Sound Alchemist | Audio Pro

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

A: The Project That Still Gives Me Chills: "Lo-fi + Persian Poetry" Album (2023) My Role: Producer, Mix Engineer, Sound Designer Why It’s Special: Cultural Fusion: Took traditional Persian poetry readings (recorded in a home studio) and paired them with jazz-sampled Lo-fi beats—without losing the rawness of the spoken word. Technical Triumph: Vocal Rescue: The poet’s recordings had AC hum and mouth clicks—cleaned them up so transparently, she cried hearing the playback. Genre-Blending: Made tar (Persian lute) and vinyl crackle coexist in the same sonic space. Impact: Hit #2 on Bandcamp’s Experimental Chart, got featured in a major Lo-fi playlist (2M+ streams). What I Learned: "Imperfection = Emotion": Left some breaths and mic rustling to keep it human. Trust Matters: The poet gave me total creative freedom—result was better than either of us imagined. Hear It Yourself: I’ll DM you a link (don’t want to self-promo here). Your Turn: What’s your proudest creative moment? Let’s geek out. 🎧✨ (P.S. This project convinced me to always ask clients: "What’s the weirdest idea you’re too scared to try?"—gold hides there.)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Current Projects (That I Can Talk About): 1. A Lo-fi Album for a Poet Twist: Mixing raw spoken-word with jazz samples and ASMR textures (think: pages turning, rain). Challenge: Keeping vocals intimate but not muddy. (Solution: Dynamic EQ on low-mids.) 2. Podcast Series for a True-Crime Network Editing: Making FBI wiretaps actually audible (thank you, iZotope RX). Scoring: Minimal synths that don’t distract from the drama. 3. Secret Weapon Building a free sample pack of: "Imperfect" Lo-fi drums (recorded on a ‘90s cassette deck). Podcast SFX (e.g., "coffee shop ambiance without the copyright risk"). Why This Matters for You: Fresh Skills: Every project teaches me tricks I can bring to your work. Trendspotting: The poet’s album uses viral TikTok sounds—want that edge? I’ve got intel. Need Something Similar? My workflow’s warm but fast—DM to jump the queue. 🚀 (P.S. Ask me for sneak peeks—I love sharing WIPs.)

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

A: SoundBetter Recommendations (Based on Your Needs): While I can’t endorse specific providers publicly (ethics!), here’s how to find your perfect match on SoundBetter: 1. For Bespoke Live Instruments (Strings/Horns): Search: “Session Violinist” or “Brass Arranger” + check: Portfolio: Do their demos give you chills? Response Time: Under 24 hours = pro. 2. For Genre-Specific Mixing (e.g., Metal, EDM): Filter by: Your genre + “Top Rated” badges. My Trick: Message them “Can you make my track compete with [reference song]?” 3. For Podcast Scoring: Look for composers with “narrative audio” samples (e.g., BBC, Radiolab vibes). Why I Don’t Name Names: Audio is subjective—your ideal collaborator depends on your taste, budget, and communication style. DM Me: For private referrals based on your project (I’ll share who I’ve personally vetted). Red Flags to Avoid: No unmixed vs. final samples. Vague pricing (“Contact for quote” with no baseline). Pro Tip: Many pros (like me) offer free test edits—always try before you commit. Need help vetting someone? Send me their profile—I’ll give real feedback. 🔍🎧

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog vs. Digital? My Take: "I Cheat—I Use Digital to Emulate Analog… Because Science." Why Hybrid Wins: Analog for Flavor: Warmth: Tape saturation (UAD Studer) adds glue no clean digital can. Happy Accidents: Analog gear (like my *SP-404*) forces creative limits (no undo = better decisions). Digital for Precision: Surgical Edits: iZotope RX repairs audio nightmares (e.g., airplane noise in a podcast). Recallable Sessions: Save/recall mixes (impossible on a $10k Neve board). When I Go Full Analog: Sampling: Dusty vinyl chops on my MPC Live. Final Mix Bus: Tape emulation to "fatten" sterile digital mixes. When I Stay Digital: Vocal Tuning: Melodyne’s DNA for invisible pitch fixes. Remote Work: Collaborate globally (no shipping reel-to-reel tapes). TL;DR: Analog = Soul. Digital = Scalpel. Together = Best of both worlds. Hot Take: The "analog vs. digital" debate is over—smart producers steal from both. (P.S. My secret weapon: Analog Cookbook samples + digital precision editing.) 🎛️🔥

