 years. I've worked in a variety of capacities, from producing artists to writing music for brands and TV.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Hip Hop influenced R&B Soul with a Pop appeal.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: H.E.R. is at the top of my list. She is just a super-talented artist and musician that creates great art.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Try not to overproduce the song. Only add what's needed to best tell the story. Create an immersive experience for the listener.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Music composition, programming, and arranging.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Teddy Riley, Quincy Jones, Timbaland, Prince. I was heavily influence by a lot of 90's music. As far as newer artist, I'd go with Bryson Tiller, H.E.R., Ella Mae, and Bruno Mars.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Studio One Pro, KRK 8 monitors, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol, NI Ultimate, tons of plugins, Apogee Duet Audio Interface, Slate VMS ML-1 Microphone, Shure MV-7...
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First, I typically try to get a clear vision of what my client wants for their song. I believe that the instrumental sonically tells a story and should clearly support the mood, direction, and performance of the lyrics. I like to put a lot of subtle details into my productions in such a way, that doesn't interfere with the performance but enhances it.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Full Production. From the idea stage to the finalized master recording. I also work with my clients on crafting songs that are ideal for sync opportunities and giving them guidance on how to navigate in the world of music licensing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: R&B, Urban Pop and Hip Hop
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My goal is to create a soundtrack that captures the emotion of the song, re-enforcing the story and completing the musical vision of the artist.
- ProducerAverage price - $1500 per song
- Full instrumental productionAverage price - $500 per song
- Beat MakerAverage price - $400 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $350 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $70 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $250 per song
50% non-refundable deposit on all projects. Turn around time will vary based on project needs. Two free revisions.
- H.E.R.
- Bryson Tiller
- Ella Mai
- Macbook Pro
- Studio One Pro
- Logic Pro
- Native Instruments Ultimate
- East/West Sounds Komplete Kontrol Keys and Slate VMS ML-1
- Sure mics
