Producer and Engineer with over 10 years experience. Credits include Sony, RCA, Universal Music and more.
Alec "Cela" B is a multi-platinum producer and engineer based in Los Angeles. While working as a staff producer, Cela found his work catapulted to #1 on Billboard's Rhythmic and Airplay charts before scoring multiple #1 entries in the UK and selling 6x Platinum in the US. Currently, Cela has been working to developing new acts in the studio.
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Interview with Cela
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I think working in a hybrid setup is most common now a days for big records. I know engineers that work 100% in the box and have multiple #1's. Although you can't beat analog warmth.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creating music for a living is the best job in the world, how can anyone complain?
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What they're looking for and how I can create something they will love. That's what it's all about
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a drummer then started making beats. I moved to Los Angeles by myself at 21 with one connection at a record label. I worked sessions for free for many years before gaining traction and making a name for myself.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Moody
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Drake and Noah "40". Drake's early music inspired me to start making beats and falling in love with the process.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The thing I'm most known for is my sound selection when creating music and using different influences to create a song. I come from a drumming background, so my drums always have to hit hard. Most of my music whether it's a Trap record or RnB song will always have a pop element in it. I believe creating cross-over records are essential to growth as a musician.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My typical process for production is to not force anything, I try to catch the vibe of the room and bounce ideas off of people to create a record for the client that they'll love. When it comes to mixing records I normally start by editing and cleaning up the session if it needs it before jumping into the fun part. Typically I start with the instrumental mix to get that sitting in a good spot then go to the vocals. I reference in mono quite a bit to make sure my compatibility isn't all over the place. I do love a wide mix though.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup is pretty basic. Mac Pro, UAD Apollo 8, Neve 1073, Tube-tech CL1B and an 1176. Most of my work is in the box but I do occasionally work on an SSL 6056 E/G.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My close peers in the studio are who inspire me to be better. We collaborate and make great music and keep pushing to better ourselves.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I'd say 80% of my work today is Hip-Hop/ RnB driven. The other 20% is Pop records.
