Shy possesses a unique sound, coupled with the versatility to capture industry executives’ attention. He’s worked alongside top names in hip hop and R&B, including Kendrick Lamar for the groundbreaking Black Panther Soundtrack, Trey Songz for Birth of a Nation, and many other up and coming filmmakers and musicians.
Maxwell Addo, better known as “Shy,” is a music producer/composer from Los Angeles, California. Guided by his cross-cultural upbringing, Shy’s distinctive sound is a mash up of West Coast, Midwest, Southern and West African influences.
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Interview with Shy
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: My first documentary. It was the first time I scored as a composer and the reward/reception was something I have never felt within the music business.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Various Reference tracks for some of your leading singers and rappers in todays game
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Lord Afrixana
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both, Nothing beats accessibility swell as authenticity
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise ill work with you the best that I can if you are willing to do the same.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Making people feel through my music and being able to communicate to them on levels I could
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How much you charge ? my pricing varies but this site has a good standard amount listed
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I can only do one thing. Man tends to place people in boxing for their own personal reasoning
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Whats your budget, what are you looking for, goals etc...
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be open minded, Try before you say no, Be professional and serious about the project all the way through.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: headphones, MacBook, guitar, piano, any drum instrument
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 7 years. This is my path
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Just Different
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Kendrick, because we have unfinished business
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Melodies first, drums last
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Afro Beats and R&B/Hiphop
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Drum Programming
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Emotion, Feeling
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Make a catchy melody, build but drums, add chore progressions and leave room to write lyrics. Then go back and add whats necessary. For scoring, have in depth conversation with director, spot session, then write.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Two Hs8's MacBook Pro 2015/ 38 samsung Maschine micro Arturia KeyLab mkII 61
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Harmony Samuels, Ludwig Göransson Timbaland/Pharrell
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Hip hop/R&B beats, Cues for short films
- ProducerAverage price - $350 per song
- Film ComposerAverage price - $100 per minute
- Beat MakerAverage price - $250 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $70 per song
1st free revision 2+ more $25 an hr
- Maschine 1&2 Logic Pro x
