Music Producer/Sound Engineer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I was the executive music producer and engineer for an album by a renowned Tamil independent artist named: Achu. His album was a great success and just in a few months, it has already racked up over 400 thousand streams.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on an independent album, in the album I will be mixing and mastering all of the tracks and will be producing them too. I am hoping that this album will take my career to the next level.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I need to get more familiar with some of the other professionals here before I answer that.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital for sure purely because of the easy access to it and the creative opportunities it entails.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To give them a fully produced mixed/mastered record that fulfils their dream and is ready to exploit to radio or pitch to labels or licensing opportunities.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being able to do what I love as a living in itself is what pursues and motivates me to be a full-time music producer, as well as the client's testimonials and satisfaction.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: When will you be able to finish the project? For all projects I aim to provide a quick turnaround time, however when it comes to revisions this may delay the process, so in order for me to have a happy client I communicate with the client at all times and keep things in the loop.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That it's easy. That anybody with some basic gear can do it. That the client is paying for labour. In every production, there are smooth moments, and there are "tear your hair out" moments. Getting a record right is serious business.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are some references that they would like their song to be like? That usually gets us into the right mindset together. Then we can expand as necessary.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Take a moment to consider what a producer does. A producer must be able to work with you creatively and understand your vision. A producer must take your song/vocals and make absolute magic for you. It's all about vision - that's what you're paying them for. So pick a producer who you feel you can trust, even when they may ask you to push your own boundaries a bit.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Macbook, Interface, Headphones, Mic and Midi Keyboard

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I was born in the UK and studied Music Technology at University. I have been working in the industry as an independent music producer for 6 years. Now I have recently taken the decision to go full-time.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am open, it purely depends on the type of song.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with music producers such as Anirudh Ravichander and AR Rahman, vocal wise I would love to work with the likes of Sid Sriram.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave headroom, either when you record or when you mix, it helps the mastering process so much.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Trap, R&B, and Afrobeats all varieties to be honest.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Music Production. Strong mixing and mastering engineer as well.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I strive for the best. It's got to inspire me. In terms of production, I tend to play everything by myself, so I have maximum freedom about the direction the song is heading. However, I do also use live instrumentalists, for sounds that can't be replicated through software instruments.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I normally begin by having a detailed discussion with the client to understand their vision for the song. Based on the client's vision, I start composing the music for the song. I use a combination of live instruments, MIDI programming, and software instruments to create the right sound and mood. Once the basic demo of the song is in place, I start recording the vocals. I then edit the recordings to ensure they are on time and in tune. After recording, I start the process of mixing the song. This involves adjusting the levels of each instrument, adding effects and dynamics processing to enhance the sound, and creating a balanced stereo image. Once the mixing process is complete, I move on to mastering the song. This involves adding the final touches to the mix to ensure that it sounds polished and professional. Once the mastering process is complete, I deliver the final mix to the client for approval. If any changes are needed, I make the necessary adjustments and repeat the mixing and mastering process until the client is happy with the final product.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: As a full-time music producer and sound engineer, I have set up a professional home recording studio that is acoustically treated to ensure high-quality sound production. My studio features advanced equipment and software, allowing me to create and mix music that meets industry standards. To create the best sound quality possible, I have invested in acoustic treatment materials that reduce unwanted noise and echo. This includes high-quality soundproofing foam, bass traps, and diffusers, which work together to create a clean and clear sound environment. In addition to the acoustic treatment, my studio is equipped with a range of high-end recording and mixing equipment. This includes state-of-the-art microphones, audio interfaces, studio monitors, and digital audio workstations (DAWs). With this equipment, I can capture and mix sound with precision and clarity. Overall, my home recording studio is a professional-grade facility that enables me to produce music of the highest quality. The acoustic treatment ensures that the sound is clean and clear, while the advanced equipment and software allow me to create and mix music with precision and creativity

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: My musical inspiration comes from a diverse range of sources, including renowned South Asian music producers such as AR Rahman and Yuvan Shankar Raja, as well as other mainstream producers like Charlie Puth and Jae5. What draws me to these producers is their creative use of technology and sampling in conjunction with live instruments, resulting in exceptional music that truly resonates with listeners.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: As a full-time music producer and sound engineer in the South Asian independent music scene, my most common type of work for clients involves producing songs from scratch, building on the ideas that they bring to me. I also enjoy mixing and mastering projects to ensure that the final product sounds polished and professional. I tend to take on full-scale productions because it gives me more creative freedom to explore different sounds, genres and ideas. This means that I work closely with my clients to understand their vision for the song and then bring my expertise to the table to make it come to life. Throughout the process, I make sure to communicate effectively with my clients, providing regular updates and making sure that they are happy with the direction of the project. My goal is always to create a final product that exceeds their expectations and helps them achieve their artistic vision. Overall, my work as a music producer involves a combination of creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration with my clients to produce high-quality music that resonates with audiences.