I treat every project with professionalism, attention to detail, and most importantly, open communication between myself and the client. I was a session musician for years, so I know what it's like to work with everyone and to have a positive, productive, and fun relationship.
I produce and record awarding winning music in all genres.
I am active voting member of the Recording Academy, a professional member of the International Bluegrass Music Association ( IBMA), the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and the National Association of Recording Industry Professionals (NARIP).
I founded the Digital Composers Guild an I am currently the President of Digitalology Media.
My work has included numerous movie soundtracks including War, Destiny, and Easy Rider II, just to name a few.
I took on the challenge of composing and arranging the score for the musical Servantissimo.
My range of clients includes independent artists up to Fortune 100 companies. I composed and recorded the music for the 100th Anniversary celebration of Harley-Davidson, and the intro and theme song for the Disappearing Chef. I am a perfectionist and believe I can make your work the best.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Christopher Rapkin
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I played and produced a song called, "Afternoon." It is a 5 minute long work on piano. One of the cleanest recordings of an acoustic grand piano I have ever recording. You can hear it on YouTube.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working on a Flamenco guitar piece with 6 parts. I'm using one guitar and tracking all the parts. Even the acoustic percussion is done on the guitar. Very fun project!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Currently, just me.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. It all depends on what you are recording; the where, why, and how. Digital is great because it gives you the ability to edit things that you can't with analog. I like recording with analog on concert grand pianos and acoustic guitars.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise that I will take all the time needed to make your project shine. I don't give up until it's perfect.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love when someone has a dream and wants to create that dream musically. I get so pumped up to work on something that I know is going to be spectacular!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Have you played with anyone famous? Yes, yes I have. Have you every heard of Elton John? I have never played with him.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: People assume that most people my age do this as a hobby. I have never done music as a hobby. This is what I do.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are you hearing in your head for this project?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be specific on what you need. Communicating though messages can be difficult. I try to facilitate the process by making sure we are both on the same page. It's important to do this because it just makes your project that much better.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, AKG K701 Headphones, Neumann U87 mic, Martin D-41 Acoustic, Steinway Piano. Actually, I would really just need the laptop.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have over 40 years of experience I have been playing professionally since I was 16 years old. I have performed in over 84 countries. I was a session musician, (bass guitar), that went into movie soundtracks, and later, scoring musicals. Producing is something I feel became a very natural thing for me because I love to create quality sound.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Professional.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I work with artists that have great ideas and want something unique.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: To take out the screeching string slide sound on an acoustic guitar, play the chord leading up to the change and let it just ring out. Then, play the next chord. Place the second on a different track under the original chord where the change should happen. You will eliminate any sliding string screech.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Currently, I have been doing a lot of techno due to the success of my latest album, "Techno Victim." I have 3 other albums that contain many different genres of music. I love it all!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Making your work shine.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Substance, power, interest, likability.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I really find that communication is key to a successful project. The more information I have on what you want, the better the final project will be. I am a perfectionist. I want your song, beats, etc., to blow the doors off anything you have ever heard.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: If I can't do your project in my studio, then I shouldn't be doing it in the first place.
I was the artist and producer in this production
- Film ComposerContact for pricing
- ProducerContact for pricing
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $200 per song
- Bass FretlessAverage price - $200 per song
- Bass UprightAverage price - $200 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $200 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $250 per song
2 revisions. Turn around time is typically 3 days for complete. I charge for a complete song, whether it's 5 seconds or 4 minutes.
- I have the most state-of-the-art equipment currently on the market
If your song is a real hit, I can submit it for consideration of Grammy nomination.
