Pianist/Engineer/Producer based in London via Chicago and Nashville with over 25 years of piano training and 15 years of Professional Experience playing and touring.
Paul Wierdak, London-based composer, producer, and engineer, boasts over 25 years of piano experience and a degree in Audio Arts and Acoustics from Columbia College (2011). With roots at Wall to Wall Recording in Chicago, he excelled as a recording musician and engineer, collaborating across rock, classical, hip-hop, jazz, electronic, and metal genres alongside Grammy-winning producers. From 2013-2020, he toured as a pianist and live sound engineer across 48 US states, 6 Canadian provinces, and internationally in Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and the UK. Transitioning to producing and composing in 2017, he divided his time between Chicago and Nashville, until relocating to the UK to complete his Masters of Music in 2022. Currently lecturing at the London College of Contemporary Music, Paul's blend of technical prowess, creative aesthetic, and extensive industry experience cements him as a dynamic force in music composition, production, and scoring.
Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.
69 Reviews - 12 Repeat Clients
Endorse Paul Wierdak
check_circleVerifiedPaul is an incredible pianist. Very patient, communicative, and took the time and care to understand what I was looking for, exceeding my expectations.
check_circleVerifiedThis is my 2nd time working with Paul. Such a cool guy. Easy to work with and quick to respond. Will definitely be working with him again
check_circleVerifiedI came to Paul with an idea in my head, and he turned it into a reality. I was able to send him a collection of inspirations — songs, videos, etc. — and have a great chat with him around my vision. He translated all of those inputs into a stunning piano backdrop for a piece I can't wait to finish now. 10/10, will definitely return to Paul for more work. His responsiveness, commitment to the project, and talent are second to none. Thanks Paul!
check_circleVerifiedPaul is an outstanding pianist! He is extremely professional and will go out of his way to make sure you get the exact parts you need. I cannot recommend Paul highly enough!
check_circleVerified5 stars. Every. Single. Time. Paul is just the best - you should use him :)
check_circleVerifiedHad a great time working with Paul on a piano lead for one of my new singles. Wonderful communicator, super enthusiastic...highly recommended!!
check_circleVerifiedDefinitely enjoyed working with paul. Tremendous balance of taking my notes of what I wanted specifically, and adding his own interpretation. Very Professional. We'll work again forsure
check_circleVerifiedThis is my first project with Paul. It was such an easy process and I appreciated that a lot. From Paul's first return email it was evident that he wants to get me exactly what I wanted (even though I wasn't sure myself what that was). Communications were fast and to the point and the end result was brilliant. He played what I wanted played and added on a separate track some idea of his own which were spot on and which I will incorporate in my song.
I wish it were always that easy :-)
check_circleVerifiedPaul is my go to for piano work - he is superb, always plays what's best for the song and never disappoints!
check_circleVerifiedPaul is amazing. THANK YOU paul!!!
check_circleVerifiedPaul has an outstanding ear for music and as a session player is able to capture and deliver impressive performances.
He is a great communicator and interpreter.
Looking forward to future projects with him.
- check_circleVerified
Paul has an incredibly way of interpreting my songs. I've worked with him many times and no idea is too much to ask - and the songs are so much better for his input!
check_circleVerifiedTop Notch!
- check_circleVerified
Excellent.
check_circleVerifiedHe did such a great job. He got everything I wanted done exactly as I had asked and in such a timely matter. Highly recommend!
- check_circleVerified
Amazing all around!!! Highly recommend. We have worked together many times and will continue!
check_circleVerifiedI've worked with Paul a few times now and once again he was very hospitable with me. Excellent musician with prompt delivery, and a great communicator.
- check_circleVerified
This guy is is solid!! Super fast response time on messaging and project turnaround. He’s punctual and gets the job done when he says he will. He also knows how to play for the song which is one of the most valuable traits a studio musician can have. I’d recommend Paul any day!!
check_circleVerifiedI always keep Paul in mind when I need piano that actually gives music attitude or meaning. He brings life to what he creates and doesn’t forget to give his attention to all details.
