Josh Lee on SoundBetter

Roots/Americana guitarist with thousands of live shows and 20 years of recording experience. Known for my rock attitude and creative use of effects, I can't wait to hear and collaborate on your projects.

Josh Lee is a performing musician and recording artist based in Albuquerque, NM. With a passion for teaching and performing on electric guitar, he has been playing professionally for the last 20 years. You can regularly find him performing with his band, Hooks & The Huckleberries, as well as producing albums for local and regional artists.

Josh began playing guitar at 11 years old and has been studying and performing ever since. A self-described "Country, Rock, Blues, and Soul" guitarist, Josh is comfortable playing in many roots and Americana styles. He possesses a strong fundamental base in music theory and composition and is known for his creative use of technology and effects. Josh holds a degree in Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and has performed and recorded internationally.

As an adult, Josh spent a decade working in the LA music scene, where worked with companies such as Henson Recording Studio, Digidesign, Apple, and M-Audio. Eventually, life called him back to his hometown of Albuquerque, where he has been performing and recording with regional and national acts ever since. He is passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge of guitar and music technology.

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Interview with Josh Lee

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Writing an album and touring with my band Hooks & The Huckleberries. Recording an instrumental album of my own music
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Matthew Tobias, Dustin Hoag
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. They are simply tools to get a job done. If it sounds good it is good. You can create emotion and interest with many techniques and types of gear.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will make your song better.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Transforming raw songs into finished products. It's amazing to realize the emotions in lyrics into sound.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What inspires you? Who are you listening to that makes you feel things deeply? What can I listen to that can help me understand what you want in the recording?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Telecaster, Magnatone Amp, Greer Lightspeed, Hologram Chroma Console, Meris MercuryX
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: After attending Berklee College of Music, I spent a decade working on the recording side of the Industry. After that, I toured nationally with a few country bands. I now freelance and play with my own band, Hooks & The Huckleberries.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Roots based but always looking forward. I understand traditional American musical styles but seek to move them forward.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Dave Cobb. He's absolutely my favorite producer. You can heard all the things that makes music of the past great without sounding dated and always creating new and interesting music with artists from varied genres.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Play a simple part that people will like.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I play lots of roots/Americana style music. Rock, Country Blues and Soul as well as all the in-between.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening. I truly care about the lyrics and helping listeners connect to the music. My parts should elevate what else is going on at all times.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My passion is making great songs better. I love parts where the guitar elevates the vocals and other musicians. I believe my first job is to listen and only play things that make everyone else better.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually listen to a song a couple times before starting to improvise. I'll then comp the best of my improvised parts into a take. When needed, I'll relearn the take and play it to maximize continuity.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a collection of vintage and modern amps and guitars that I record in mono or stereo in my home studio. I have a collection of mics that I put through a Universal Audio Apollo X. Give me examples of something you love and I'll match the vibe.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Mike Campbell, Keith Richards, Marty Stuart, Don Was, Dave Cobb, Jason Isbell
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I play creative guitar parts that make songs better. I've always loved guitarists that elevate the song rather than focus on themselves. I tend to be known for using interesting effects, but am equally as comfortable playing straight ahead rock, country and other roots styles.