Songwriter / Topliner / Singer

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Laptop, headphones, Apogee USB Mic, speaker.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: POP, R&B is my preference however, I get hired a lot for EDM top lines by labels such as Armada, Geousus, Mau5trap, Spinning, etc.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am Protools certified and have the latest version and plugins. My studio set up is pretty simple, I like to create where and when I can. I carry around a Apogee Duet to set up anywhere. My mic varies, but my default is a Nt1 Rhode or a blue baby bottle mic.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I usually provide full lyrics and melody together with a full mix on the vocals. I also do in-person vocal producing & songwriting for singers only.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on Syncing deals. I'm releasing a single every month under Ina Bravo, which I intend to pitch for movies/film. I'm also working on a project, which is essentially a one-stop shop for buying/licensing/selling top lines.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I work with Dru Ducaro and he's an amazing guitar player. He's a producer also and works with very notable artists such as Miguel, Jayz , Tori Kelly etc.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: You don't have to have a master of your instrumental, however, I recommend you to level everything and mix it properly before hiring any vocalist, because you can actually hear things much different if a bass is louder then the keys or the strings are louder then the drums. If you know how you want it to sound musically, you'll get a better result which will fit your vision in all the right ways. And secondly, a "skeleton ruff production" is ok but if you can, try to at least determine the style of song you want.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I was in a girl-group at age 15. We toured overseas for a year. At age 17 I got into a broadway academy, was bored out of my mind so left and auditioned for a recording academy. I graduated at 20 and toured with my band in Germany. At 21 I moved to Atlanta, signed a record deal, worked with many producers such as Inkkwell, Anthony Dent, Sean Garrett, Daryll Simmons, Tricky Steward, and with artists such as Algee Smith, Legarda, Sammie and many more. After my record deal, I left Atlanta and came to Los Angeles to write. My first session was with DJ Chuckie and that's how I got into EDM music. I worked with Yellow Claw, Afrojack, Borgeous, and have over a million streams on Spotify. Then I got picked up by Ariana Grande's team and started writing for her and up-and coming artists such as Kylie cantrall. In the meantime, I released songs under my pseudonym Ina Bravo and gained traction by doing remixes and releasing my own singles and music videos. I work from my own place and write songs 24/7. I can say I'm blessed.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I guess just be original. It's important to find your own style. The vocal can definitely help with that but sometimes you miss out on great and unique ideas by giving a "skeleton demo" of your production for the writer/vocalist to write to. It's important that YOU make your sound and stay consistent with it.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My vocals. I trained my vocal ability ever since I was little. I possess many techniques and am able to get into the sound of what my clients looking for. My writing is something I'm very confident of too. I can easily tap into the clients mind regarding concept and feel of the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I definitely bring commercialism to a song, I make it sound radio-ready if that's the goal. If it's more of a vibe record, I bring the vibe and with a club record, I bring the energy.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That I get to sing/write everyday!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: If I can write something "Just like" another song they know/like. My answer is: "sure."

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: If they have any preferences of concepts or sounds.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Edgy, Soulful, Pop, Visual.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with Ryan Tedder and with SIA. I'm just curious of how the thought process goes/went in both artists. If the melody and lyric came at the same time and how does the metaphor come in. As a fan of using metaphors in lyrics myself, I know how artistic and deep you have to go to get those visionary lines out.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Digital is so easy and portable but when I get to work in one of the SSL rooms at the studio, I wanna touch every nob to hear how it sounds.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I only deliver perfection. And within a decent time manner.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Since I have so much EDM out there, people may think I'm a EDM top-liner period. But the funny thing is, those are the records that are being released by labels with a huge machine behind them. R&B/Pop records may be released independently which is why the EDM dominates my repertoire.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I turn my recorder on before I hear the song. I don't always use what comes naturally, I think sometimes I like to avoid my first thought in melody. I don't go with what's predictable however, I certainly don't dismiss great ideas if they come out the first try. As I hum a melody, I try to sing almost-words/ chibberish so I can adapt faster to lyrics as I can hear the sounds of certain vowels clicking or not clicking in that space. Then the concept comes naturally. I never really cope with writers-block, however, naturally, the events I'm going through at the come to me the easiest. It's good, but I always make sure to keep the feeling open and not specific. As I'm writing I already have ideas for mixing so, I do everything at the same time. Adjusting EQ's etc as I'm recording.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: My biggest inspirations are Diane Warren for all-round songwriting, SIA for vocal production, Mariah Carey for tone and improvisation, Ryan Tedder for song-structure, Max Martin for all-round ears for a hit song. Mark Ronson for live music inspo.