Multi-nominated Latin Artist-Producer, Mixing & Mastering Engineer, Singer-Songwriter. As an artist myself, I’ll help you develop a unique sound identity—whether producing, mixing, mastering, or songwriting—all from anywhere in the world, ensuring you stand out above the noise in today’s industry.
With over a decade of experience in TV, film, and artist production, Stefano Manrique has become one of the most versatile producers in Latin America and the US. His work spans a wide range of genres—from Pop, RnB, Disco, and Country to Latin rhythms like Reggaeton, Salsa, Vallenato, and Cumbia—all in both English and Spanish. Stefano's innovative approach to music has earned him prestigious awards, including a Latin Grammy nomination, and recognition on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Stefano is not just a producer but an artist who understands the importance of a unique sound identity. As the pioneer of the "Country Pop Latino", Stefano blends his Latin roots with the soul of Country music, carving out a special place in the US country scene. With over 2.3 million Spotify streams and 3.4 million YouTube views, his productions have caught the attention of major editorial playlists, solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Why Hire Me?
I offer a full suite of services including production, mixing, mastering, songwriting, and even singing. My multifaceted expertise ensures that whether you’re looking to create a new sound, refine your tracks, or craft a hit song, I’ll help you stand out in today’s crowded music landscape. I bring a unique blend of cultural influences and technical expertise to every project, making sure your music stands out.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Credits
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Interview with Stefano Manrique
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One project I’m especially proud of is my wife Aria Fenix’s first album, where I served as producer, mixer, and co-writer. The album is a groundbreaking blend of Country and Latin music, and our goal is to revolutionize the genre and make a significant impact on the industry. Working together to fuse our artistic visions into something entirely new was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to see how it resonates with listeners.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I’m currently working on my own album, my wife Aria Fenix’s album, and several singles for emerging Latin artists. It’s a mix of personal projects and collaborations that keep the creative energy flowing.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, I highly recommend Matt Sims for mixing and Camilo Silva for mastering. Both are incredibly talented engineers with a keen ear for detail and a deep understanding of how to bring out the best in a track. I’ve worked with them and trust them to deliver top-notch results every time.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I embrace both analog and digital for different reasons. Digital offers unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and the ability to work remotely, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced industry. However, I also appreciate the warmth and character that analog gear can bring to a production. Ultimately, I use whatever tools best serve the music and the artist’s vision, often blending both worlds to create a sound that’s modern yet timeless.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to my clients is to bring their vision to life with creativity, precision, and dedication. I’m committed to delivering a unique sound that reflects who you are as an artist, ensuring that your music stands out and resonates with listeners. You can trust that I’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure the final product exceeds your expectations.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I love most about my job is the freedom to let creativity flow. Every project is a new opportunity to explore different sounds and ideas, and there’s nothing more satisfying than turning that creative energy into something unique and impactful.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: One of the most common questions I get is, 'How long will it take to finish my project?' My answer is that it depends on the scope and complexity of the work, but I always aim to deliver high-quality results within a reasonable timeframe. I prioritize clear communication and will provide a timeline upfront so there are no surprises. Another frequent question is, 'Can you help me find my sound?' My answer is absolutely—through our collaboration, I’ll work closely with you to develop a sound that’s uniquely yours, blending your influences with a fresh perspective.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that producing, mixing, and mastering are purely technical processes. While the technical side is crucial, a lot of what I do is about creativity and collaboration. It’s not just about making a track sound good; it’s about capturing the artist’s vision and bringing their unique sound to life. It’s a deeply creative process that involves understanding the emotions and stories behind the music.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask prospective clients a few key questions to ensure we're on the same page. First, I ask them to describe their vision for the project and what they hope to achieve. I also request a playlist of 10 songs they love, which helps me understand their style and influences. Additionally, I ask about their timeline and budget to ensure we can meet their needs effectively. Finally, I like to know if they have any specific references or artists in mind that they want to emulate or draw inspiration from.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I always tell my clients they have one task: create a playlist with 10 songs they love, regardless of genre. If we threw those tracks into a blender, the result would be their unique style—like a fresh, new juice. This helps me understand their vision and craft something truly personal and original.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: I’d take my Steel Guitar, MacBook Pro with Logic, VSX Headphones, Slate Mic, and an Apogee interface—everything I need to create high-quality music anywhere.