I help artists turn ideas and demos into finished songs, combining songwriting, live instruments and electronic production. From developing a melody to building a full arrangement, I work with you to create a sound that reflects your music and influences.
I’m Tom, a London-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I work with artists to develop original songs, whether you’re starting with a voice note, a rough demo or a track that needs a fresh direction.
My approach starts with your ideas and references. We’ll explore what’s working in the song, strengthen the writing and build a production around it. I combine live guitar, bass and saxophone with programmed drums, synths and electronic textures, choosing what best supports the song.
I can help with:
• Full production from an initial idea or demo
• Co-writing and developing melodies, chords and song structure
• Arrangement and instrumental production
• Live guitar and saxophone recording
• Vocal production, comping, editing and tuning
• Refining and finishing existing productions
Alongside my production and songwriting work, I’m a recording engineer at Noatune Studios in London. I’ve also toured the UK and Europe as a session musician. My background as both a musician and an engineer shapes how I approach songwriting, arrangement and production.
Send me your demo or initial idea, a couple of reference tracks and what you’d like help with. We can discuss the direction and scope of the project from there.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Tom Oliver
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: There are plenty of fantastic people on SoundBetter! Make sure to do your research to find the right person for what you're looking for.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think mixing can often be mistake for an an entirely technical process when in fact it is incredibly creative and really requires you to accurately emotionally respond to a piece of music.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Taking an idea and turning it into a completed piece of music.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Indie pop with blends of electronic and organic sounding instrumentation.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Clario - I love the variety of instruments she uses across her albums, especially all the old school keyboards!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Strong and cohesive structures and arrangements.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I can make it sound pro whilst always staying true to the original artistic intent.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to work quickly and efficiently, so once we have discussed the artistic vision for the project, I will dive straight in!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work primarily with Logic Pro, but I occasionally use Ableton depending on the projects needs. I use an Audient ID44 and use a combination of soft synths and my Minilogue XD.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love the minimalist production styles of producers such as James Blake and FINNEAS. I’m also obsessed with how Ariel Rechtshaid produces drums!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I listen to their vision and ideas for a song or piece of music, and turn it into a reality!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie, pop, folk, rock.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don’t hold back? Give me all your ideas and we can refine them together.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Electric guitar, Korg Minilogue XD, Mac, Audient ID44, Microphone
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don’t perfect everything! Keep some rawness if possible.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Producing and mixing Factor 50’s sophomore album.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I’m happy working across both, but all depends on the project!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I will not stop working until you love it!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: What’s your rate - I am very flexible with this, and I am happy to meet whatever they’re comfortable with.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Who are your musical influences? What’s your timeline?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I began as a classical and jazz musician before transitioning into production and songwriting. This has given me the skills and theory to work across many genres!
I was the Songwriter, musician, producer & mixing engineer in this production
- play_arrowPartly Combined by Factor 50
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $25 per song
- Full instrumental productionAverage price - $25 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $25 per song
- SaxophoneAverage price - $25 per song
- Arcade Fire
- Olivia Rodrigo
- The 1975
- Logic Pro
- Pro Tools
