My gift is taking a recording - even a bad one - and polishing it, adding layers, adding depth, adding mood / emotion / sonic interest using modern production techniques to make it unique and ready to get picked up for TV or film or blow up on Spotify. I work in Reason, which is rare, but gives me an edge.
My success has come almost entirely from landing my music in major network television shows.
When a music supervisor is looking to create a certain mood or tension in a show, my publisher will come to me to remix a song, or cover a song or use an existing song.
I’ve landed songs in TV shows that I created on my iPhone. I prefer to start with start with property recorded music because I can take it even further, but I can always find a way to make a not great song sound great.
I’ve been asked to cover songs by the Cure, Jesus & Mary Chain, The magnetic Fields.
I’ve remixed songs by Helena Deland & Radiohead (soon to be released).
My music has been used in major motion picture releases - The Baker (Netflix) and numerous TV shows such as NBC’s Good Girls, HBO’s Search Party, Degrassi High, CBC’s Trickster and more, as well as commercials for Nixon and Coach Apparel NY, and Tony Hawks Ride channel.
If you’re looking to blend electronic with acoustic / traditional instruments I might be a good fit. I’m especially obsessed drum sounds. Rhythm is king so I like to start there.
I’m self taught (as most producers are) since 1995 and also learned by working with other world class producers.
Please visit my website to learn more - http://primengine.com/somalab
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview with Jacob Soma
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Programm’s first record. But more so newer material that isn’t out yet. I’ll come back to this question. I’m really excited to release the Radiohead remix I’m working on.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: The follow up to Programm’s first album, and a Radiohead remix.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I often try both, especially drums. I often layer both together. Whatever sounds better wins.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Tell me what artists inspire you. I won’t work on a project if I don’t think I can take it somewhere amazing.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, my RNP pre amp, one good mic, midi keyboard and guitar.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Since 1995. Though this is my first time reaching out to work with others. I’ve only ever been interested in creating my own music.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Moody. Atmospheric. Driven by rhythm.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: The Beatles, Tame Impala, Radiohead, Portishead, The Horrors, Grizzly Bear, Flaming Lips. I bet I could do something amazing with Billie Eilish. Why? To see where I could take their music.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Get your source sound sounding good and put your ear where the mic will go. Don’t geek out so much over gear. It’s the source and the room and the ability of the player. If those are all there you can use a potato to record with. For electronic sounds that’s a bit more complex. Layer your drums and humanize your electronic sounds (an art unto itself).
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie, shoegaze, post punk, electronic, post rock. But also none of those. Post-everything! I’m not into recreating old styles. I want something new, always.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: - Building a wall of sound - not recording in the tried and true methods to get unique sounds
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Unbridled enthusiasm and years and years and years of tinkering with sound and gear.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: This would take hours to write, and I don’t really want to share it anyways. Let’s just say I obsess until I find something interesting / unique. It often includes recording in unconventional ways.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work out of two studios; my home studio - Somalab, and a studio downtown Toronto (a private studio that’s been running for 30+ years and used by many Toronto bands over the years. I don’t mean to sound clandestine but I can’t say where it is or who owns it).
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nigel Godrich, Mark Hannett, Steve Albini, Butch Vig, Allan Moulder, George Martin, Kevin Parker
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Making moody / cinematic music for television.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Programm’s first record. But more so newer material that isn’t out yet. I’ll come back to this question. I’m really excited to release the Radiohead remix I’m working on.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: The follow up to Programm’s first album, and a Radiohead remix.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I often try both, especially drums. I often layer both together. Whatever sounds better wins.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Tell me what artists inspire you. I won’t work on a project if I don’t think I can take it somewhere amazing.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, my RNP pre amp, one good mic, midi keyboard and guitar.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Since 1995. Though this is my first time reaching out to work with others. I’ve only ever been interested in creating my own music.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Moody. Atmospheric. Driven by rhythm.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: The Beatles, Tame Impala, Radiohead, Portishead, The Horrors, Grizzly Bear, Flaming Lips. I bet I could do something amazing with Billie Eilish. Why? To see where I could take their music.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Get your source sound sounding good and put your ear where the mic will go. Don’t geek out so much over gear. It’s the source and the room and the ability of the player. If those are all there you can use a potato to record with. For electronic sounds that’s a bit more complex. Layer your drums and humanize your electronic sounds (an art unto itself).
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie, shoegaze, post punk, electronic, post rock. But also none of those. Post-everything! I’m not into recreating old styles. I want something new, always.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: - Building a wall of sound - not recording in the tried and true methods to get unique sounds
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Unbridled enthusiasm and years and years and years of tinkering with sound and gear.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: This would take hours to write, and I don’t really want to share it anyways. Let’s just say I obsess until I find something interesting / unique. It often includes recording in unconventional ways.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work out of two studios; my home studio - Somalab, and a studio downtown Toronto (a private studio that’s been running for 30+ years and used by many Toronto bands over the years. I don’t mean to sound clandestine but I can’t say where it is or who owns it).
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nigel Godrich, Mark Hannett, Steve Albini, Butch Vig, Allan Moulder, George Martin, Kevin Parker
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Making moody / cinematic music for television.
