Tom Harley Oliver on SoundBetter

London-based producer, songwriter, and composer with professional experience across multiple disciplines in the music industry.

Since completing a BA in music from Falmouth University, I have toured the UK and Europe as a session musician with artists such as Webmoms and Factor 50. As an engineer, I have worked as an assistant at studios across London, Bristol, and Cornwall. Having recently relocated to London, I now work as a freelance producer, composer, and songwriter.

Production and Songwriting:
Discussion around the artistic vision, building instrumental tracks from scratch, drum programming, editing, and vocal tuning.

Mixing:
Balancing and polishing a track aligned with the artistic vision and references.

Other Services:
- Music for film, TV & advertisements
- Session player: Guitar, saxophone, keys

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

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Interview with Tom Harley 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!