Topliner & cinematic composer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am arranging and producing the debut EP to my solo project Kieran Fence. I compose for film and record topline performances for my clients. I am in the process of creating sample packs filled with handpan sounds, symphonic a cappella fragments and beatbox.

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

A: Colin Lanz is a phenomenal producer and mixing engineer.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I ask them to be concise in their job explanation. That way we can both ensure the work process is efficient and target-oriented. I love well-written briefs that tell me exactly what I have to do.

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

A: Vocal performances on given backing tracks (in various genres). Composing for film or sound design. Eerie a cappella symphonies or jingles.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take care of your ears! Frequently check the db rate you're exposed to and allow your hearing enough breaks. There are many stats to be found around how to handle volume in a healthy way. Make sure you treat that gift with responsibility and longevity.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I am the lead singer of Quintessenz (UK/CH) and we have released three albums to the present date. We have played over 70 concerts in five different countries all over Europe. We get regular radio plays and have released a number of beautifully shot music videos (youtube). As a manager, director and content creator for the band I have had the chance to gather experience in a wide spectrum of fields, that now result in useful skills as a solo artist.

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

A: A reliable and binding delivery of an agreed job. Transparent communication.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like flexibility, space for creativity and I love my inspiring work place. I like that music allows me to be honest and lets me express intimacy through sound.

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

A: MacBook Pro, charger, hard drive, headphones, Schertler Basik contact microphone.

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

A: I have been a music performer since the earliest day of my life. I have taught myself how to use a range of instruments and have learnt how to express my feelings through them. Since I am a young teenager I have started writing, composing and arranging music which I am continually releasing and performing on countless stages all over Europe.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Music filled with organic and lush sentiments, topped up by the necessary amount of groove and a big portion of soul.

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

A: Pablo Nouvelle, a Swiss artist and producer because I love his work for the sound aesthetics and rhythmic complexity he incorporates.

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

A: Pop music, world music, rhythmically challenging pieces.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Groove, emotions and meaning.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start my work by researching references and looking into artists that have done similar projects. Then I'll create a mind map with all ideas and I will gather them in a mood board. On the musical side of things I usually write and arrange pieces on the piano because it gives me a nice and clear overview of registers, voicings and scales. I then work on a demo track which will serve as a first rough skeleton to deliver structure, feelings and ideas to the listener. After the necessary grinding I will start recording the piece step by step.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have access to a range of high standard vocal mics (large diaphragm tube condenser) and I use a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface to run the signals into my MacBook Pro. I use Logic Pro X as a DAW and run all electronic instruments (e.g. Nord Stage Piano 76) directly line in. I own a large collection of percussive instruments, such as shakers, bells, cajons, hand drums and handpans.

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

A: RY X, Manu Delago, Pablo Nouvelle, The Beatles, Apparat, Faber, Tigran Hamasyan, Bobby McFerrin, Nils Frahm, Thom Yorke, Dhafer Yussef, Yshai Afterman, Benjamin Clementine, Kabeção Rodrigues, Jordan Rakei, Yussef Dayes.