Versatile Producer, Musician

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

A: Each of my projects hold a certain meaning to me, and they each tell a specific story. I love to work on a lot of collaborations, and these bring great life and eclecticism to my music. Something I find when looking back on past projects is the way a piece of work can make me feel the same profound way I did back when I made/wrote it. I would say that my song and music video “Colour The Dark Days” (released 15th November, 2024) is the most meaningful of all, in the way it ties an emotional rollercoaster of my past few years together. I started writing and producing it in early 2024, and it just came so quickly and naturally, like a part of me needed to be expressed. In lockdown, I went through a mental health crisis. While this period of depression and anxiety was incredibly painful, it was the time I found my voice, and started writing my own lyrics (prior to this period, I had done collaborations with other songwriters). Writing and putting my emotions into music is a very cathartic process, yet an energising experience too. Throughout lockdown, I told a story through my music, from my first EP “Getting Through” (2020) with Wavii written about early lockdown in the UK, to “A Year On” (2021) with Jah-Productions written looking back at the first year of lockdown, to my EP “A Whole Chapter” (2021) with Jah-Productions written reflecting on the immediate past, and my first solo EP “Revisiting My Past” (2022) written a year later as a further reflection. “Colour The Dark Days” is like putting a seal on this mental health crisis, after overcoming it, and spending time reflecting on my past. I detail the feeling of emerging from this period, and regaining confidence, yet not wanting to rush back into things, taking the time to “Colour The Dark Days”. The thrilling energy and dynamics of my electronic-focussed d&b production is elegantly coupled with deep, resonant singing. Together, this reflects the rollercoaster of a journey that healing can be. My corresponding second music video represents these feelings: the haunting black and white sections portraying the sadness; and the experimentation with vivid, bold colours and special effects illustrating what it feels like to overcome such a time. I chose this song to celebrate 5000 subscribers on YouTube because it also represents the journey I have come with my fans. A lot of my followers have been on this journey with me, and for that I am forever grateful.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: As well as doing jobs for clients, I am working on my 6th EP, which will primarily be solo, and is on the theme of "Reflection". I am also planning a music video for one of the songs on it.

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

A: Callum Agnew - a very organised and professional producer, mixer and mastering engineer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital - portability and ease of use in my workflow.

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

A: To work with the client collaboratively, with full commitment and care to find the sound they are looking for.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fact that each day is different! Music for me is much more than a job.

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

A: Customers ask me "can you make my song sound like this song?". I say YES I can, and I will bring something original to the project as well.

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

A: Just because I am called "Avid Beats", it doesn't mean I am limited to making beats! "Avid" is much more than that.

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

A: Choose someone whose sound you resonate with; and someone organised, communicative, friendly.

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

A: MacBook, Logic Pro X, Sennheiser HD 490 Pros, Omnisphere 2 and Fabfilter plugins.

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

A: I started producing in 2017, after listening to a lot of EDM and trap music and wondering how it was made! Since then, my sound has been ever evolving. I have built up a following on YouTube for my instrumentals and songs, and have collaborated with many artists from all over the world, and this has led me to offer my services to clients.

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

A: It would be a dream to produce for JFDR (Jófríður Ákadóttir) from the band Samaris because I really resonate with her lyrical style and themes and her voice is stunning.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never be afraid to try new things. Your music will always evolve this way.

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

A: I endeavour to always try new things, and it will be this way throughout my music career. My "type" or genre of music cannot be defined!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating unique music in a diverse range of genres.

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

A: I mainly do full song production: composing the music, mixing and mastering the song, although I am happy to do any job however big or small.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: A couple main questions I reply to job requests with are (although it really depends on the client's request): - What's your vision for the song? - Can you provide at least 2 reference tracks of songs you like? - (For mixing) How many stems/tracks does your song have? - What is your timeframe?

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: "Avid", eclectic, versatile and full of passion.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring my "avid" passion, my eclectic musical taste and knowledge, my wide-ranging collaboration experiences, and my receptiveness to new styles of music, combined with a close attention to the artist's vision.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It always depends ultimately on the job, but in general I first read the client's request and description of what they need. I then clarify any sections I am unsure about, and ask for at least 2 reference tracks to shape my understanding of the artist's vision. I listen to the files provided in detail throughout the project. I listen to any feedback the artist has and implement it ASAP, communicating always throughout my projects.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in my home studio, and below is a list of my equipment and setup: MAIN GEAR: Computer - iMac Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Monitors - KRK Rokit RP5 G4 Headphones - Sennheiser HD 490 Pro (Open Back) and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (Closed Back) MIDI Keyboards - Yamaha Arius YDP-142 and M-audio Keystation 49 Mk3 Microphone - Aston Spirit Guitar (Classical) - Alhambra Model 4P Guitar (Electric) - Fender Stratocaster Guitar Amplifier - Fender Mustang LT25 Cajón - Thomann Field Recorder (for my sound design work) - Zoom H5 MAIN SOFTWARE/PLUGINS: Logic Pro X Omnisphere 2 Analog Lab 4 & V Vital Addictive Keys Exhale Fabfilter Pro C2, Q3, L2 & MB Soothe 2 Valhalla Vintage Verb Portal Effectrix

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

A: I am inspired by a wide range of musicians and producers. Part of the reason why I love music so much is the endless genre possibilities. As a few examples: I love how in the EDM scene, Skrillex collaborates with so many artists to bring new feels to his music... Then on the other end of the vibe spectrum, I am a fan of world folk music and the feel of different languages when singing and use of unique traditional instruments. Anything with ethereal vocals is a yes from me, so I love FKA Twigs's experimental pop sound. I love Flume's vibrant production style and sound design. SEBii makes me smile and I always enjoy listening to him. I wouldn't say I am a "fan" of any major artist, because I like to listen to everything that I come across and get inspired by many sounds. For me, though, the most inspiring and interesting aspect of music is working with clients and collaborators to bring our unique perspectives and sounds together, creating something unexpected and new.