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been in the music industry for over a decade, starting with TV and movie soundtracks in Latin America. My career has taken me from Colombia to the US, producing and mixing across genres like Pop, R&B, and Latin rhythms. Along the way, I’ve earned a Latin Grammy nomination and other accolades, including winning the Unsigned Only Nashville competition and a Napolitan Victory Award. I’m proud to pioneer the 'Country Pop Latino' genre and focus on creating unique Spanglish productions that blend cultures and stand out in today’s market.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is all about blending genres and cultures to create something fresh and original. I specialize in Spanglish productions, where I mix elements of Latin rhythms with Pop, R&B, and even Country. My approach is innovative yet rooted in tradition, always aiming to craft a sound that’s both unique and universally appealing. I’m not afraid to experiment, and I strive to make each project stand out in today’s diverse musical landscape.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I’d love to work with Justin Timberlake. His ability to seamlessly blend R&B, pop, and soul is incredible, and I think we could create something groundbreaking for the Latin market while staying true to his roots. Bringing his unique style into a Latin context would be an exciting fusion, creating a sound that resonates across cultures
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: My tip: always stay curious and keep up with the latest tech. The music production landscape is constantly evolving, and being up-to-date with new tools can make a huge difference in your workflow. For example, I’m really impressed by the new Logic Pro Drummer, Bass and Piano Player, which have made creating demos faster and easier. Also, never edit yourself while creating—let your ideas flow and refine them later. This keeps your creativity alive and leads to unexpected, exciting results.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on a diverse range of music that spans multiple genres and styles. My projects often include Pop, RnB, and Disco, as well as Latin genres like Reggaeton, Salsa, Vallenato, and Cumbia. I’m particularly passionate about blending these genres to create something new and unique, often working on Spanglish tracks that incorporate both English and Spanish elements. Whether it’s a Country Pop fusion or an Urban Latin hit, I love experimenting with different sounds to create music that stands out and resonates with listeners across different cultures.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is my ability to blend diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and unique sound. I’m particularly skilled at working with bilingual (Spanglish) productions and across multiple genres, which allows me to create music that stands out in today’s global market.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a deep understanding of both the creative and technical sides of music production. My experience across diverse genres and languages allows me to craft a sound that is both unique and true to the artist's vision. Whether it’s producing, mixing, or mastering, I focus on enhancing the emotion and impact of a song, ensuring it resonates with listeners.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by getting to know the artist’s vision and goals for the project. From there, I develop a plan tailored to bring that vision to life, whether it’s creating a new sound, refining existing tracks, or crafting lyrics that capture the essence of the artist's message. I maintain close communication throughout the process, ensuring the final product exceeds expectations.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work remotely, equipped with a streamlined yet professional setup that allows me to deliver high-quality productions from anywhere in the world. My main tools include an Apogee Duet interface, a Slate Digital VMS ML-1 microphone, and VSX headphones, all of which ensure top-notch audio quality. I’m a big proponent of using technology to make the creative process more efficient and accessible, so I’ve integrated a range of digital tools that allow for seamless collaboration with artists no matter where they are. I work primarily in Logic Pro, leveraging its powerful features to craft, mix, and master tracks that stand out in today’s music landscape. My setup is all about flexibility and quality, making it easy for clients to work with me no matter where they are.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m deeply inspired by artists and producers who aren’t afraid to push boundaries and mix genres to create something entirely new and original. Zedd’s ability to blend electronic music with pop, Justin Timberlake’s seamless fusion of R&B, pop, and soul, and Oak Felder’s innovative production techniques have all had a huge impact on my work. I also draw inspiration from Kane Brown’s genre-bending approach to country music and Maluma’s fusion of Latin rhythms with modern urban sounds. These artists and producers embody the kind of creativity and originality that I strive to bring to every project.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common work I do for my clients is full-service production, which often includes everything from songwriting and arranging to mixing and mastering. Clients typically come to me looking for a fresh, unique sound that blends elements from different genres and cultures. I specialize in bilingual (Spanglish) productions and enjoy bringing out the best in both English and Spanish tracks. My goal is always to create a final product that not only meets but exceeds the artist's expectations, ensuring their music stands out in today’s competitive market.
- ProducerAverage price - $1500 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $450 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $50 per song
- Singer - MaleAverage price - $100 per song
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $100 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $100 per song
- Vocal compingAverage price - $75 per track
- Dan + Shay
- Maluma
- Dua Lipa