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