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As a vocalist, recording engineer, and a cappella producer based in NJ, I have spent the last four years working professionally in a cappella recording and production. My work has pretty much taken me all over the East Coast, where I've had the opportunity to record and produce hundreds of vocalists.
I take pride in being able to coaching singers, offering them tips to help them reach their full performance potential. Besides traveling, I also work in my home studio. This soundproof space is equipped with top-tier microphones and other high-quality recording gear.
I have four years of experience using Pro Tools and Melodyne.
As a vocalist, I am capable of recording and editing my work. I am proficient in various styles, including pop, country, R&B, musical theatre, and classical.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the "Contact" button above to get in touch!
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Languages
- English
- Portuguese
Interview with Antonio Zarco
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently, I'm working on a few projects. I'm helping a singer-songwriter record and produce their EP, and working with a vocal group on their album. I'm also doing some mixing work for different clients. It's a varied mix of tasks, but I enjoy the diversity!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to my clients is to give them top-notch results that match what they want and go beyond what they expect. I'll always communicate well, listen to their needs, and work hard to make their musical vision happen. My goal is to make sure my clients are not just happy, but really excited about the final product, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One big misconception is thinking my job is just about using fancy equipment to make things sound good. While gear is important, my work is really about understanding the artist's vision, coaching performers, and capturing genuine performances. It's about creativity, teamwork, and bringing out the emotion in the music. It's not just about the technical stuff; it's about the art and passion behind it.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: 1. Know what you want: Be clear about what you want for your music project. 2. Check their work: Look at examples of their past projects to see if you like their style. 3. Talk to them: Make sure they communicate well and understand your ideas. 4. Ask about their process: Understand how they work and what steps they'll take. 5. Discuss cost and timing: Be upfront about your budget and when you need the project done. 6. Get references: Talk to other people who have worked with them to see if they're good to work with.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I began working in music production about four years ago, mainly focusing on recording vocals. Over time, I've gained experience working with different artists and groups, improving my skills along the way. I've always sought opportunities to learn and grow, both through formal education and hands-on experience. Now, I'm grateful to be doing what I love, helping artists realize their musical visions through vocal production.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I'd say my style is flexible and teamwork-oriented. I work on different types of music, like pop, rock, R&B, or classical, and I adapt to what the artist wants. I believe in working closely with the artist to create music that's high-quality and meaningful.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to work with Billie Eilish. Her music style is so interesting and she's really creative. Working together could be a chance to try out new ideas and techniques. Plus, her attention to detail matches how I like to work, so it could be a great partnership.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Pay attention to how you organize your tracks in the mix. Make sure each sound has its own place without crowding the others. Use panning, EQ, and volume adjustments to balance everything out. Also, consider how each part adds to the feeling and energy of the song. With careful arrangement, you can create a more engaging listening experience.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on different types of music, like pop, rock, R&B, musical theatre, and classical. My specialty is vocal music production, so I often work with singers and vocal groups to create songs. But I'm flexible and can work on various music styles based on what my clients want.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I'd say my strongest skill is helping singers give their best performances. Whether it's coaching them to improve or using editing software to enhance vocals, I'm good at making performances stand out. Plus, my mixing skills ensure the final product sounds polished. Overall, I'm effective at producing great vocal music thanks to my technical know-how, creativity, and commitment to quality.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is set up for high-quality vocal recording and production. Located in a nice suburb part in New Jersey, it's soundproof to ensure clear recordings. I use top-tier microphones and professional recording equipment to get the best sound. I work with Pro Tools for editing and mixing, but I can also work in Logic Pro if need be.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Several musicians and music production professionals inspire me. Artists like Jacob Collier and Pentatonix, who create amazing a cappella music, motivate me to try new techniques and styles. In the production world, people like Ed Boyer, Quincy Jones, and Rick Rubin inspire me with their creative approaches and lasting impact on music. Their dedication to their craft encourages me to keep improving my own skills.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common work I do for my clients involves a cappella production. I start by traveling to record various vocalists. I coach them on their style and performance to help them improve. After recording, I edit the vocals using Pro Tools and Melodyne and work on vocal percussion editing and sampling. Finally, I mix the songs in Pro Tools to create a polished final product. Throughout the process, I guide and support my clients to make sure their vision comes to life.
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $40 per track
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $350 per song
- Singer - MaleAverage price - $100 per song
- Recording StudioAverage price - $400 per day
- Vocal compingAverage price - $40 per track
I typically allow three rounds of revisions, aiming to ensure you love the final product. The timeline depends on the specific requirements of the project.
- SM7B (1)
- Neuman TLM 103 (1)
- Slate Digital VMS ML-1 (2)