Dave Dones on SoundBetter

A great recording starts with a great song. Let me help you develop yours into something great, and take your mix to the next level. Specialize in Rock, Pop punk, Indie pop and singer/songwriter.

Pre production. Song development.
Session acoustic/electric guitar work.
Session vocals. lead, harmonies and/or background.
Vocal editing/compilation/tuning.
Drum editing/compilation/triggering.
Mixing or remixing. 2 recalls always included in pricing.
Budget mastering. 2 recalls always included in pricing.

On site Production/Engineering for local clients.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for David Dones

The Phoenix Within

Languages

English

2 Reviews

Endorse Dave Dones

by Dani Felt
Dave Dones is one of the most talented singers/producers and writers I have ever met. Working with him on Unapologetic was an awesome experience! He understood my vision as an artist and took a voice memo idea and turned it into gold. He could hear the instruments that go with it and right away came up with a guitar melody after only hearing my voice. If you are looking for someone that can bring your vision to life, Dave is the guy! Highly recommend him for any singing, writing, mixing or production projects.
by Leah Humphrey
Dave is very talented and fun to work with! I definitely recommend taking on a project with him.

Interview with Dave Dones

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Working on writing demos for a new project.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: There is no magic switch to make everything sound better.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Who or what inspires you? What examples of music can you show me to further detail what you want each instrument to sound like in a mix?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Allow for some creativity on the production side of things. Give ideas a chance, but ultimately remember its your song that you paid for so don't be afraid to articulate what you want out of your song.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a musician since around the age of 8. Attended a couple years of college for Audio Engineering. Started an Internship at Audio Pilot Studio in NJ at age 20. Mentored by Rob Freeman at Audio Pilot Studio and continued to freelance there for about 10 years. Moved to Nashville to start something of my own and continue making music that I love.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Polished approacher to a more raw sounding style.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: There is no "right" way to do anything in production. If you like the way it sounds to you, then it's right for you. Communication and compromise between Producer and Artist are just as important as in any relationship.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, Hard Rock, Acoustic, Singer-songwriter, Pop-Rock, Pop-Punk.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Vocal & Drum production/tracking/editing.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: -Ask artist for 2 types of references. Both a reference that inspires the artist to write and a sonic reference of what the artist is looking to sound like in their final mix. -pre production. Attend practice, writing session or a show with the artist to get an inside feel for the song/s. -Tracking. Rhythm section, guitars, bass, miscellaneous instruments, vocals, percussion. -Mixing. -Mastering (if applicable)
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Artists/Bands: Thrice, Young The Giant, Paramore, Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves, Coldplay, Muse, NIN, Bayside Producers: John Feldman, Trent Reznor, John Meldel-Johnson, Dave Bendeth, Chris Lorde Alge, Sylvia Massey
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most of my work has been a. full production from start to finish. pre-production with the artist all the way up to a mix. Usually an advocate to have a 3rd party Master to get another ear on the project. The other half of my work (especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic) has been remote mixing/tracking/editing from home.