Khalid Barrow on SoundBetter

Hey, I'm Khalid. I have an eclectic taste in music. I can work with just about any genre. My specialities are classic rock and cinematic orchestral composing. I can take your basic idea and create the perfect musical backing, fully mixed and mastered and ready for radio release.

Simplicity is key. I'm interested in presenting you in the best way I can. Musical backings are there for support. Let's work together to find the message/mood you're trying to convey and have a ton of fun in the process!

I've worked with a diverse range of artists from all around the globe. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Disco, everything. I love it all. All you need is your lyrics and a basic idea for the song. I'll work with you on every single detail to ensure it turns out just the way you want it.

I play multiple instruments but focus mainly on guitar and piano. I also have a wide array of MIDI libraries ranging from thick pumping EDM synths to an entire virtual classical orchestra. More than enough fire power to let your creativity run wild! Let's make some music!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

Matt Ebenezer

Languages

English

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Interview with Khalid Barrow

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I produced a cover of Crosby Stills & Nash - Southern Cross online with about 8-10 musicians from all around the globe. It was just for fun but it was almost like conducting a play. I delegated parts to every musician, built an entire choir of harmonies and put it all together for a fully mixed and mastered product. It took a few months to work within everyone's schedules but the final product was something we were all proud of!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A classic rock song that takes a lot of inspiration from The Rolling Stones.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both are great! Both make music just fine. We're here to make music, not have an academic debate!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will always be honest and direct about what we're doing. If I don't like something, I'll be clear about it.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I'm obsessed with all aspects of music, so this is the field for me!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Question: Do you think you can help me with this idea? Answer: Yes!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Orchestral cinematic style composing is my strongest skill but it's not my only one. I can write instrumental backings in all sorts of different styles and genres. I've produced loads of different styles ranging from rock, folk, blues to calypso.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: 1. How can I help? 2. What's your time limit? 3. Do you have a demo?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Provide as much information as possible for what you're looking for. Make a demo with a voice note on your phone if you can. I need to know the style you're after. Be open to suggestions and the possibility that we could take the song in a totally different direction from the initial idea. One idea leads to several more during the creative process. We never know where we're gonna go!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Presuming this island has electricity! 1. Mac with Logic installed. 2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 so I can record. 3. Lewitt LCT 441 Flex mic. 4. Fender Stratocaster. 5. Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2 Midi Keyboard.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Since 2020, though I've been a musician all my life!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I do a vast array of genres but each project is handled methodically and light heartedly. It needs to be enjoyable, always.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Definitely Hans Zimmer. I would learn so much from even being around him. His hybrid orchestra is the perfect blend of modern and classical.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is more. It's so easy to over produce songs. Restraint takes more effort but it pays off in the end.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Cinematic style composing, classic rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Objectivity. I am very good at identifying issues in a mix. I can also tell you if a melody/harmony sounds good or not. I detect timing and pitch issues very easily. My ears are well trained.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: An alternate perspective. I have an eclectic taste in music and I can pull from a wide range of musical backgrounds to give your track a sense of originality and identity.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I want to hear your demo and spend some time understanding what you want. It's a back and forth process that requires significant communication. I can bring a lot to the table but the overall production still needs to reflect your vision.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a well furnished home studio with a range of acoustic instruments and microphones perfect for professional productions. I also have a variety of guitar amps and pedals to create proper vintage tones. I work on a Mac with Rokit 5 studio monitors. I've gotten very accustomed to the sound of my room so I can tell what sounds good!
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Danny Elfman.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Orchestral composing, arranging, mixing and mastering. I also supply work as a session musician.