Besides being a freelance engineer I'm also a percussionist, I dabble on the guitar, and I like to compose. I also live with Alexis and our three dogs, cat, and fish. I've worked in studios from New York to Louisiana and I love working on music that inspires me. Listen to some of the songs I've worked on to see if you think we'd be a good fit.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with John Michael Caldwell
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't just pick someone who has some songs you like when you hear them. Pick to work with someone who's personality understands your own.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I'm working on a hybrid setup right now. Sometimes I'll track some mixes to tape if it's a project that seems like it would benefit from it.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't overproduce.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. I guess I prefer analog because I'm always looking for something that changes the way something sounds. Contrary to popular belief, tape is not the truest representation of a sound. If you want something clean, go digital.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like getting to know the band and then picking a workflow that's best for them. It depends a lot on the genre, style of playing, and musicianship.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Who doesn't? But mainly, Dave Fridmann, Tchad Blake, and Kevin Augunas to name a few engineers. Musician wise I'd have to say, right now, Mercury Rev, a lot of musical scores especially by Michael Giacchino, and always a fan of Zach Gill.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Music. Tracking and Mixing mainly. I'm also available to compose if that's an interest.
- Recording StudioAverage price - $250 per day
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $150 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $150 per song
- Sound DesignAverage price - $100 per minute
- Live drum trackContact for pricing
- String ArrangerContact for pricing
- Composer OrchestralContact for pricing
Upon uploading, I'm sure we'll already have decided on terms that are suitable to both of us. I do allow up to two revisions on mixes, no matter what. After that, my hourly wage kicks in ($25/hr).
- Why Does It Matter
- Listen To My Songs
