Louis Smith on SoundBetter

Hello! I am a guitarist, singer and songwriter with experience in both live and studio surroundings. I have an enthusiasm for experimentation, sound design and genre exploration but I'm looking to focus on collaboration. I'm hoping to work with every kind of artist and try my hand at any music/project. Favourite Genres: Country, Pop, Rock & HipHop.

Experience wise, I have performed (and tech'd) at a number of local festivals of varying different sizes, as well as previously assisted clients with projects such as university dissertations, video game soundtracks and EP writing and recording sessions. I tend to specialise in finger-style acoustic playing or clean to softly overdriven electric guitar tones with a playing style to match. However, I have on occasion collaborated with a POP and EDM producer/mastering engineer on a number of tracks; whilst recent projects have required a heavier approach in the context of both rock and hip hop. Some personal highlights include performing at a folk music festival hosted in the grounds of Hatfield House and playing on the stage of the O2 arena during an initial soundcheck for UB40. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or enquiries!

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Languages

English

1 Reviews

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by Ben
A stand out project Louis and I worked on was the cover of Led Zeppelins Stairway to Heaven. This project highlighted his ability to quickly and precisely learn and adapt to even the most demanding tracks. Since then, he has been my GO-TO guitarist for all my sessions.

He has a vast collection of tastefully selected guitars and pedals in his arsenal which are always a joy to record. His professional and flexible ability’s, combined with whatever you decide to throw at him, always seem to go down a dream and is guaranteed to give your track that extra sparkle and dimension it needed.

Interview with Louis Smith

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I like to stick to pop/rock composition. My favourite part of the job is the challenge of working on new genres that you might not expect to see me on e.g. EDM, Hip Hop or Funk
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Why have you decided to source a guitarist? What are you hoping to achieve with this project? What effect are you hoping my skills will have on your music? What kind of deadline have you placed on this project? What is your favourite song? (Could be a helpful reference)
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: A university student was coming up to his big end of year project and had decided that he wanted to record an iconic rock song to a professional standard. His plan was to produce and mix the song himself whilst also booking the various musicians that would play the required parts. I was brought in to record all of the guitar that featured on the track, which turned out to be a huge variety of different parts. First of all, I recorded three different rhythm guitar parts on three different guitars: an acoustic, a twelve string and a modulated electric guitar. I was then asked to record two overdriven guitar solos (the second of which was left to me to improvise), as well as roughly six minutes of acoustic and electric lead phrases most of which, would get you thrown of most reputable music stores.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a home studio setup that is run from a Macbook Pro using Logic Pro X. I have a versatile range of microphones and a collection of guitars that are capable of just about any genre required. My current preferred recording method, utilises a twin microphone setup positioned in stereo, either in front of an amplifier or acoustic guitar. On the subject of amplifiers, I have a Blackstar HT20 Studio and a HT5R with a pedalboard made for the creation of ambient soundscapes and prominent lead tones on the floor next to the cab.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Top 3 Bands: Radiohead - Gang of Youths - Dire Straits Top 3 Artists: Jacob Collier - Grant - John Mayer
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Improvising skills - Sound design - Recording abilities - Interest in different genres
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working on a modern rock EP for debuting artist Calla Lillie.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Hannah Cowell - Mixing Engineer & DJ
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: It Doesn't Matter! In my personal experience I have found that it's always been way more fun to use have both. That being said, analogue outboard gear is absolutely magical and despite how amazing digital technology has become recently, I'm not convinced that it will ever top the way analogue gear sparkles on everything that is applied to it.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The lessons, experiences and challenges that come with working with different people and new or niche styles of music.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Gibson es-345 - My only 18th Birthday present (understandably) and completely priceless to me. My LsL Saticoy One - I can't only have one guitar can I !!! My Fender 12 String - Please refer to previous statement. Mesa Boogie Mark V - A ninety watt rocket ship of an amplifier. Boss RC-300 Loop Station - I'll need somebody to jam with!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Sounds a little basic but try to make sure that when recording, nothing is clipping or "in the red". Keeping your levels balanced will make mixing and mastering your track a whole lot easier for yourself or an engineer.