James Berkeley

Music Producer & Songwriter

James Berkeley on SoundBetter

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

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

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.

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 an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

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