After years touring North America & playing with Twenty One Pilots, Awolnation & more, Michael focuses his time writing, producing & mixing for a wide range of genres and media. His most notable work has ranged from artists like Felly, Brevin Kim, Sony Music, Landrover, & more, which have surpassed millions of streams and charted on radio.
WHO I AM:
Philadelphia-based producer who began as an artist himself, playing with bands like Twenty One Pilots, Awolnation, Capital Cities, Warped Tour, and a ton more! Now I reside in the studio producing songs with artists like Felly, Brevin Kim, Sony Music, & alike. I score for TV commercials (Maaco, Planet Fitness) and TV shows (MTV, VH1). My songs have surpassed millions of streams, charted on radio, & landed national commercials.
WHAT I DO:
Write, Produce & Mix Top 40 songs as well as "unique" passion projects. Versatility and being a multi-instrumentalist are my main strengths. I really enjoy working on Pop (all kinds), Rock, HipHop, & Orchestral music, however I’ve done tons in Jazz, EDM, & even Latin music.
MAIN SERVICES:
- Creating your track from scratch based on your vision
- Creating music around your vocals (even if they're just a rough recording on your phone)
- Producing/Tracking from full demos/sessions
- Vocal Production, Editing & Recording
- Mixing & Mastering
WHY ARTISTS & BRANDS LOVE WORKING WITH ME:
Communication and vulnerability are essential in creativity. I'm not here to change or influence your end goal. Coming from the artist world myself, I know what it's like to be heard and validated. My job alongside you is to make the best song that we're both proud to share and that finds you success.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Languages
- English
3 Reviews
Endorse Michael Kepko
My music before and after this man got involved in my artist project are night and day. To say he's made me a better songwriter, musician, and overall artist would be an understatement. Not only did he point me in the right direction to improve but he cares to make sure I'm making the best music I can and he helps me get there. He's a phenomenal producer and will bring the best out of you. I don't know who else you are looking at on this platform. But they aren't as good as Michael Kepko.
My music before and after this man got involved in my artist project are night and day. To say he's made me a better songwriter, musician, and overall artist would be an understatement. Not only did he point me in the right direction to improve but he cares to make sure I'm making the best music I can and he helps me get there. He's a phenomenal producer and will bring the best out of you. I don't know who else you are looking at on this platform. But they aren't as good as Michael Kepko.
I have worked with Mike on a variety of creative projects over the years, and continue to. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to bring ideas to life is unmatched. If you’re looking for a talented producer who truly understands sound, this is my recommendation.
Interview with Michael Kepko
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I really enjoyed the Maaco commercial that I did. I wrote the music and vocals for this national commercial and it was just a quick and easy process which I learned alot about TV producers while doing. It's always really exciting seeing your music paired with video!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A few commercials, alot of Pop singles and a Pop/Punk EP.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I do not know anyone Ive seen so far.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Anything that fits the occasion and sounds good because how it sounds is all I care about.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To make sure youre happy and proud to release what we've done.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The flexibility and excitement of working on new things almost daily!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Why do you feel the song should go in this direction? This is based on each specific song which I try to go into as much detail as possible usually relating to progression and dynamics.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That the process is quick and not monotonous.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: How do you typically like to work? If you shared a stage with someone, who would it be? What instruments would you think you like in your song? Which DONT you? What's this song about? How old is this song? Are you part of a label or independent?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't think youre not good enough, or not ready. There's never a definitive moment, just do it!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A drum set, a piano, headphones with which to listen, my toy mandolin my partents gifted me, and a mic.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started in a touring band around 2010 and have been producing my own music since. I've been producing other people's music since 2017.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Clean, Big and emotive.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I want to work with artists who put in the same amount of work as I do- I live and breathe this and the artist should be just as excited and motivated!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Trust your gut and your ear.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop (all sorts), Rock, HipHop and Scores
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being versatile and a multi instrumentalist really come in handy for different projects. Also coming from the band world myself, I know what it's like being on both sides of the recording process!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring emotion, dynamic, well thought out songwriting and top sonic quality to every song. Plus I'm an easy going person so the process is fun! (which is how its SUPPOSED to be)!!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My process typically starts with a phone call, zoom or email talking with the client and understanding where they want their project to go and everything that it encompasses, timeline, label team, etc. My job is to create something that competes with Top 40 hits while simultaneously making you happy about what you're bringing to the table. Once we hone in on a direction, I start a small piece of the song which once you approve, I continue on and finish the musical process. Some artists like to wait until I'm finished while others like to come by the studio or hang in a Zoom so they can be part of the process! When the music portion is ready for vocals, we set a day aside for the artist to come track which is an all day process. The vocals will then get edited, and the song will get started on a mix/master. I typically give 2 rounds of mix revisions then the song is ready for distribution! During this entire process, I'm constantly communicating with the artist/band to ensure youre getting what youve come for!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My set up is a home studio on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA which includes all of my synthesizers, instruments and fun toys inside a professionally treated space with a separate room for live vocals and instruments.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: When I'm listening to music I really enjoy anything that provokes an emotion or sets a scene. I love Pop artists like Tate McRae, Blackbear, and the Weekend, and I love Rock oriented bands like Biffy Clyro, Paramore, and Jonas Brothers. When I need an ear break from mainstream music I love putting on orchestral music like John Williams and Hans Zimmer.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I write and produce artist's and band's demos into radio competitive songs based on the direction and genre they are trying to achieve. I also write and produce music without demos, but rather a vision and a particular sound. This allows the artist/band to topline vocals onto what we've just created.
- ProducerAverage price - $800 per song
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $400 per song
- EditingAverage price - $300 per track
- Film ComposerAverage price - $400 per minute
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $200 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $200 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $400 per song
- 1-2 weeks to turn around on Production
- No refunds, but your approval is needed on music before advancing pass verse 1
- 10% Royalty Split (dependent on service)
- Mix Revisions Included
- Telefunken TF29
- Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre
- Kromo Workstation
- Roland Fantom X7
- Hammond SK1
- Arpodyssey
- & more
After 5 songs, I discount per songs.
