Pop & Indie - Music Producer

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a studio in Utrecht (NL) where I work. I have tried to create a creative space with enough diverse instruments to draw inspiration from. I have a few vintage Yamaha keyboards, Fender guitars and various pedals. In addition, I also use Logic Pro X as an instrument in which I make a lot of sounds and for that I use various plugins. The Soundtoys bundle is a pack I can't live without.

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

A: I work as a producer and composer for most of my clients. My most common styles are: pop, rock, hip hop beats, indie pop with an electronic edge. I always make a complete audio mix and master of my tracks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I get inspiration from a lot of music, I love the energy of a guitar band but also music that brings a chill mood with it. I would describe my style as bedroom pop with an energetic edge, fresh hiphop beats and a spatial production and mix.

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

A: My Macbook with Logic Pro X, my Fender Jazzmaster, an audio-interface, Shure SM7B and my Spotify premium account to discover new music and get inspiration from it.

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

A: I would like to make a beat with Mura Masa one day, mainly to learn a lot from it. I always think his productions and songwriting sound so outspoken and fresh. He mixes up all the styles and makes sure it always has the Mura Masa sound.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I like working digitally because of my workflow but adding warmth through analog instruments. I work a lot on my Macbook in my favorite daw Logic Pro X. On my Macbook I have my favorite digital synths and digital plugins such as the bundle from Sound Toys and several plugins from Plugin Alliance. I do think a combination between digital a analog is important and that's why I use electric guitars (amplified where necessary) and analog keyboards in my productions to bring some warmth into my productions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like the challenge of turning a demo into a professional track. And to enlarge and give a place to all the great ideas of an artist. I try to get the best out of every song and create a specific sound with elements that fits the song. Some songs need some new parts, other songs need to be stripped down of certain elements because the core of the song is already great. In other songs you need to replace sounds and parts to create new fresh elements in the song. Music, lyrics and the production should be coherent to create the right experience for the listener.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: In case I produce someone's song I always want to know what the song is about, where the artist gets inspiration from and if the artist has any ideas for the production. This gives me a good idea of ​​the artist and I can adjust my ideas accordingly.

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

A: I started making music at a young age and in high school have always played in bands as a guitarist. After high school I studied guitar at a pop academy (Herman Brood Academy) in the Netherlands. During this study I developed an interest in music production and recording. After my bachelor pop music started at the Abbey Road Institute where I qualified myself as a music producer and sound engineer.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I like to make e a pleasant working atmosphere for me and my client. This often results in a good start to the collaboration. I always make sure that my client and I are on the same page so that we have the best end result. In addition, I try to make many recognizable parts and fresh sounds in my productions to create enough recognition. This should always match the demo or song. I always try to enlarge the demo or the song but keep the same core.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I always try to see what kind of instruments, type of part or sound the song needs best. Because I master several instruments, I have the opportunity to use them. Such as: guitar, bass, different synths and drums.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I always try to have a nice working atmosphere with my client in which everyone can give their creative ideas a place. When my client has a briefing, I start working on it, but sometimes I also pitch an idea that I think fits well with the job. Usually I compose and produce at the same time, I try to create many recognizable elements that grab the listener's attention. In addition, I always find it important that the composition, sounds, final production and audio mix should be cohort to create a pleasant experience.