Chris Catania on SoundBetter

A versatile songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and mix engineer with experience in multiple genres.

Hey there! My name is Chris and I am a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and mix engineer. I strive to be the modern day independent musician who can be a one-stop shop and help through all aspects of the creative song process! Whether you need lyrics or melodies to your story, instrumentation or band production to the song in your head, or mix polishing on a song I am more than happy to offer my help and experience!

A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, I was a guitar principle student who studied Songwriting and Studio Production & Engineering. Since my graduation I have co-written, produced, mixed and performed for my band Moonwater, as well as writing and producing for other artists. Besides guitar I enjoy playing bass, piano/keys/synths and sound design, and sequencing acoustic or electronic drums.

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

Credits

Moonwater

2 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Chris Catania

by Mike
Chris is single handedly one of the most talented people i have ever worked with and i cannot stress his professionalism, work ethic, and attention to detail enough. My latest project was the most proud i’ve ever been of my recorded music, and it simply would not have been possible without his contributions. I look forward to working with him in the future, and urge you to do the same!!
by CJ
A professional in every way. Chris will help you realize and create a product worth sharing.

Interview with Chris Catania

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't let writing one bad idea stop you from writing the song!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work proficiently in Pro Tools and Logic Pro X. I have SSL and Cranborne Audio pre's, as well as other analog outboard EQ's and compressors. I work hybrid between analog and in-the-box for mixing and producing.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital can do some amazing things - I'm not exclusive to one or the other, I use both.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently looking to expand my studio in to a bigger space and increase work.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I just released my band's debut full length album - which I co-wrote, produced and performed on. We felt like we put together nine songs that perfectly represented the realities of figuring out life as an adult moving through your 20's.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To work hard and make something you can be proud of. Music is a personal thing, and I want to promise that you can trust me to understand that and replicate and present it correctly.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creating art and sharing it with people. That closure and moment of sharing something you spent a lot of time, thought, (money) and care to create.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is your message? What are you trying to say/portray with your lyrics, or your arrangement/production. Who are your inspirations? Do you have a song or artist in mind when you hear your ideas?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get to know the person you're hiring or at least have a good idea of who they are and the work they create.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My acoustic, a device with voice memos, a notebook, teenage engineering OP-1, MacBook
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I picked up the guitar at age 12 and hardly put it down after that. I spent 4 years studying my craft at Berklee College of Music, allowing me to meet all different types of musicians from all over the world. After my educational career, I returned home and began teaching at a music academy and studio. Now I work with my band and want to continue freelancing.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Emotional. My styles and genres expand beyond traditional labels, but the one thing I always keep in mind is resonating with the performer in such a way that the listener feels the same way. Whether I'm the guitarist, the songwriter or the producer, I always want the music to be authentic and emotional.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Childish Gambino. His creative mind and track record is remarkable to me.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I write, produce and perform in a band that is alt pop/rock style. It's a blend of rock music with a love for exploring sound design and synths. I have also done a lot of writing sessions with smaller, acoustic based projects in the style of singer-songwriter.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My greatest asset is my curiosity. I love the challenge of facing new music, it makes me relentless in wanting to make art of an idea or a riff, a sentence that could make a great lyric. It allows me to be open minded in working with multiple styles, as well as stepping out of my comfort zone in an effort to make the best project possible.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Patience and perspective. I'm never quick to give up on an idea, but never mull on an idea for too long. I love the exploration and curiosity of new ideas.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: As a songwriter, it's just me, my notepad and the guitar or keyboard. If I'm producing, it usually begins with the guitar. I always look to have the form of the arrangement mostly complete in my mind, then begin building the track.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: As a guitarist, I really admire the frontmen styles like John Mayer and Tom Misch, but I also love the more melodic band roles such as Jonny Buckland of Coldplay and Adam Hann of 1975. As a songwriter, I admire Jason Isbell, Maggie Rogers and Chris Martin. As a producer, I love the work of Matty Healy and George Daniel of the 1975, Tom Misch and Dave Cobb.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I have worked most as a songwriter, producer and mix engineer