Brandon Ellis on SoundBetter

Art demands excellence. // With experience touring for major label artists & playing on a wide array of tracks I bring precision, emotion, & intention to guitar session work. I specialize in pop-country, singer-songwriter, funk, R&B, rock, blues, & gospel. I'd love to work with you on your next demo, single, or project! // brandonellismusic.com

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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English

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Interview with Brandon Ellis

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Most popular digital plugins/amps/simulators are emulations of vintage analog gear. If you can just go with the real thing do it. You'll rarely be disappointed.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Timeliness, organization, creative parts, and tonal options.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Tom Bukovac, Derek Wells, J Hall, Aaron Sterling, Josh Kerr, Cameron Bedell, Seth Cook
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Fender Telecaster, Matchless DC-30, Martin D-45, Neumann U87, API 550a
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Eighties rock with pop and country influences. Artists that I commonly pull inspiration from are Michael Jackson/Toto/The Eagles/John Mayer/The 1975/Maroon 5/Morgan Wallen/HARDY/Lady A.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to work with both Martin Johnson & David Ryan Harris. They both inspire me as producers, songwriters, and artists. Above all they challenge me to bring my absolute best playing to the table and to use guitar tones as emotional extensions inside a song.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always get your preamp levels and mic placement right before you ever hit record. A well placed and gained microphone will capture the performance in the most organic way and will eliminate so many issues in mixing.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Respect to the artist's vision and artistry.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Texture, subtlety, atmosphere, intentional lead work, and tone.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: When I approach a song I like to do a couple straight listens with no instrument in hand. I want to take in the current form and feel of the tune to find the vision of the artist and to see how to fit inside of that vision. From there I create a chart for the song, establish hooks, and then after a couple runs of the song I will begin to record tracks.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: The core of my studio rig is a Universal Audio Apollo Twin recording into Logic Pro X on a 27" iMac. From there it splits between an analog signal chain with several tube amps, and also a digital chain running DI to several virtual amp options. This is all supplemented with vintage pedals, my mic locker, and a wide range of guitars.