I am an experienced singer, multi-instrumentalist, and writer who specialises in creating original songs and developing them from the early stages to a complete product ready for release.
I have been writing my own music for 20 years, and recording my own songs for the past 15. In that time I’ve developed a keen sense of what a particular song needs to make it ‘click’. I just love working on an arrangement and balancing each element. I am involved with all stages of production from songwriting to mastering.
I play piano/keyboard, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and some percussion instruments. I am a contralto singer.
My vocal range spans from D3 to C#4 in chest voice, with further range in head voice/falsetto. I can sing in a range of styles for different popular music genres including rock, folk, and R&B. I can also write and perform rap verses and hooks.
Where I really shine is with my vocal arrangements where I produce a clear and expressive lead vocal, supported by multi-layered backing vocals in three and four part harmony.
Does your project need a lift with some dramatic choir sounds? Or perhaps you need a fresh look at a mix that isn't quite sitting right? Then get me on your track and hear the difference!
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Credits
Interview with Caryl Archer
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I'm 'just the singer,' or someone else mentioned in credits is my producer.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio setup is simple and minimal, but I have everything I need to create good tracks. I use a Samson C01 Studio Condenser mic, Sennheiser e840 handheld dynamic mic, Alesis Multimix8 mixing desk that I use as an audio interface, Sennheiser HD380 monitoring headphones, and a HP Pavilion PC with Windows 10. My DAW of choice is Ableton.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Personally, I use digital recording and editing techniques. However, analog sound is still incredibly important to some genres of music, so I certainly would never rule it out!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I want to know the detail of what they are looking for so I can find out how good of a fit I will be for their project.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Some good monitoring headphones with a nice, flat sound. A good condenser microphone. My PC. A piano-size keyboard controller. A good audio interface.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I enjoy borrowing from many musical styles, but at the heart of my work is a clear pop sensibility with catchy vocal melodies.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with independent musician, Andrew Huang, because I admire his 'do everything' approach. He is a singer, rapper, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and audio engineer. It's a dream of mine to work with him one day.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't mix 'with your eyes', but also learn where your ears are lacking and use visual displays to help guide you.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Popular songs in a few subgenres such as electronic pop, folk, R&B, hip hop, and indie alternative.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Seeing the big picture of where a song needs to go.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My unique approach to sound design that grew from my self-taught background.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I provide songwriting and vocal performance to go on the top of beats, as well as developing a beat or loop into a complete song. In other cases I produce the music myself from scratch for another vocalist to hop on and write on top of.
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $200 per song
- Singer - FemaleAverage price - $200 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $200 per song
- Top line writer (vocal melody)Average price - $200 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $70 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $70 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $70 per song
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