Music Producer

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Music production is a term that is very subjective and can have different meanings. The biggest misconception in my case is that it's solely about technical skills or operating equipment. My role goes far beyond that since I'm not just a technician, but a creative collaborator that helps in shaping the artistic vision and overall sound of a project

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

A: I have been producing for over a decade, having learned from multiple sources, artists, producers, and also sound engineers. I feel that helps to have my background as an artist who also understands the "pains" of the creative process. To have someone external that understands this process is fundamental.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Eclectic and versatile fusion of genres. I like to incorporate experimental elements while maintaining a strong sense of melody and emotional resonance. Playing a lot of instruments gives me some freedom to express myself rhythmically, melodically, and harmonically.

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

A: I like to be challenged and to grow, and that means that I love to explore a wide range of genres and styles; which creates the need for new workflows and to be inspired by new music and perspectives. I have worked from dream-pop to rock or experimental and electronic music. The secret sauce is to keep on moving and evolving.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a different perspective and creative vision, and I'm very sensitive and open to what the song wants to communicate and resonate emotionally to enhance every detail. With versatility across genres and industry knowledge, I try to bring out the best in the song and the artist.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My song production process involves pre-production discussions to establish a clear vision, and references if needed, followed by songwriting, recording, editing/tuning, and mixing. Usually, I do the final touches through post-production and analog mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a professional studio in the center of Lisbon, with a régie and an excellent sounding room, where I can produce, record and mix on my own or with the help of other musicians. I work with Logic Pro X, have Apollo UAD interfaces, Neumann KH120 and Adam A7, good professional microphones (AKG414, Neumann U87), lots of tube amps, and work with top-notch sample libraries like Spitfire. I own outstanding plugins from UAD, Softube, Soundtoys, Plugin Alliance or SSL.

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

A: Usually, involves arranging and structuring songs, playing/recording instruments, crafting melodies and harmonies, and ensuring the overall sound is polished. I rely on the artist's vision and my goal is to potentiate their ideas.

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

A: I'm especially proud of making my third record for my own band after a change in the lineup and a 5 years break. I composed, produced, and with the help of luck, found the right persons to work with, that are also really close friends. That helped me a lot and we are fully in love with what we are doing, and that's gold.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm finalizing the music production of two EPs - mixing stage - and also I'm producing two LPs of emerging Portuguese bands, currently finishing the recordings after the pre-production part. I'm finalizing the composition of a Portuguese TV Series and preparing the pre-production of another EP for a French artist.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Yes, but it depends on the music and needs of the songs in question. I would be happy to recommend and I usually collaborate with other mixing or mastering engineers. Everything depends on the project.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. In mixing I would say digital because of time constraints and recalling projects. Also, there are amazing possibilities in the plug-in world that can offer you creative solutions and faster ways. But definitely analog has a unique sound and I'm always articulating between these two worlds.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: I will always respect the artistic vision but I'm here to help so: I would say that communication is key to expressing your artistic vision and also to be open to new ideas that may arise from the process.

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

A: I would love to be able to see Grizzly Bear crafting their songs and how they craft their songs. It's really magical the outcome, and I feel that they must discover a lot of amazing gems, and see how it evolves into a song, that is fully organic and beautiful.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I would say to try to connect on an emotional level with the song and to ask for details of what the artist wanted to express. More than references, we need to align with the message, vibe, or emotion, and a lot of times you are crafting ideas that need to be developed in a way that you understand to potentiate. Try to understand and feel it first.

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

A: Sam Evian, Chris Taylor (Grizzly Bear), Greg Saunier (Deerhoof), Jack Antonoff, Jockstrap, Louis Cole...