Steve Baker on SoundBetter

Record Producer, Multi-instrumentalist, Mixer, Composer. My goal is to make your songs blow people away. My comfort zone genres are Electronica, Alt Pop, Indie, Indie Folk, Synth-Pop, Cinematic. I'm instinctive, inventive, enthusiastic, patient, trustworthy, fun! My strengths are my ear and deep passion for interesting, authentic music.

I believe that the production should not only match the song, but bring the vision of the songwriter into focus while embracing spontaneity. My productions typically sound rich, detailed, atmospheric and energetic. Using counterpoint, texture, experimental methods, unique sound design and complementary instrumentation.

I value authenticity, inventiveness and discovery and I believe that the energy of a performance is hugely important to a song's execution. My role is to enable and capture the best from you as an artist / vocalist / story teller.

- Pre-production
- Tracking / recording
- Production & instrumentation
- Editing, mixing & sound design
- Remote sessions

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Steve Baker

by Alexander J.
Verified
Steve has been a pleasure to work with - he has a very organised and efficient approach and does not want his musicians to feel rushed either. He is good at finding ways to achieve a particular sound and passionate about making music. I would definitely recommend working with him!
by Eoin
Verified
Steve delivered an excellent bassline for me with lots of ideas and a really strong sense of what the track needed. An excellent ear for music and a total pro to deal with! Would definitely recommend.

Interview with Steve Baker

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I made records in analogue studios and the limitations can get better performances. Knowing you have to lose the previous take to fix any issues meant that you have to do something great and settle with it. Digital is the only way to go if you're working collaboratively with a Producer. I couldn't do what I do without it and I love integrating analogue & tape recordings into digital projects. Field recordings. Strange samples from vinyl etc.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been recording and writing music since I was 12
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Relaxed. Fun. Open-minded. Able to take the lead but also follow an artists lead.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That you have to have lots of expensive equipment and 30 years experience to get a good sound.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Are there any particular songs or artists whose sound you admire? What's most important to you as a musician/song-writer? Where do you see your music being played? Would you like sugar in your tea?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Without electricity? An acoustic guitar, solar powered multi-track recorder, microphone, headphones,
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My musical ear and understanding of the fabric of many music genres.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Get to know the artist and their creative ideas. Find out what they need the most and where I can add the most value. Do they want to lead the process or have me take the lead? The process is defined after that has been figured out. Often it's just about finding a good starting point and going from their. I work quite quickly and like to catch a vibe 7 moment, so being relaxed and not over-working an idea is important.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Have fun. Find out what the song is about & where the focus should be and base your decisions on that. Don't follow too many rules.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Life. Vibe. The joy of imperfections. An experimental approach.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a home set up and a purpose built, acoustically treated studio space. I use Mac, Ableton & Logic Pro 9 and Pro X, Waves, Ozone & tons of other plugins, Focusrite interface, Samson monitors, Beyer Dynamic headphones, OP-1 Synth/Sampler/Drum machine, Ableton Push 2 - many old keyboards and some synths - Korg Microbrute, Korg DW8000, Moog Sub-Phatty etc. Tons of effects pedals. Large choice of guitars if need be. POD XT. Rode NT1a, SM58s, SM57s.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Brian Eno. Josh Homme. Rick Rubin. Little Dragon. Damon Albarn. Geoff Barrow & Adrian Utley (Portishead). The Chemical Brothers. James Ford. David Byrne. Trent Reznor. John Frusciante.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Simply put: I help them to get the sound they hear in their heads.