CJ Barton on SoundBetter

I'm an experienced band leader and coach, now starting small editing & mixing studio in North London. I've played with/supported Dr Feelgood; Loudon Wainwright III; Billy Connolly; Will Gaines; Diz Dizley... I specialize in creating classic live and studio sounds with a retro flavour.

I'll help you turn your songs into radio-ready trax.

Whether you've got rough ideas that need fleshing out, or you've got studio recorded tracks in need of that finishing gloss - I'm happy to join you at any stage of the journey.

And as I'm seeking to build my profile, I'm offering amazing deals at this time - catch me while you can!

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

Credits

Reviews

Endorse CJ Barton

Interview with CJ Barton

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital (disguised as analog). Time, space, money
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Independence, creativity, working from home, encountering awesome people.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "How did you do that?" "It's all about the plug-ins..."
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That quality production requires huge expenditure. It doesn't.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have a plan? If not, let's come up with one.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get a good conversation going. We shouldn't agree to work together until we're both confident that we've got the same goal in mind.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Guitar, accordion, harmonica, upright piano, piano-tuner!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been a musician all my life, but got into production more recently. Producing and engineering professionally is a new venture, but I bring a lot of skill and experience to it.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Eclectic. But my own musical passions developed around the mid-sixties to seventies, so I tend towards a retro sensibility.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Tom Waits. Because I'm just in awe of how he goes about things.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Be patient. A lot of small adjustments go to make up a great result. Question your assumptions all the time.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Retro - 60s/70s/80s vibes.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Producing. I like to oversee the whole project, but I'm equally happy taking a specific role.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I'm a song-writer myself, with a pretty strong sense of structure. I try to find the essence of the song, and work to bring that out, avoiding over-complication.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Establish what the client wants, then keep at it until it's right!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I'm currently building a soundproof studio at the back of my house. Until that's ready, I continue to work in an upstairs room. I have, and will have space to record live instruments individually (including drums), but not enough for a full band.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I appreciate great music wherever it comes from.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I enjoy the whole process, and am happy to help at any stage - writing, arranging, recording, editing, mixing & mastering. I particularly like helping people who have great ideas, but may not have all the skills/confidence to realise their potential.