Charles Harnach on SoundBetter

Greetings! My name is Charles Harnach. I am a Grammy nominated arranger, keyboardist and producer with over 35 years of studio experience.

I’ve been credited as a player or arranger on numerous projects including gospel artist Candi Staton, R&B legend Jo Jo Benson and Peggy Scott, the Grammy Award winning Blind Boys of Alabama, The Dixie Dregs, Col. Bruce Hampton, Wayne Perkins and many others. In addition, I've worked on hundreds of independent artists releases.

As a composer, I have created music for the Atlanta Summer Olympics, corporate clients including Sony, Samsung, Chevrolet, and hundreds of local and regional jingles for which I have won numerous Addy and Telly awards and a Clio, advertising most prestigious award. As an arranger, I have written charts ranging from pop horn section, to big band jazz, string quartet and full symphony orchestra.

Beyond all that, I love what I do!

You can hire me for a single track, produce a full session, or anything in between. Full track production is quoted on a per job basis, so contact me and we’ll talk about your project.

Instruments include piano, B3, Rhodes, Wulitzer, Clavinet, classic synths, drum programming, sampled bass, percussion, strings and brass in both contemporary pop and orchestral styles. Playing styles include pop, country, gospel, CCM, R&B, rock, blues, and jazz.

Recording gear includes Protools, Digital Performer, Reason, Abelton Live, Kontakt Komplete, EW Symphonic Platinum, BFD drums, plus a host of other libraries and plugins.

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

Credits

Endorse Charles Harnach9 Reviews

by B.B. H.
Verified
Charles Harnach has been my go-to musician for years for one simple reason. He always delivers excellence. He knocks every project out of the park and brings exceptional talent and professionalism to the studio. I highly recommend Charles. He will exceed your expectations.
by George V.
Verified
Charles took a very basic song demo and turned it into a cinematic experience! The sound sources, arrangement, etc are all major label quality.

We had a few changes in mind and he handled them deftly and speedily. Highly recommend his services!
by Steve Wingo
Charles is one of the most experienced and tasteful musicians in the Birmingham area and way beyond. His vast knowledge of creating masterful arrangements, scoring skills, producing, playing so skillfully any instrument he picks up, leaves me inspired every time I get to see/hear his work. And he is an all 'round nice guy! You can't go wrong with Charles.
by Tara Chugh
Charles is a GENIUS! He is also super easy to work with. I gave him reference tracks and the way he is able to articulate and understand what you want blows my mind. Highly recommend him and will definitely be partnering with Charles again.
by Tony Wachter
I have hired Charles as a session keyboardist many times over the years. He has great chops and he is very helpful as an arranger. I love working with him in my studio and I’m sure you will love working with him over the internet. Charles gets it. He will help you in every aspect of your production. And, he and I share a Grammy nomination, nuff said. Hire the man.
by Jim Pollard
I have worked with Charles on live gigs and recording studios for 48 years. He is an excellent musician and arranger. He is professional and creative! You will be very pleased!
by Barry Page
Charles is a fantastic musician, composer, arranger and producer. I have had the opportunity to work with him on several projects, and am always impressed. An ultimate pro, and expert at figuring out and delivering exactly what you need.
by George V.
Charles is the epitome of a consummate pro; not only are his parts great (playing is immaculate, tones are always spot on) but he delivers what and when he promises (not always the case with so-called session folks).

I've since discovered that he is a Grammy nominated player as well! And that's just cool!
by George V.
Charles is the epitome of a consummate pro; not only are his parts great (playing is immaculate, tones are always spot on) but he delivers what and when he promises (not always the case with so-called session folks).

I've since discovered that he is a Grammy nominated player as well! And that's just cool!

Interview with Charles Harnach

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: It's not a binary decision. Do what's right for the song.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Online collaboration can be challenging. Find someone who resonates with you and understands what you're looking for. That will be pretty obvious in the first few exchanges of conversation you have with them.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A keyboard, guitar, computer, headphones and sun screen.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't overthink things.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, country, gospel, soul, R&B, singer-songwriter
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I'm not the flashiest guy when it comes to playing, but I always bring the right feel and vibe to a song.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listening to what the client is looking for is the foundation for everything that follows. We talk, exchange ideas, and when we both feel like we're on the right path, I'll sketch out a demo for review. We make adjustments, talk about what's working and what's not, work out the wrinkles then move on to producing a finished track.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Since most of my work is programming and sequencing I sit in front of a piano keyboard most days. I use a number of DAWs depending on the project: Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic, Digital Performer. I have a HUGE number of sound libraries and plugins. Adam Audio monitors with sub, a modest microphone collection and external preamps and processing. When my home studio has reached its limit (which is not very often) I have access to a top notch commercial studio with an SSL console, lots of boutique mics and a large space for recording.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My personal musical tastes are quite eclectic. I was trained classically, but as a keyboard player I quickly become a fan of Emerson Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel, and Jordan Rudess. Bands like Tower of Power. When I took up guitar Joe Satriani, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Ray Vaughn were big influences.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most of my online work consists of helping people who have written a song and need help developing and polishing it. Maybe they've just got some lyrics and an idea for a melody, or perhaps play guitar or keys and used Garage Band to record a demo, or something as simple as a smartphone recording. Wherever they are in the process, I help them take it to the next level.