John Marion

Groovy Duck Studios

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2 Reviews (2 Verified)
John Marion on SoundBetter

John is a meticulous mixer, an innovative producer and a generous creative collaborator. He is happy to help you achieve any of your musical desires. Whether you need someone to record, mix, master, a session musician or anything else you can think of, John and Groovy Duck Studios are here to help.

John is a music producer and owner of Groovy Duck Studios in Loudoun County, Virginia. John picked up his first instrument at 10, a trumpet, and from then on he knew music was going to be his life. John plays several instruments including guitar, bass, drums and piano. He has worked as a luthier building instruments and has performed, written and recorded with several bands.

John stuck his toe into the music production world while arranging and recording music for his 2010 wedding. 8 years later, he built a small but mighty recording studio in his home. The studio, lovingly dubbed Groovy Duck Studios is a creative home for John and his collaborators, and an affordable alternative for local bands who want great quality recordings without breaking the bank.

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

2 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse John Marion
  1. Review by Steven E.
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    John worked with me through long haul to get our 11 song album mixed and mastered, and the results speak for themselves. Very dedicated to working through each and every piece with me until it was to my liking. His patience and work ethic really brought this album together and I couldn't be more grateful! Highly recommend!

  2. Review by Steven E.
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    I was looking for someone that was willing to talk out and patiently discuss things, really give me a chance to explain and explore my intentions with the songs....in my usual, long-winded manor. Not only that, someone that would also invest the appropriate amount of time and interest in the project as well. If you're looking for these things, John is a very knowledgeable and thoughtful guy with an ear for working your mix. Will be working with him on our whole album. Very much appreciated!

Interview with John Marion

  1. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  2. A: Listening. Listening, and Listening. I listen to the artist so that I can understand how they want their songs to sound and feel. I listen to the artist' demo mixes over and over so that I get a sense of the sound they want to achieve. I listen to reference tracks and other songs by the artist I'm working with to get a sense of the style and flavor they are going for.

  3. Q: What's your typical work process?

  4. A: Pre-production is key. I tend to want to spend more time in the songwriting and arrangement part of the process, then have a clear idea what sounds I want to achieve, then record those sounds as close as I can get them to how I want to hear them. This means when it goes to mixing, I spend my time enhancing these sounds to make them shine instead of trying to 'fix it in the mix' afterwards.

  5. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  6. A: It's a single room studio, very cozy, and comfortable with seating for up to 5 people in addition to the engineer. It is also a very creative space, There are well maintained instruments everywhere ready to pick up and play. and at least 3-4 microphones are connected and ready to record at any time. When you're ready and inspired to lay down drums, guitars, keys, vocals, or anything else, I don't want any delay, I just want to be able to hit record and go.

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

  8. A: In no particular order... Warren Huart (The Frey, Aerosmith) a lot my production and mixing techniques, I learned from Warren. Sylvia Massey (Tool, Sublime, Smashing Pumpkins, Melvins) Andrew Scheps (RHCP, Adele) Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Them Crooked Vultures) Mike Patton (Faith no More, Mr Bungle, Fantômas, Peeping Tom)

  9. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  10. A: A lifetime of over 30 years of musical experience. I have involved myself in as many aspects of the music industry as I could. I've written and recorded albums with bands, I've played countless live shows across the U.S. I've worked as an instrument builder, And now as a studio owner, I'm using that experience to help others. When mixing, I focus on the big picture or the vibe/feel of a song, and at the same time bring out the small details of different instruments. I put the extra time in to automate everything to maximize emotion, and impact. And I always keep the artists vision in mind with every move I make.

  11. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  12. A: In my humble opinion, it doesn't matter as long as you get the sound you want.

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

  14. A: I'd love to work on any projoect Mike Patton is doing. He's so creative, and I feel like there would be so much I could learn from him.

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

  16. A: I generally work on songwriting, arrangement, and tracking instruments and vocals when clients are in the studio. Then I do the editing, additional instrument tracking, and mixing on the days I'm alone

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Terms Of Service

No hidden charges. price quoted will the the final price. No limits on revisions or number of tracks. Final mix is delivered in wav and mp3 formats. turn around time is 3-5 days.

Gear Highlights
  • Hardware - Audient ID44
  • DBX Pre's
  • comps. Software - Izotope
  • Slate
  • IK Multimedia
  • Soundtoys
  • XLN
  • Waves
  • NI. Studio - GIK Treatment
  • PRS/Fender/Schecter/Martin guitars
  • Roland V-Drums
  • Lots of Mics from Mojave/Shure/Lewit/Rode/GAP
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