Colin Porter on SoundBetter

'Jack of all trades', as they say. I sing, I produce, I compose - all at your service! My music shows off a unique eclecticism. My master's degree is in classical singing, but I have had my eager fingers on the keyboards and faders since age 12. Tend to concentrate in R&B and contemporary jazz as a vocalist...Production-wise, give me anything!

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Credits

Languages

English
German
Italian
Spanish

2 Reviews

Endorse Colin Porter

by Austin Leeds
Verified (Client)
It was great working with Colin! Thank you!
by Walter Riggi
Verified (Client)
This man can sing!... I love his rich voice and so much soul. If you are thinking of getting a singer, stop thinking and hire this man!

Interview with Colin Porter

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I submitted a remix of a song by Ne-Yo. Although it was not accepted by his team, I simply can't get enough of the process of re-imagining a piece of music. That experience inspired me to take my game to whole new level.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You will be more than satisfied.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Trust that I am not going to disappoint you and will keep your wishes at the forefront. Please also be clear on your instructions or changes - I like to be organized.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Not a fan of this question, but: Gear is irrelevant if you don't have quality creativity to pour into it. My ideas will store up in my BRAIN until I get back to the studio! If it's good enough, it can wait...
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Short answer: I have been singing, producing, and composing since the age of 12. Long answer: I have taken several detours as a musician. Although my degrees are in singing, I have been creating since long before then. (I am in my mid-thirties). It was only surrounding my divorce a few years ago, and birth of my son, when I found inspiration again. And, ooh, did it come back with such vehemence and passion!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Soul and contemporary jazz & Modern Classical (Orchestral)
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring my full self to anything I do. It's more than 'leaving a stamp' - it's more about bringing out the unmistakable and honest qualities of the song's creator (whether that's me or a client). Quincy Jones, one of my all-time favorites, always said you must like your own work before anyone else does. Otherwise, you're ensuring that less people will like your stuff!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Creative process: First, I get to know the artist's/client's work as much as possible. Then, I try out some ideas and let it flow organically. Vocals: I am a classically-trained singer (with degrees from top music schools, like Eastman)...but grew up singing gospel, jazz, and soul. It has been my life. The biggest lesson I've learned about singing would be that your voice is the great communicator - you must have something to say if you wish to connect with your audience.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work from my home studio. My main DAW is Pro Tools, but sometimes use Ableton Live, depending on type of vibe I need. I usually end up pulling whatever's in Ableton over into PT, though.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Walter Riggi, mixing engineer, is quick with responses and all around amazing at what he does!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digitally-simulated analog...they both have their advantages. But I prefer to base myself in the digital realm.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like working with other creators, simply put. The nature of what we do is so linked to the concept of collaboration. It actually took me a long time to realize it's not so bad when you don't do EVERYTHING yourself.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: When is your deadline? How much creative licensing do I have? Please provide another song as a point of reference for what you're looking for, if possible?
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My own work is eclectic and hard-hitting. There is a specific purpose for each track and lick. Often you will find hidden pieces of layers you may not have noticed before. I am a firm believer in the music serving the text, rather than the other way around.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Jacob Collier (among others) because is an absolute genius...and we could probably stay up forever discussing the sweet complexities of the 'circle of fifths' - being the music theory nerds that we are.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: BE ORGANIZED!!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Vocals & writing music for others
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Michael Jackson, Yemi Alade, Prince, Jacob Collier. Producers: Quincy Jones, David Foster, Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis, Babyface. (to name a few)
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I have mainly operated as an accompanist and demo singer. Remixes are a forte of mine! I always ensure musical integrity while maintaining the desires of the client.