Music Producer / Sound Design

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

A: Josh Pan.

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

A: I made a voice sample pack six years ago with an idea to bring a fresh voice sound to the market of sound libraries. These were traditional Russian throat singing samples, which sound very specific thus very hard to adapt to urban music productions. Today, they have become an absolute hit. I am excited and thrilled to hear them appear in the official Apple HomePod commercial - and a part of the Phantogram's Billboard Top 9 "Three" song.

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

A: Since 2004, I was a part of the production team at Modernbeats Inc. Learned from the industry professionals and made a dozen of products. Today, I own ThaLoops.com supplying aspiring young producers and industry professionals with sound libraries for urban contemporary music production. It's been over 13 years!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I get involved and detail is key. A client receives a simple form to designate a genre, style, tempo, mood and other elements depending on a project. We would have a conversation and get into the core of a problem. Reference songs are very helpful to understand client's taste and vision. Afterwards, I build the first draft and proceed to update the drafts based on the client's feedback till full satisfaction.

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

A: I find the most inspiration from Timbaland, Danjahandz and The Neptunes, although the specter of musical genres does not end with these three names. Great music is what matters to me. I love Metallica, I think Josh Pan is a genius, Skrillex is, too.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I call it Timbo style, it's inspired by Timbaland, Danjahadz and The Neptunes production style. I blend raw acoustic elements with dirty electronic sounds into a groove.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Firstly, build a great sounding drum beat, only then add other melodic elements without interrupting the groove.

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

A: Timbaland style beats.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I think people especially like my drum programming skills.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Distinctive rhythm and groove, whether it's a unique drumbeat or a chopped voice sample that makes people move.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I produce in the box on my MacBook, with a pair of Mackie HR824. I record my sound material in world-class studios for me to have in my project studio.

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

A: I design sounds and produce full instrumental songs in urban contemporary music genres. Clients especially appreciate my expertise in drum programming and drum samples design.