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

A: "I Won’t Let Your Sound Go Out Into the World Until It Makes You Proud." How I Back That Up: No Generic Mixes: Your track/podcast gets a custom approach—not a preset. Brutal Honesty: If your raw files have issues, I’ll flag them early with fixes. 2 Free Revisions: Not happy? We tweak until it’s unquestionably yours. Platform-Ready Masters: Optimized for Spotify, Apple, YouTube—no weird volume dips. Emergency Support: Got a last-minute edit? I’m your audio 911 (within reason). Why This Matters: Your art is your legacy—I treat it like mine. Break My Promise? You keep the files and get a refund. (Hasn’t happened yet.) Deal? Let’s make something that gives you goosebumps. 🎚️💥 (P.S. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s my core ethic. Ask any past client.)

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: 1. The "Aha!" Moment When a client hears their raw vocals or demo transformed into a polished, emotional masterpiece—and you hear that pause followed by "Holy shit, this is ME?!"—that’s cocaine-level job satisfaction. 2. Solving Sonic Puzzles Example: Salvaging a podcast recorded in a windy park by isolating vocal frequencies like a forensic audio detective. Why It Rules: It’s art meets science (and feels like winning a boss battle). 3. Being a Genre Chameleon One day I’m mixing a moody Lo-fi beat, the next I’m editing a true-crime podcast with eerie scoring. Zero monotony. 4. Empowering Underdogs Helping indie artists/podcasters sound pro on a budget—so they can compete with major-label talent. 5. The Gear Nerding Justifying my obsession with analog plugins as "research." (Sorry, spouse.) TL;DR: I get paid to make people feel heard—literally and emotionally. Best. Job. Ever. What do YOU love about your work? Tell me—I’ll soundtrack it with a custom beat. 🎶🔥

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

A: Top 5 Customer Questions (and My Honest Answers): 1. "Can you fix a recording made on my phone/cheap mic?" Answer: "Yes, but with limits." I’ll remove noise and enhance clarity, but it’ll still sound like a good phone recording—not a studio take. Pro Tip: Record in a closet with blankets for DIY vocal booth vibes. 2. "Why does my mix sound bad on [AirPods/car speakers]?" Answer: "Your mix isn’t ‘translating’—here’s how we fix it:" Test mixes on 3+ devices before finalizing. Use reference tracks to match commercial loudness/frequency balance. 3. "How many revisions do you allow?" Answer: "2 free rounds, then paid tweaks." Why? Endless revisions waste your time and my ability to serve others well. 4. "What’s the difference between mixing and mastering?" Answer: Mixing: Balancing all elements (vocals, drums, etc.) in one song. Mastering: Preparing the final mix for streaming (loudness, EQ consistency across an album). 5. "Can you make my song sound like [insert famous artist]?" Answer: "I’ll get you 80% there—the last 20% is your unique magic." I can match sonic qualities (e.g., Travis Scott’s reverb), but your voice/arrangement must do the rest. Bonus: The Question They Should Ask (But Rarely Do): "How can I prepare my files to save money/time?" My Answer: Label tracks clearly ("Vocal_Lead_Dry"). Share BPM/key before I start. Got a question I missed? Shoot—I answer everything (no jargon). 🔍🎛️

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

A: "Mixing/Mastering = Magic Fix for Bad Recordings" Many clients think: "You can polish any garbage into gold." Reality: I need workable raw material (e.g., a vocal recorded in a closet ≠ a studio take). "More plugins = better sound." Truth: My best mixes use subtle, strategic processing (e.g., +3dB on the right EQ band > 10 fancy effects). Other Myths Debunked: "Lo-fi means low effort." Actually: It’s calculated imperfection (every crackle/hiss is intentional). "Podcast editing just cuts silence." Nope: It’s psychology—pacing, tone, and music cues shape listener trust. What I Actually Do: Solve problems you didn’t know existed (e.g., phase cancellation in your drums). Make your art feel intentional, not just ‘clean’. Pro Tip: Send raw files + references before hiring anyone—I’ll give you a realistic preview. 🎧 (P.S. Worst file I’ve salvaged? A rapper recording in a running car. Yes, we made it work.)

