Tom Oliver on SoundBetter

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.

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Credits

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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!