Micah Motenko

Keyboards/Piano/Vox/Producer

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11 Reviews (3 Verified)
Micah Motenko on SoundBetter

Allow me to fill out your sonic landscape! My passion lies in the layering of textures that sit just right, to give your track the depth deserves. I have a solid pocket and the taste to know what to play... and when not to play! Whether it's adding keys, piano, vocals, production, or arrangement, I would love a chance to work on your song!

Hi! I am a full-time musician based out of Austin, TX. I am a keyboardist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist; I've played many 100s of live shows across the country and spent 1000s of hours in the studio. Whether it's a bit of B3 organ for glue, punchy Wurlitzer electric piano to reinforce the groove, layered background harmonies to reinforce the melody, or a tasteful piano part to deepen the impact, I would love to work together to find the unique additions that are perfect for your song.

I specialize in funk / soul / classic rock, as well as Americana / Folk / Acoustic, and I'm quite comfortable with R&B, Country, Blues, indie Pop, and Reggae. I can sing on your track too, and produce your track - both of which I do for my own project "Motenko". My music has over half a million streams on Spotify and a CBS placement. If there is something I can't do myself, I am well connected to the Austin music scene and could put together a session in a larger studio. I am well versed in engineering and editing and keep everything organized! I bring passion, energy, and a thirst for uniqueness to every song I work on.

I believe I have the versatility, skillset, and taste to help build out your song into a finished recording. Whether you know exactly what you need or you are looking for me to help you shape your song, hit me up and let's make some music!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Languages

  • English

11 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Micah Motenko
  1. Review by User 3.
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    It is a continued joy to work with Micah. Beautiful performances with clear and reliable communication.

  2. Review by User 3.
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    A true pro in every sense. Very grateful for the chance to work with Micah

  3. Review by User 3.
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    A great pianist and a joy to work with. Reliable and excellent

  4. Review by Sasha Klare-Ayvazian
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    by Sasha Klare-Ayvazian

    Micah is a pro's pro. Writes musical parts that serve the song. Thinks like a producer with the hands of a keys wizard. And just a fucking great guy! If you get a chance to work with Micah, you're lucky.

  5. Review by Caleb
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    by Caleb

    Micah saved my ass on a feature film premiering at SXSW which needed 2 original songs. Several previous musicians had tried and failed to tackle the score. Micah's first pass on both tunes nailed the soul and texture I had started to fear was out of reach for the project. In a decade of working with musicians to translating ideas into sound, what Micah is able to tap into and produce is damn near magic.

  6. Review by Jacob Petersen
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    by Jacob Petersen

    I needed a keyboard player for a personal project I started in 2020. Micah came up as a reference, so I checked out a tune of his on my phone. After hearing him hit just one chord on his Wurlitzer, I just laughed. He had the sound. I could tell that he was listening, and that he ONLY added what he felt made the song and the group the best it could be, and THAT was everything I was after. Micah has his own sound, he does his own thing. He's extremely musical and that's worth much more to me in a band than whatever a degree or a paper says. I want to be inspired, and Micah inspires everyone.

  7. Review by Lydia
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    by Lydia

    I love working with Micah! As an engineer and producer he is extremely knowledgeable and patient. Sessions feel so easy and comfortable and I've always left with great sounding recordings. As a musician his talent and unique style are unmatched. He effortlessly glides between genres and instruments and will bring so much life and nuance to your record. Plus he's fun to have around! He's truly a one stop shop for all your recording needs.

  8. Review by Tony Mariano
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    by Tony Mariano

    Micah is an incredible musician in so many ways. But especially in the studio. He is incredibly creative and has an elite level command of his craft. If you want keys on your record, hire Micah. Hell find the perfect sound for your track and will work quickly and efficiently to get the perfect take. Micah is so professional and friendly and an absolute joy to work. And beyond all, he’s a phenomenal keyboard player!

  9. Review by madeleine.froncek
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    I have worked with Micah on numerous projects and am always impressed by his musical prowess. He is a tremendous musician and songwriter in his own right and such an asset as a session musician! Coming up with beautiful harmonies and creative melodic structures, he is efficient and professional in the studio. An overall great collaborator, Micah will surely bring something special to your music!

  10. Review by R.O. Shapiro
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    by R.O. Shapiro

    First question anyone asks when my record comes on is, “Woah, who’s playing keys on this?” The answer is Micah Motenko. He’s a joy to work with, a great feel in many genres and a great hang. Can’t recommend highly enough!

  11. Review by David T McDonald Jr
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    by David T McDonald Jr

    I have hired Micah for mandolin and keyboard tracking and have been extremely happy with his work! He is able to achieve my vision when I have an idea, and has also been able to compose tasteful ideas on the fly when I'm not sure exactly what keyboard or mandolin part I am wanting. He gets great tones, has a great ear for timing, and takes his craft very seriously, all while being super fun to work with. Highly recommend!

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St. Joan by R.O. Shapiro

I was the Keyboardist (Wurlitzer + B3 Organ) in this production

Terms Of Service

- Turnaround 2-3 days (unless on tour), rush service available
- 2 free revisions, then $50 per revision
- Price may increase based on the job

GenresSounds Like
  • Sly & The Family Stone
  • Van Morrison
  • Dr. John
Gear Highlights
  • Wurlitzer 200 electric piano
  • Nord Stage 3
  • Mason & Hamlin Upright Piano
  • Model D synth
  • Neve 1073 clone
  • Ampex 601
  • Zulu Tape Simulator
  • LA2A + Pultec EQ clone. Sm7b
  • U67 clone
  • U87 clone
  • Mojave MA200. Logic Pro X. UAD
  • Waves
  • Soundtoys Plug-ins.
More Photos
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