Beat Oriented Music

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My album “soundtrack for movies in my head” (https://iamaduo.bandcamp.com/album/soundtrack-for-movies-in-my-head). The album is a collage of Mental Health inspired music, with each track representing a manifestation of how we are affected. The second single "State of Euphoria" is to be released 25/12/2020. It represents one of the extremes of the "pendulum". Being on the other side. One of the “oh, so happy!” people. Self-medicating. Numbness. Drugs, Alcohol, Sex. Release of endorphins. The rush… And the crash…

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

A: Pretty new here :)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. For the simple fact that realistically it's impossible to be fully analogic nowadays. If someone is reading this answer, than it already proves my point :) I do love analog instruments, though!

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

A: Satisfaction. Worst case scenario and you don't like the track, and we can't seem to reach a goal? Then I will have no problem in us "undoing" the agreement. No harm done. It never happened (and I hop it never will), but I'd rather have someone say "hey, it didn't work, but he's a nice dude" than force a negotiation and have someone hate the final outcome.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I make music!

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

A: "Can you make it louder" (lol)? Although we have it way better nowadays, unfortunately the "loudness wars" are still a thing. I try to educate on the specifics of each platform, but at the same time find a balance to please. Or it could be an instrument in the mix. "Can you make the kick louder?" for example. Once again, balance is key, but I try to achieve what the client wants using techniques without sounding technically "wrong".

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

A: Probably that we need inspiration to produce. I say most prolific producers are inspired because they sit down everyday, and through trials and fails, something beautiful has more chance to emerge.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Timeline. Deadline. References. Mood. What the final product will be used for. Special requirements (BPM, Key, if there are specific instruments/sounds, minimal vs. busy, etc.). Mastering Specifications, if any.

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

A: Have a good idea of what your final product needs to be. Even if you're not a musician and can't speak the lingo, make sure you both understand each other. References are essential. Have at least 1-2 (no more than 5) tracks that are the closest to what you want. Being vague and too subjective will lead to frustration.

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

A: Well, I assume the island won't have electricity... But I'll play the game pretending it's not a problem (lol). Laptop with Ableton. Acoustic guitar, Genelecs, Senheiser HD650 phones, any controller with keys.

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

A: About 20+ years. 10 years as my main profession, owning a recording studio, and performing in Brazil, with a big pause of another 10 years in Canada (had to pay bills and change careers in order to do so - still producing as a semipro). And now back full-time to being a creative. Full circle, but making sure I am gentle with myself - I am a NEW artist. Good to have the past experience, but it's a NEW start.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: "Visual" electronica, meant to be soundtracks.

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

A: Flume. Just to understand his head (lol). I mean, he pretty much created modern pop-electronica as we know it now...

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Just sit down and do it. Try and fail and succeed. Rinse and repeat. Nobody gets good by waiting for the "perfect one".

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

A: Electronica. With a sincere heart, though. Without shamelessly trying too hard to be a product. If it comes, then it's meant to be :)

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Ability to emulate (and switch to) other styles if needed.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Out of the box approach. Recording and producing experience. Opinionated fresh ears. Or a simple "it's perfect! Why change anything?" :)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Reference, Structure, Theme (including final use), Demo, Revise until happy.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pretty minimal home-studio setup, with attention to monitoring (Genelecs, Senheiser HD650), good selection of plugins, and some performance goodies (AKAI Force, Maschine)

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

A: Flume, Tokimonsta, Boi-1da, Lorn, ODESZA, Radiohead

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

A: Beats, soundtracks, complete songs to add vocals or top-line. Also, mixing and sound design.

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

A: Although I recently finished composing and designing for a Red Bull video, it hasn't been released yet, so I can't officially brag about it (lol)! But on a more personal note, I am super happy and proud of how my album “soundtrack for movies in my head” is coming together (https://iamaduo.bandcamp.com/album/soundtrack-for-movies-in-my-head). 2020 hit us like a brick and the consequences will be felt in years to come. What was already important before, now becomes paramount, as we must discuss Mental Health with real policies and action. I'm glad I could turn some of that into inspiration for music.