Composer, Producer & Engineer

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

A: I've being playing, studying and making music all my life. I started on the technical side doing electronic engineering, then a Master in Music Technology specializing in new music interfaces. I wanted to add more music so I did the Electronic Music Producer and Audio Engineer program at SAE Institute. At the same time, I've done formal musical training in jazz and composition focusing on the piano as my main tool. I worked for more than 10 years composing and producing for audiovisuals (Movies, Cartoons, installations, TV adds, documentaries, videogames, etc). In 2013 after coming back from Red Bull Music Academy I decided to build a studio and release my first self-produced album called Noko Woi. After this album, I composed and produced albums for different artists such as jazz singer for Salvador Sobral and alternative rock musician YEI. Since then I share my time between composing music for film and producing for other artists.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Electroacoustic music producer seeking the balance between different ingredients in music. I love modern sounds that remain organic. I enjoy simple music that proposes new ways of expression regarding melody, harmony and rhythm. I try to combine the richness of traditional elements of composition with the potential of production and processing with new technologies.

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

A: Mathew Herbert would be a great option. I like how he searches for unique sounds in productions like in "One Pig" using animal grunts. I believe he is in a constant search of purpose and meaning not only in music but also about how he can contribute with a useful message while maintaining an enjoyable sound aesthetic.

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

A: In general I work with an electroacoustic sound palette covering different styles such as pop, alternative, indie, rock, jazz and cinematic.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a positive attitude with a wide set of technical and musical skills. I bring my will to understand the purpose behind the song and give my best to turn it into great sound. I love to get involved in all facets of creating a song, from melodic and harmonic arrangements to detail design of a unique sound pallet (Synth programing, sampling and processing). I feel very comfortable recording most instruments in my studio and when the budget allows it, include session musicians. I love to bring great musicians and guide the recording process to make the best out of the talents involved.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is a self-built (with much love) space right next to the amazing construction Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It has two rooms and a vocal booth with proper acoustic treatment and other useable spaces depending on production. I have a good collection of acoustic instruments including a vertical piano, drums, guitars, bass, ukelele, accordion and also a more experimental collection of objects like tools, toys, world instruments, etc. I have a set of professional dynamic and condenser mics to record most sound sources and I use a Focusrite Sound card into a well-equipped iMac with plenty software (Logic, Ableton, Eastwest, Native Instruments, Waves, Izotope, etc).

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

A: I usually work with songwriters that come with the basic idea of the song and want to turn it into a professional product. We start with a discussion about emotions, concepts and artistic vision and then we go into detailed production from the basic song elements (lyrics, harmony, melody, rhythm) all the way up to the final product (Arranging, recording, producing, mixing and mastering)

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

A: I'm very proud of the first album of my project Noko Woi. It was my first experience doing everything within an album as a composer, performer and producer. I wrote the lyrics, composed the songs, recorded keys, percussions and some of the other instruments, produced the tracks and also took part on the mixing and mastering process

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm producing tracks for 6 different artists, composing new songs for the second album of Salvador Sobral, making music for a new documentary, composing music for an interactive system called moobeat, making sound design for a contemporary dance piece and finishing songs for the second album of my project Noko WOI.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: A positive attitude multiplied by curiosity and a skill set that combines musical training with technical knowledge of studio work.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like Einstein's idea that different results require different methods so I try to keep my mind open for each new project. That being said: First I do my best to understand the concept and ideas behind the project (mainly a communication process). Then I work on the plan to gather all the tools and ingredients that we will need and finally I work on the project until all the people involve feels proud of what we've accomplish.

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

A: Brian Eno's concept of "scenius" that promotes the creativity and intelligence that comes from collaborating with other artist. The spirit of constant evolution of artists such as Beck. The search of meaning and purpose of people like Peter Gabriel. The feeling, groove an emotion of musicians like Stevie Wonder. Composers that propose different harmonies that are still simple like Satie. And in general people that do what they love with passion

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Put everything at the service of emotion and expression. Be proactive. Learn to give and receive feedback. Enjoy the process

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

A: Be open, sincere and communicative. Enjoy the process of creating art.