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My Essential Client Questionnaire (To Deliver Exactly What You Need): 1. Project Basics "What’s the primary goal? (e.g., Spotify-ready single, podcast clarity, emotional impact)." "Deadline? Rush fees apply for <48h turnaround." 2. Audio Context "Send raw files: What’s the recording environment? (Phone/studio? Background noise?)." "Reference tracks: Share 1-2 songs/podcasts with your ideal sound." 3. Creative Vision For music: "Should the vocals sit ‘inside’ or ‘float above’ the beat?" For podcasts: "Keep it raw or hyper-polished? (e.g., Joe Rogan vs. NPR)." 4. Logistics "File formats needed? (WAV/MP3/stems?)." "Who’s mastering? (I can handle it or leave headroom for your engineer)." 5. Pet Peeves "Any dealbreakers? (e.g., over-compressed vocals, too much reverb)." Why I Ask These: No surprises: Aligns us on style, scope, and budget upfront. Saves you time: 90% of revisions vanish with clear initial answers. Good Sign? If your provider doesn’t ask these, they might guess—and miss. Try me: Answer these now, and I’ll draft a custom workflow for free. 🎚️✨

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

A: Advice for Hiring the Right Audio Pro (From Someone Who’s Been on Both Sides): 1. Vet Their Specialization Ask: *"Show me 3 examples of work in my exact genre/style."* A podcast editor ≠ music mixer. My niche: Lo-fi + vocal-heavy content. 2. Demand a Test Edit Pro Tip: Send 30 sec of your raw audio and compare how different providers process it. I always do free test edits—no trust without proof. 3. Ask About Revisions Red Flag: "No revisions after delivery." My rule: 2 free rounds (until your ears are happy). 4. Check Communication Style Warning Sign: Slow, vague replies during inquiry. I mirror your tone (emoji-friendly 🎧 or strictly professional). 5. Pricing ≠ Quality Sweet Spot: Mid-range ($50–150/track) often beats cheap and overpriced options. I explain why my rate is X (e.g., iZotope RX for noise removal = worth it). 6. Read Between the Lines Ask: "Walk me through your mix process for [my project]." If they can’t explain their vocal chain or mastering approach, run. Why This Matters: You’re not just paying for audio—you’re paying for trust, expertise, and saved time. My Offer to You: Free 30-min consult to diagnose your project’s needs—even if you don’t hire me. (P.S. Avoid providers who won’t share unmixed vs. final samples. Transparency is key!)

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

A: Desert Island Survival Kit (For Maximum Creativity): 1. Elektron Octatrack MKII Why? Sampler + sequencer = endless beatmaking. Can chop field recordings (coconuts as drums?). Secret Weapon: Overbridge lets me multitrack without a computer. 2. Shure SM7B + Cloudlifter Why? Record vocals, podcasts, or island ambiance with broadcast-quality clarity. Survives sandstorms. 3. Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field Why? Battery-powered DAW-in-a-box with synths, tape tricks, and a mic for sampling waves/seagulls. 4. Solar-Powered Battery Pack Why? Dead gear = sad producer. This keeps the *Octatrack and OP-1* alive. (Priorities.) 5. Waterproof Notebook + Pen Why? Sketch song ideas, map out mixes, or write "Help, I Make Beats" signals to passing ships. Honorable Mention: A coconut with *RC-20 Retro Color* painted on it (for mental tape saturation vibes). Real Talk: With this setup, I’d drop a Lo-fi album made entirely of ocean samples before rescue arrived. 🌴🎛️ What’s your desert island gear list? Let’s swap survival strategies!

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

A: My Career Path: From Bedroom Beats to Professional Audio Alchemy Phase 1: The DIY Era (2015-2018) Started making Lo-fi beats in Ableton live as a hobby Learned the hard way: Watched Pensado’s Place mix breakdowns, dissected Nujabes stems, and failed a lot. Phase 2: Freelance Hustle (2018-2020) First paid gig: Mixed a friend’s podcast for $20—realized clean audio = client trust. Built a portfolio: Worked with indie artists, often for free/cheap to master vocal tuning, session prep. Phase 3: Niche Domination (2021-Present) Specialized in Lo-fi + Podcasts: Combined my beatmaking and editing skills for hybrid projects (e.g., poets with beats). Went pro: Invested in UA audio gear, analog modeling plugins, and client workflows. Now: 100+ tracks streamed on platforms, 50+ podcast episodes edited, and still obsessed with vinyl samples. Total Time in the Game: 9 years tinkering, 5 years professionally. Key Lesson: "Your ‘bad’ early work is the tuition for your signature sound." Want the full story? I’ll send you my first beat vs. latest track—it’s hilarious/terrifying. 😅🎧 (P.S. If you’re starting out—ask me anything. No gatekeeping here.)

