Ben Kling on SoundBetter

An indie/folk producer with a penchant for percussion from around the world and mellotron flutes. Always mellotron flutes.

As a producer I do my best to bring all of your diverse influences into one cohesive sound. I pride myself on being a diverse music listener who is just as rooted in IDM as I am in modern West African music and I work best with people who have similarly eclectic taste. I often know that I am working with the right person when they are referencing just as many weird film scores and Japanese Punk bands as I am!

Because of my diverse listening habits I tend to reach for a broad palette of unusual sound combinations when producing a song for someone. I like to combine traditional Americana instruments with analog synths and unusual drum and percussion choices, resulting in a sound that is familiar but also brings something new to the table. A mix of sounds that are rooted in the traditional but embrace the weird and innovative.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

26 Reviews - 5 Repeat Clients

Endorse Ben Kling

by Jessica I.
Verified
Once again and with no surprise at all...Ben has done an incredible job producing and mixing my latest track!! Ben even sourced a session cellist for the song to add extra magic! So so happy with the result again and can't recommend Ben highly enough!
by Jessica I.
Verified
Ben is amazing! He did the most incredible job bringing my song to life! Absolutely exceeded my expectations! To be able to work with one super talented producer for all production, mixing and instrumentation needs is just a dream come true...with such a polished and perfect result to show for it too! Ben was also super patient and accommodating with revisions and working through new ideas. 110% recommend working with Ben. Already can't wait to work on more songs with him in the near future!!
by Len D.
Verified
My favorite producer to work with.
by Morgan L.
Verified
Ben was fantastic! He has a wonderful ear, a very creative approach, and really took the time to understand the particular vibe/influences of the project. I’m very happy with the song he produced, and would highly recommend him.
by Michael B.
Verified
Ben is amazing! When I first started working with him, I had just lyrics, a melody, and some chords. He helped me build an entire EP and helped me to learn the recording/producing process along the way. Great communicator, and I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for production or mixing. Thanks Ben!
by Michael B.
Verified
Ben continues to go above and beyond! We both agreed the track could use a horn section, and he arranged a horn player to feature on the track at no extra cost to me. This is my third track that he helped mix and produce, and it's better than I imagined it sounding in my head. Well deserved 5 star review.
by Michael B.
Verified
Ben is a Wizard! He's communicative, professional, a musical guru, and did I mention wizard? From the first few tracks I sent to him to the final product, he transformed my ideas into a reality and put a much needed spin on the song. This was my second project with Ben and it won't be my last. I wish there was more than 5 stars!
by CPIII
Verified
Ben is FANTASTIC.

He took my idea and created it into a beautiful, fully produced song. He is extremely thoughtful when it comes to references and I found it very easy to discuss ideas with him.

He is very quick, has a wealth of knowledge on many different sounds and genres, and was able to bring them together for the song.

If you have a multi-genre sound, Ben is an excellent choice. I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.
by Michael B.
Verified
Ben was extremely communicative and easy to work with. He gave great direction to the project and tons of advice. He responds very quickly and I am more than satisfied with how the project turned out. Well deserved 5 stars!
by Kevin H.
Verified
Ben is a gifted composer. Fast, collaborative, gets the direction the song is going and asks the right questions. I really enjoyed working with him, the quality was top notch.
by Evan L.
Verified
Ben is a wizard and you shouldn't hesitate to use him!
by River S.
Verified
Amazing experience again. Worked to get the mix just perfect!
by River S.
Verified
Continually amazing! You will not find anyone that takes direction better than Ben.
by River S.
Verified
First time using Ben for mixing, I knew he was an extremely talented producer and musician but was once again blown away by his work. I've never collaborated with someone who takes direction so well, which is so challenging when everything is through messaging online. He does this flawlessly.

Highly recommend!
by River S.
Verified
Absolute pleasure again. Could not be more happy with Ben's work
by River S.
Verified
Completely blown away again. Ben takes my little ideas and turns them into something so polished. So happy with the production work.
by River S.
Verified
Simply amazing work! Ben takes direction so well, I never have to worry. Highly recommend.
by River S.
Verified
Ben's talent is out of this world! Very easy to work with, takes direction well, happily willing to fine tune and make little adjustments til everything is 100%. Could not have asked for more!
by River S.
Verified
Brief job but I already can tell that Ben is an absolutely incredible musician! Great communication and insanely creative!
by Letha
Verified
Ben was great to work with! He listened to my ideas and produced the vision for this track with expedience, professionalism, great musicality, fun and a caring attitude. I highly recommend him for your next project.

Interview with Ben Kling

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog just because it forces you to be a little more thoughtful with the choices you make. Having the restrictions of analog can really force you to be more creative and come up with some cool solutions. That being said I have no beef with digital and I actually prefer to mix in the box.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: "Ben always doubles the vocals" That's just not true... Its probably like a 50/50 split at most.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd actually rather work with some producers and engineers. I feel like they could teach me a ton. Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam, Tchad Blake, Shawn Everett, and Ethan Gruska will all be super cool people to learn a trick or two from!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: This is getting into some really nerdy stuff here but you asked for it so here we go. Put a transient designer on your drum machine loop and then randomly automate the attack and sustain of said transient designer for a more dynamic sound. This also works great with trap hats, its a really nice way of adding some movement and life to a sound that is otherwise kinda robotic and rigid (though sometimes you want that!)
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I'm a very versatile musician and producer, I can't think of many genres that I don't pull influence from. For instance my guitar playing style is heavily influenced by Palm Wine music from West Africa but I also have trained as a bluegrass mandolin player. Having this broad palette to choose from allows me to take the production of a song in a unique direction that listener, and sometimes the artist, wasn't expecting.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a combination of traditional folk instruments and modern analog synths. Some highlights are: Gibson Hummingbird guitar, Stonebridge Mandolin, Mood Grandmother, Juno 106. Feel free to message me if you want to know more! I just feel kinda silly listing out every instrument in my studio...
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Here are a couple of my favorite albums at the moment: Nick Mulvey - First Mind Laura Mvula - Sing To The Moon Beach Boys - Pet Sounds Sergio Santos - Africo Mingus, Ellington and Roach - Money Jungle
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I find asking big musical influences to be super helpful and informative. Beyond that I also love to know what the songwriter or artist watches on TV or what their favorite book or movie is. Knowing more about the other art they enjoy and consume really helps flesh out who they are as a musician. Plus it's always cool to hear people get fired up talking about the art they are passionate about.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I love working with singer-songwriters who are slightly out of left field. When an artist or musician's listening taste is as broad as mine and they bring influence from all over the world it can really create something unique. If it sounds like something I've never heard before then I want to work on it!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Producing and fleshing out singer-songwriter folk songs lush, diverse, Spotify-ready songs.