- check_circleVerified
Not only is Paul always up for whatever challenge I throw at him, he knocks it out of the park every single time. It's always a pleasure working with a professional such as him.
Interview with Paul Wierdak
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Not Production based, but this one time at SXSW this punk girl in her early 20s came up to me after a show and said, "I've been saving up to buy a guitar and amp... for a long time. But after seeing you play I think I want to buy a Nord and an amp and learn to play it like you do!" Really meant a lot to me and totally caught me off guard.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Just ask. I will be the first person to tell you if I am the right person for the job, and it won't hurt my feelings if you don't pick me. At the end of the day I want create good music. If I'm not the guy for you, I'll let you know, or point you toward someone.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have 25+ years of piano specializing in improvisation, writing and arrangement.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Not Production based, but this one time at SXSW this punk girl in her early 20s came up to me after a show and said, "I've been saving up to buy a guitar and amp... for a long time. But after seeing you play I think I want to buy a Nord and an amp and learn to play it like you do!" Really meant a lot to me and totally caught me off guard.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Depends. Both have their place and their people. I like both...
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I am(or am not) the right person for the job, and we will make something that we are all going to be proud of.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The feeling you get when something starts to work. The rush you get when you are creating.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Depends what they want to do. But mostly, what are you looking for? What are some examples of something similar? What is your time frame? For Mixing, Have you ever had a project professionally Mixed/Mastered before.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started playing piano at a very young age. I excelled quickly, and was pushed to continue. I hated it. In 6th grade my cousin taught me pentatonic scales and how to use them. I fell in love with improvisation. My father always told people, "Paul sat down at the piano one day and never got back up." I practiced hours a day working on improvisation, composition, scales, and hand speed through junior high and high school, reading a bachelor's degree worth of music theory in the process.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I specialize in Funk, Soul, Jazz, Rock, and Classical. But I have studied pretty much everything.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, M83, and Miike Snow
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If something isn't working, don't try to force it. The right part/ arrangement/ lyrics/ or whatever don't come from force. Don't be afraid to point out something that you think doesn't work, to yourself or others. So many unnecessary pieces go into arrangements just because they were played.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work on a lot of Hip-hop, Rock, and Electronic for both playing and Mix/Mastering.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I try to bring what the song needs. Sometimes its a crazy solo, sometimes its a pad, and sometimes its just putting all the right pieces in the right place.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I try to avoid a typical work process because every piece of art is different and requires a different train of thought. What works magic for one project might be distractive for the next. That being said, I DO VERY MUCH believe that process is critical. But process for each track has to come from brainstorming with the client, not from habit. Habit doesn't create good art.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I move around, but have access to pretty much anything. I usually mix in the box for internet based projects to keep costs down, and use Piano VST, but have access to Neve VR/SSL/API boards for extra cost. I can work off a Yamaha C7 piano, as well.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: With 25+ years of music experience, I pull inspiration from many places. Some of my favorites are Mark Ronson, J Dilla, Keith Jarrett, David Bowie, M83, Kanye West, and Parliament.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I do a large range of work for clients, but focus on and specialize in: A: Piano based instrument recording(Piano, E. piano, Synth, and Organ.) B: Mixing Hip-hop/Electronic/Rock
I was the Piano/Engineer in this production
- PianoContact for pricing
- Keyboards - SynthContact for pricing
- Mixing EngineerContact for pricing
- Mastering EngineerContact for pricing
- Vocal TuningContact for pricing
All services come with two revisions, will happily do more if I feel the track needs more work. Turn around time for anything keyboard related or vocal tuning is 2-3 days. Mixing/Mastering 5-7.
- Neve1073 preamps
- Nord Electro
- Yamaha Motif
- Nord Wave
- Nord Lead 2x
- MicroKorg
- Native insturments Kompete 11