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My Style: "Warm Nostalgia Meets Surgical Precision" 1. Sonic Signature Lo-fi’s Soul: Crackling vinyl samples, swung drums, and jazz chords—but with modern clarity (no mud). Vocal Whisperer: Raw recordings sound intimate, not amateur (think Frank Ocean’s rawness + D’Angelo’s warmth). 2. Mix Philosophy "Feel First": Prioritize emotion over technical "perfection" (e.g., leave imperfect breaths in podcasts for authenticity). Subtle Ear Candy: Hidden details (e.g., reverse reverb tails, tape wobble) that reward repeat listens. 3. Genre-Blurring Bridges between: Lo-fi beats and R&B vocals. Podcast storytelling and ambient scoring. TL;DR: If J Dilla and Abbey Road’s engineers made a baby who edits podcasts, that’s me. Test It Out: Send me 30 sec of your project—I’ll apply my style so you can hear it. 🎛️✨ (P.S. Hate it? I’ll tweak until it’s YOUR vibe, not mine.)

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

A: Dream Collaboration: Frank Ocean or Nujabes Why Frank Ocean? Vocal Alchemy: His raw, intimate vocals (e.g., "Blonde") demand surgical yet soulful mixing—perfect for my strength in emotional clarity. Genre-Blurring: I’d love to score his abstract narratives with Lo-fi textures (imagine "Nikes" with SP-404 vinyl crackle). Why Nujabes (Legacy Project)? Sampling Wizardry: Reconstructing his jazz/hip-hop fusion would be a masterclass in groove (I’ve reverse-engineered his drum patterns for years). Philosophical Fit: His music prioritizes feeling over perfection—exactly how I approach production. What I’d Bring to the Session: For Frank: Invisible vocal tuning (no robotic artifacts). Custom Lo-fi interludes to bridge tracks. For Nujabes: Live MPC chops + rare jazz samples from my library. Dilla-esque drum swing with modern low-end. Realistic Version? I’d thrive with artists like: Joji (Lo-fi/pop hybrid). Lofi Girl (curated beat tapes). Who’s your dream collab? Let’s swap inspo! 🎧🔥 (P.S. If you sound like either—let’s talk. I work fast.)

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One Game-Changing Tip for Pro-Level Music: "Automate Your Reverb Sends for Depth That Breathes" How to Do It: Create a Reverb Aux Track (e.g., plate/hall). Automate the Send Level (not the wet/dry!) before key moments: Verse → Chorus: Boost reverb by 10-15% to subliminally widen the transition. Vocal Pauses: Spike reverb momentarily to highlight emotion. Why It Works: Avoids the "static wash" of fixed reverb. Mimics how natural spaces respond to dynamics (like a singer stepping back from a mic). Bonus: Use pre-delay automation to make vocals "float" without mud. Hear It in Action: Try this on a chorus vocal—it’ll feel expensive. 🎚️✨ (Learned this from dissecting Frank Ocean’s "Blonde" stems.)

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

A: 1. Signature Niches Lo-fi & Chillhop: Beats with jazz samples, vinyl warmth, and hypnotic grooves (inspired by Nujabes, J Dilla). Vocal-Driven Music: Singer-songwriter, R&B, and spoken-word poetry (clean edits + emotional mixes). Hybrid tracks (e.g., podcasts with Lo-fi backgrounds). 2. Podcasts & Narrative Audio Conversational clarity (interviews, monologues). Thematic scoring: Subtle music beds that enhance storytelling. 3. Cross-Genre Experiments Electronic-infused (ambient, downtempo). Hip-hop beats with organic instrumentation. Why This Range? Your vocals shine in any context—raw or polished. Beats feel "lived-in" (not sterile). Recent Example: *"Mixed a Persian folk singer’s acapella into a Lo-fi beat—2M streams on SoundCloud."* Not sure if your genre fits? Send a snippet—I’ll tailor my approach. 🎶🔥 (P.S. I adapt to YOUR sound, not the other way around.)

