Michael Shanks on SoundBetter

I'm a music producer who will find the best elements of your music and get them front and center in every song. I'm an experienced songwriter that knows how to weave together lyrics with music production to tell a story. Also I'm a world traveling musician, having played guitar for Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega and Mando Saenz to name a few.

I'm a music producer who will find the best elements of your music and get them front and center in every song. I'm an experienced songwriter that knows how to weave melody, harmony, lyrics and music production together to tell a story. Also I'm a world traveling musician, having played guitar for Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega and Mando Saenz to name a few.

I have a masters degree in performance and production from Berklee where I learned the intricacies of building a song from the initial idea to the final master that gets tens of thousands of streams online. My specialty revolves around the wide world of rock, folk, jazz and blues. I've produced some high energy world music as well.

Also I can write or add the perfect guitar part your song is needing. I've got over 2 decades experience playing and recording guitars, basses and

And lastly I can help write your song. Tons of experience with lyrics and building songs from a simple catchy line into a full production. Chords, rhythms, melodies...everything!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

4 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Michael Shanks

by Phil Stark
Verified
Let's start with the bottom line: Michael Shanks just gets it. For Darkness & Silence, I gave him vague ideas — “slide guitar, horns, vocal distortion, country/punk/garage vibe” — and he nailed it. Killer taste, spot-on execution. He just knows how to turn a rough idea into exactly what you wanted. Working with Michael Shanks is a no-brainer — and you’re gonna see a lot more reviews from me because I've decided to work with him continuously from now on.
by Phil Stark
Verified
Sometimes I get stuck on a song that I think has potential, but for some reason, I can't get it over the finish line. Michael listened to my songs and immediately understood my musical references. We jumped on a Zoom call, played the song a few times, and he suggested new and more interesting chords for certain parts, what to cut out, and many other nuanced modifications that made a really big difference. I definitely would (and will) work with Michael again!
by Anton K.
Verified
Michael delivered quickly at effortlessly. His added magic really made the song come to life.
by Pedrinho Augusto
I have been working with Shanks in the last year or so in many different circumstances. For some of his songs and also with him as a Producer.
As an artist, he has strong concepts for his songs, he knows what he wants and he knows how to listen to whoever is co-producing.
As a Producer, he can establish such a good vibe in the studio that the musicians feel excited, relaxed and focus, the results become great thanks to that. His musical ears always bring good observations about sound, arrangement, ideas for the better interpretation of each song in particular. He is a story-teller.