Artistic + Ghost Productions

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: We spend 12 hours per day in the studio - our job is our passion and our life.

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

A: How much does it cost? We have a transparent price policy and we provide this in writing. Good fences make good neighbours :-)

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

A: dhove is an engineer and professional musician, who extensively worked as a studio and tour musician. He founded his own studio production 10 years ago.

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

A: Pop, rock bands, singer-songwriters, and quite a lot of trap (especially younger customers).

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Our strongest skill is being two producers in the room, with complementary strenghts and very different background: dhove is a professional musician, with technical mastery and musical depth, whereas kandrax is more business oriented, with a flair for new trends. Together, we can provide a well-rounded approach to music production: whether you're looking for a timeless piece or a cutting-edge track, we can craft a production that resonates with your artistic vision.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Outboard: TL Audio Ebony A1 dual tube preamp, Audient ASP008 preamp, Presonus Studio Channel tube preamp/comp/eq, MindPrint T-Comp dual tube compressor, Dangerous 2Bus LT, Montarbo R16 effects processor, Behringer Bass V-Amp Pro, Mackie Big Knob Studio Command. Microphones: Neumann TLM 102; Akg C451, C1000, Perception 170; Rode NT2; Sennheiser e905, e906; Shure Sm57, Sm58, Beta 58; Beyerdynamic Opus 99; SE Electronics X1R Ribbon

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

A: The sound of the '80s in general: J.M. Jarre, Depeche Mode, Queen, Alan Parson Project, Mike Oldfield, and some producers as William Orbit (as in Madonna's "Ray of Light"), Timbaland (for Nelly Furtado's "Loose") and - of course - Rick Rubin (who did an amazing job on Kesha's Gag Order).

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

A: We have produced more than 2'000 songs in the last 10 years. For some artists (and labels), we are their studio of choice (we are based in Lugano, Switzerland). For most artists, they send us a demo and some references, and we start from there to craft a tune.

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

A: dhove: [1] Depeche Mode, just because... [2] Dualipa, because she is extremely talented [3] Elodie, an Italian artist, because she still has a huge potential waiting to explode [4] Lady Gaga, because with her, we could produce the best album ever. // kandrax: [1] Tove Lo, because she could teach me a few tricks [2] Darren Hayes, because he is one the most genuine singer song-writer of our generation; [3] Ayumi Hamasaki, because she THE idol; [4] Tauro Boys, an italian act, because they looks superficial but then they dig into your soul with their tunes.

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

A: First of all, a solar panel generator: no power, no fun :-) Then a Mac computer, a master keyboard, some speakers, and a cell phone with a satellite data connection.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Our style is adaptive, creative, and rooted in authentic expression. While we embrace various genres, we have a special affinity for adult pop music, often infusing our productions with a hint of nostalgic 80s vibes.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As senior producers, we honor timeless classics, blending the rich heritage of music with contemporary innovation to create unique, resonant productions.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Analog offers a warm and natural sound that's often preferred for its unique characteristics and nuances. Digital, on the other hand, provides precision, flexibility, and ease of manipulation. We try to mix the two worlds, both in the production and in the mastering.

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

A: You will get a professional, radio-ready production that aligns with your unique vision.

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

A: That offering services online implies a lack of work in our physical studio. This is far from the truth. Our motivation for offering online services is not driven by a need to fill our schedule, but rather a desire to discover new talents and provide emerging artists with a service that balances quality and affordability. Our physical studio remains a bustling space, and our online offerings allow us to connect with a broader range of artists and contribute to the growth of the music community.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: We typically ask the following questions to ensure we understand their needs and can provide the best service: 1. What is the main goal or vision for your project? 2. Do you have specific references or inspirations that guide your desired sound? 3. Are there any previous works we can listen to, to better understand your style or preferences?

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

A: A successful collaboration relies on clear expectations, open communication, and mutual respect. Don't hesitate to ask questions, express your thoughts, and stay engaged throughout the selection process. And of course: listen to some of our previous works to ensure their style and quality resonate with what you're looking for.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Coco Chanel's advice for fashion was to take off the last accessory you wear, before going out. In music production, we have a similar tip: don't be afraid to remove elements that aren't adding value to the mix. Sometimes, simplicity can lead to a more powerful and coherent sound.