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is crafting emotionally resonant, polished audio experiences by merging technical precision with artistic intuition. Here’s how it breaks down: 1. Surgical Vocal Enhancement (Podcasts & Music) Fix "unfixable" recordings: Salvage muffled/noisy vocals (e.g., iPhone recordings → studio-quality). Preserve natural tone while removing distractions (breaths, plosives). 2. Lo-fi Beat Alchemy Transform samples into nostalgia: Jazz chops + vinyl grit that feel lived-in. Drum grooves with imperfect swing (humanized, not robotic). 3. Mix Translation Your track sounds pro everywhere: Test mixes on AirPods, car systems, club speakers before delivery. Master to platform specs (Spotify, YouTube) seamlessly. Why this matters for you: Podcasters: Your voice stays clear even on cheap earbuds. Artists: Your music hits that "How’d they make it sound so expensive?" vibe. Proof? I’ll process 30 seconds of your audio for free—hear the difference instantly. 🎧✨ (Hint: Clients call this my "magic ear" skill.)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 🎵 For Music (Lo-fi, Vocal-Driven Tracks, etc.) Signature Sound Design Warm, textured beats with vinyl crackle/jazz samples (*SP-404 + RC-20*). Vocals that cut through the mix (balanced lows/highs, dynamic compression). Mixing/Mastering Magic Industry-standard loudness without squashing dynamics. Analog-style saturation for depth (Tape Emulation plugins). Creative Problem-Solving Fix off-key vocals (subtle Melodyne), timing issues, or weak arrangements. 🎙️ For Podcasts Radio-ready clarity: Remove background noise, smooth out volume jumps. Engaging pacing: Tight edits + strategic music/SFX to boost retention. ✨ Unique Value Speed + Quality: Most projects delivered in under 72 hours. Genre-Blending Skills: Merge Lo-fi with spoken word, podcasts with ambient music, etc. Example: *"Turned a raw poet’s recording into a viral Lo-fi/spoken-word hybrid (2M streams)."* Let me elevate your sound—send a sample! 🚀 (P.S. I also provide free test edits so you can hear my work firsthand.)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1. Initial Consultation (Free, 15 mins) Discuss your needs: Project type: Podcast (interview, monologue) / Music / Hybrid. Audio references (e.g., "Warm podcast vocals like X show" or "Bass-heavy music mix"). Formats & deadlines (e.g., 3-day turnaround for urgent podcasts). 2. Production Workflow (Customized per Project) A) Podcast Editing: Audio Cleanup: Remove background noise, breaths, clicks (iZotope RX). Level consistency (Compression/Normalization). Professional Processing: Vocal sweetening (SSL Channel plugins for clarity). Tight editing (remove pauses, pace adjustments). Music/SFX Integration: Custom background music (Lo-fi/Ambient) + sound effects (Reverb for depth). B) Mixing/Mastering (Music or Podcast): Mixing: Balance vocals/instruments. Spatial design (Stereo imaging). Mastering: Platform-optimized loudness (*-14 LUFS for podcasts, -8 for music*). C) Lo-fi Production: Custom beats with vinyl samples + organic drums. 3. Delivery Podcast: Final file + music-free version. Music: 24-bit WAV + MP3 + Instagram master. Why This Works? ✅ Dual Expertise: Studio-quality podcasts and music. ✅ Flexibility: Staged delivery (e.g., edit first, add music later). ✅ Post-Support: 2 free revisions. Recent Projects: Educational Podcast: 1-hour edit (noise removal + music) in 48 hours. Lo-fi Track: Warm bass/vocal mix (5-day turnaround). Need adjustments? Fully customizable! 🎙️🎧 (P.S.: Ask for podcast/music samples!) Key Tools: DAWs: FL Studio, Ableton Hardware: *Shure SM7B, SP-404 MKII* Plugins: *iZotope RX, RC-20, SSL Channel* Let’s make your audio stand out! 🔥

