I've been developing my craft since I was a kid, through private tutoring, my records and MANY gigs. I feel as passion about touring as I do in the studio. I've learnt a lot from producers and songwriters I worked with in the past, like Mark Rankin and Jim Eliot. In the search for new ideas, I often go back to the McCartney era for inspiration.
My music stands out because I REALLY care about it. Every tune, every chord progression. For me it's never just another song. I often produce on Ableton Live and love blending old recording techniques and digital. I recorded at Abbey Road a handful of times, but also understand how the home studio can be just as important.
I'm very comfortable writing for others and have been in countless writing sessions with friends, emerging and established artists. The instrument I think I can be the most unique is the electric guitar, however the piano is a crucial part of my musical life.
Songwriter and session-musician available.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Credits
AllMusic verified credits for Diego Belmonte2 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
Endorse Diego Belmonte
Interview with Diego Belmonte
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Mixing an alternative rock single, recording guitars for a SoundBetter client, and writing a new song for my band.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: A merge of the two. Analog gives you the sounds-good feel to it, while digital brings innovation.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: When you in the zone and don't know where it comes from or why, but sounds good.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How long does it take? It depends on what is being requested and revisions if necessary. Knowing when something is ready is art in itself. Can you fit lyrics to a melody or vice versa? Yes. Sometimes it might take small adaptations.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is the ideal end result? What sort of genres you would like the song to be placed in? Could you provide references?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Make sure the pitch is accurate and that you have provided all the information about what you would like to achieve. References are always good.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, headphones, mic, keyboard and a solar panel.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I got my first guitar when I was 7. The desire was always there, however I've been working in the industry professionally for the last 10 years. Started signing with a record label in the UK, then in the US and Australia, a lot of touring and studio time. Producing came naturally from the need of recording demos for the songs I write.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: A merge of vintage and contemporary sounds with innovative ideas.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Ray Davies. I find his storytelling outrageously amazing and would love to see him working.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Invert in and out cables on your wah-wah pedal and have a whale-type sound through your guitar amp. Love it.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Songwriting/composing.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I like to think that I can bring a lot of character to a song. Guitar is the instrument I feel I can be the most expressive, however, it's the combination of melodies and instruments that can really elevate a composition.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I don't think I have a process or formula, it very much depends on the client's need and what they are trying to achieve. Having said that, I think in a recording and writing session genuinely the most important is that everyone feels part of it and is engaged. Everyone feeling a sense of purpose is a great start for a good session.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I'm fortunate enough to have two studios available to me. One setup for rehearsals, one recording studio. In regards to gear, I'm a fan of vintage instruments; I have a farfisa organ from the 60's, a juno keyboard, Roland piano, a wall piano, fender guitars and amps (redknob the twin and vox30), an SG bass, premiere drumkit, AKG and shure mics, Focusrite board with API and other compressors, effects hack, many amazing plugins and most importantly, countless hours studying to be able to use all of that.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I often write songs for emerging artists, sometimes in a session with them, sometimes on my own. Working as a session musician is also a constant in career. I feel very comfortable recording electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keys, vocals, and bass, in that order.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: An album called 'Real World' by Junior Empire. I co-produced and co-written all songs and recorded most instruments in the record. It was produced in between the UK and US and brought a lot of fan mail to my life.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'll work until the client is happy.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Alternative and indie genres.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I've worked with Mark Rankin and Jim Elliot before and both inspired me a lot. I feel like I've gain a lot seeing them at work.
I was the Co-writer, co-producer, guitarist, bassist and pianist in this production
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $250 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $125 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
- PianoAverage price - $150 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $70 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $70 per song
- Full instrumental productionAverage price - $500 per song
Different songs have different requirements. I will always keep working until the artist is happy and the briefing is completed. Music is beautiful and should stay that way.
- Tame Impala
- Paul McCartney
- Remi Wolf
- American deluxe Fender Stratocaster
- Fender 'Redknob' Twin 1981 amp
- 1968 Farfisa Organ
- Roland Piano
- AKG mics
- VOX ac30 amp
- Focusrite 40
- Ableton Live 10.
Discount if you are requesting work for 2 or more songs.
