Jean-Louise Parker on SoundBetter

Let me record strings on your song at the legendary Funkhaus in Berlin! From single lines to smaller ensembles to a bigger orchestral sound, I can produce and arrange the strings to enhance your song or production.

Hi there!
Let me arrange and record strings (violin and viola) on your song!
I'm based at the legendary Funkhaus in Berlin.

As part of a string recording duo, we have done work for Weezer, St. Lucia, Vérité, Bôa, Lime Cordiale, Gretta Ray, Alexander Vincent, Liam Mour, to name a few.
Working in a solo capacity, I have recorded for a variety of artists from all over the world.

I work inside a wonderful sounding room with a selection of microphones, depending on what the song requires, but usually I use the AEA R84 and AKG C414, and record into my Apollo Twin X.

- This is my per-track-rate.
- Includes basic edits.
- The amount of takes will depend on the brief and what the song asks for, but usually amounts to about 2 takes per voice, sometimes 4. Usually about 2-5 voices. It is not set, as I prefer to think of string arranging more in terms of audio textures, sometimes overlapping etc - not necessarily in a straight 4 voice configuration. But if you specifically want a solo viola, or 2 interplaying violins, or a smaller ensemble sound, I can do that too.
-If you have ideas regarding melodies, or have midi strings mapped out, I'll gladly work with that or use it as a jumping off point.

I work in a variety of genres, mostly pop, hip hop, disco, folk, and bigger orchestral sounds.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

3 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Jean-Louise Parker

by 刘梓郁
Verified
Always a pleasure to work with Jean-Louise! Exceptional arrangements. Incredibly patient with all the requirements. Super quick response and delivery. Looking forward to more!
by 刘梓郁
Verified
Phenomenal arranger and player (and artist! ). Jean-Louise understands what a song needs. I must have looked through the entire SoundBetter list to find the right person for our song and Jean-Louise went above and beyond. Looking forward to more!
by Seth K.
Verified
Incredibly talented, fast, and creative -- was a great pleasure to work with Jean-Louise.

Interview with Jean-Louise Parker

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied classical viola and jazz guitar, and changed to jazz viola. I got my degree in jazz performance in South Africa. While studying, I already starting gigging, touring, and playing on recordings of famous South African artists.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Informed by the above mentioned influences, out-the-box, more experimental arrangements and textures.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Big Red Machine. I might be cheating because it's a 2-in-1 combo of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Aaron Dessner (The National). I love their approach to music-making. It totally breaks the mould of what you'd expect a pop song to sound like. They break all the rules and I love that.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always record properly, you never know what you might capture!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Mostly indie, pop, folk, psychedelic rock, ambient and cinematic.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Creating interesting, off-kilter arrangements and textures. I love thinking out-of-the box!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Organic texture through play and experimentation, and a human feel that no midi can recreate.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Generally I will listen to the references (if there are any), and then listen through the song a couple of times. While listening, I plot out where the strings should enter, a general idea of what should happen in the arrangement in each section. After that I start recording. I work in sections. I like to work quite organically and to capture the magic as it happens.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work from my studio at Funkhaus in Berlin. I have a selection of microphones available, and mic choices will depend on the sound I'm going for, but mostly I use the AEA R84 ribbon microphone, Gefell MV692 with M71 capsule or an omni capsule, and a AKG C414. I record with a Universal Audio Apollo Twin or Apollo 8, using Logic Pro. I have a violin and viola in studio.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm very inspired by Andrew Bird, who seamlessly integrates super catchy string arrangements into his songs and live set. I'm also very inspired by Rob Moose's wonderful playing and arranging. I particularly love his use of extended techniques to create wonderfully dreamy textures. I absolutely love David Campbell's work. His string arrangements are out of this world - the strings on Beck's album 'Morning Phase' is my personal favourite.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: String arranging and recording on songs from different ranges, ranging from indie to pop to hip hop to more cinematic strings and everything in between!