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My Studio Setup: Optimized for Lo-fi Production & Vocal Mixing & Mastering 🔊 Core Gear Computer: [Specs, e.g., *MacBook Pro M2 / 32GB RAM*] DAW: Ableton Live12 Audio Interface: Universal Audio Volt 476 (for pristine preamps & compression) Monitors: Yamaha HS8 (+ Sonarworks for room correction) Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (for detailed mixing) 🎤 Vocal Chain Mic: Shure SM7B (for warmth) → *Cloudlifter CL-1* (gain boost) Processing: Neural DSP plugins for analog-style saturation Waves Tune Real-Time (subtle pitch correction) iZotope RX 10 (de-noise/de-ess) 🎛️ Lo-fi Production Weapons Hardware: *SP-404 MKII* (for live resampling/vinyl effects) Arturia MicroFreak (textural pads) Plugins: *RC-20 Retro Color* (tape wobble/degredation) Vinyl Crackle Libraries (DIY recordings + Splice samples) Kontakt (jazz piano/guitar libraries) 🛠️ Workflow Hacks Template Sessions: Pre-loaded with group buses (e.g., "Dusty Drums," "Vocal Glue") Quick Keys: Custom Ableton Live shortcuts for chopping samples + vocal comping Reference Tracks: A/B tool with Nujabes/Dilla stems for mix checks Why This Works for Clients: Speed: Process vocals or draft beats in <1 hour. Texture: Hardware/plugins add authentic Lo-fi grit. Flexibility: Record vocals OR produce full tracks remotely. Missing something you love? Let’s geek out over gear! 🎛️✨ (P.S. Need a mixed sample? Send a track—I’ll run it through my chain for free!)

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

A: As a Lo-fi producer and audio engineer, my primary services include: 1. Vocal Mixing & Editing Cleaning raw recordings (noise removal, breath control, de-essing). Pitch/timing correction for flawless vocals. Balancing vocals with instrumentals (EQ, compression, reverb). 2. Custom Lo-fi Beat Production Crafting chill, sample-based instrumentals with: Vinyl crackle/textures. Jazz/piano chops. Laid-back drum grooves. Tailoring beats to match a client’s vibe (e.g., "study beats" or "emotional tracks"). 3. Full Song Production End-to-end creation: From recording guidance (if needed) to final mastering. Syncing vocals with beats for cohesive Lo-fi tracks. 4. Audio Restoration Enhancing low-quality recordings (podcasts, old vocals) to studio-grade clarity. 5. Edit & Making Podcast Why Clients Hire Me: Niche Expertise: Deep understanding of Lo-fi aesthetics (warmth, nostalgia). Fast Turnaround: 1–3 days for mixing, 3–5 days for full productions. Collaborative Approach: Revisions until the client’s vision is realized. Example Project: "Mixed a poet’s spoken-word recording, added ambient Lo-fi music, and delivered a track perfect for streaming platforms." Need a service not listed? Ask me! I adapt to unique requests. 🎶

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

A: 1. Lo-Fi & Chillhop Pioneers Nujabes – The godfather of Lo-fi hip-hop; his jazz-sampled beats ("Modal Soul") define the genre’s warmth. J Dilla – His off-kilter, soulful drum patterns ("Donuts") influence my rhythmic textures. Tomppabeats – Master of minimalist, nostalgic Lo-fi beats (e.g., "Harbor"). 2. Sound Design & Mixing Visionaries Tchami – For pristine vocal mixing and modern electronic textures. Sango – Blends Brazilian beats with hip-hop; inspires my cross-genre experiments. Kaytranada – His groove-centric production ("99.9%") shapes my basslines and swing. 3. Vocal Production Specialists Serban Ghenea (Mixer for Dua Lipa, The Weeknd) – Teaches me vocal clarity techniques. Frank Ocean’s Team – Their "Blonde" album’s raw-yet-polished vocals guide my editing approach. 4. Innovators in DIY Music Steve Lacy – Proof that phone-recorded demos can go platinum (motivates my home studio ethos). Joji – Transition from Lo-fi YouTube beats to Grammy-nominated artist fuels my career hustle. How They Influence Me: Nujabes/J Dilla → My beats prioritize emotional samples and organic drums. Serban/Kaytranada → I obsess over vocal-instrumental balance and groove. Joji/Steve Lacy → Reminds me that authenticity > perfection. Who inspires YOU? I’d love to swap recommendations! 🎧🔥 (P.S. Need a beat or mix that channels these vibes? Let’s collaborate!)