James Berkeley

R&B/Soul Producer & Songwriter

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1 Review
James Berkeley on SoundBetter

With over 20 million streams I’ve collaborated with artists including Mereba, Adi Oasis, Full Crate, Elli Ingram, Incognito and many more. Hi, I'm James - a professional artist, producer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist from the UK. I've been working in the industry for 10+ years specialising in R&B, soul, jazz, indie soul, and alt-pop.

Services
Full track production - from scratch based on your references, ideas or vocal demos
Extra production - if your demo needs a lift or a few key touches to feel finished
Live instrumentation - piano, bass, guitar to add depth and vibe
Topline writing & co-writing - melodies, lyrics, or both (great if you're stuck)
Vocal production - comping, tuning, arranging, subtle effects that feel natural
I specialise within R&B, soul, jazz, indie soul, and alt-pop

The Process
- First, we’ll have a chat about your project - what stage it’s at, what you’re aiming for, and how I can help bring your vision to life.
- Once we’ve agreed on the direction and 50% of the project is funded, I’ll ask you to send over any files I need (demos, stems, lyrics, references, etc).
- I’ll keep you in the loop with updates as I go, and once it’s finished, I’ll send over all the necessary files, stems, and bounces.
- Projects will be delivered within 7 days
- I offer a 48 hour turnaround which adds 25% to total fee

Whether you're starting with a rough idea or just need help getting a track across the finish line, the goal is always the same: to make something that feels right to you.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

1 Reviews

Endorse James Berkeley
  1. Review by Edward Black
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    by Edward Black

    I have been working collaboratively with James Berkeley for nearly 5 years now on various different musical projects and he is an absolute joy to work with - crazy talented on the keys, a naughty bassist and a great beat-maker, not to mention his vocal writing, recording and arranging skills. He really can do it all! Can't recommend highly enough.

Interview with James Berkeley

  1. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  2. A: References are great, but instead of trying to copy an aesthetic, thinking about what emotion you're aiming to evoke can be a better question.

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

  4. A: Find someone who understands your vision and can communicate well. Skill matters, but connection and alignment matter more.

  5. Q: How would you describe your style?

  6. A: Warm, textured, emotive, and detail-focused. Like a late-night conversation turned into music

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

  8. A: Tyler, the Creator - I admire how he builds entire worlds around his music, combining bold production with visual storytelling and complete creative control

  9. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  10. A: Don’t underestimate the power of subtractive arrangement - taking things out often brings a song to life more than adding.

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

  12. A: R&B, soul, indie soul, alternative pop, and anything with a bit of warmth and introspection.

  13. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  14. A: Bridging the gap between raw emotion and polished execution - especially in finishing demos and elevating ideas into fully-formed songs.

  15. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  16. A: Clarity, emotion, and a sense of identity. Whether it's a topline edit or full production, I focus on finding what makes a song feel like the artist.

  17. Q: What's your typical work process?

  18. A: I trust my gut and aim to get as much done in one sitting as possible, riding the wave of inspiration while it's present

  19. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  20. A: I work from a treated room with full-range monitors, UAD interfaces, high-end plugins, and a range of analog synths and instruments (Moog, Prophet, Juno emulations). Always ready to record real keys, bass, or guitar.

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

  22. A: Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, Mac Miller, Dijon, mk.gee, James Blake, Jordan Rakei — anyone who blends emotional depth with sonic experimentation

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

  24. A: writing and production, either from scratch or working from a demo

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JB Demo Reel

I was the Writer, Producer in this production

Terms Of Service

- Projects delivered in 7 days
- 48 hour turnaround adds 25% to total fee
- 1 free revision per project; extras may cost more. Projects done in order received. Clear comms guaranteed throughout

GenresSounds Like
  • Daniel Caesar
  • Frank Ocean
  • Dijon
Gear Highlights
  • Juno 106
  • Propet 08
  • Moog Matriarch
  • UAD
More Photos
More SamplesProduction and songwriting