Pop Music Producer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Remaking top of the chart songs and publishing video-tutorials on them.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To deliver emotionally-compelling, pro-sounding, memorable songs.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating new songs every day is the most exciting idea ever.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: People think pop music is shallow. It's quite the opposite. But it takes a lot of research to understand what's behind the scenes.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want people to feel when they listen to your song?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for the provider's name on Google and thoroughly analyze their productions.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Desktop PC with Ableton Live installed. Motu M2 — Audio Interface. Linnstrument — MPE MIDI controller. Yamaha HS8 — Speakers. Shure SM-58 — Microphone. Wait, where am I going to plug all this?

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I quit a law career to immerse myself in music. I've been playing live for over 15 years and producing pop music for almost 10 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Thorough.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Halsey. Her music sounds true to her feelings.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I do, in fact, share them all in video format. Here's a good one: use multi-clip editing in your piano roll to avoid instrument overlap and save yourself hours of de-masking when mixing.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Pop.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Writing catchy melodies.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The right emotion that matches the lyrics.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once I receive your lyrics and reference track, I visualize the type of mood your song's instrumental needs. Based on your song sections, I plan ahead and map out the tension-release elements for each verse and chorus. Next, I use a MIDI controller to develop a melody that matches the emotions in your words. I make sure each melody has a memorable hook. After that, I create an exciting rhythm. Straightforward or syncopated, according to the section, ensuring there is contrast. Then I write an elementary piano harmony to reinforce the intended vibe. Now it's time to work on smooth or shocking transitions. Back-vocals and countermelodies come next. I write them in MIDI first. The composition is done — it's time to arrange. Which instrument will play each part? That decision happens now. Your turn: record the vocals and back vocals according to the instructions I'll provide. I'll show you what to record and how. Send them back. I'll find suitable timbres and effects for each instrument and song section. Then I'll mix your vocals with the rest of the instrumental. Finally, I'll master the song and deliver a radio-ready track. You just have to promote it to your audience.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in-the-box with Ableton Live and a Linnstrument.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Max Martin, Stargate, Benny Blanco.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I fully produce, mix and master songs. All I need to get started are lyrics, and a reference track.