From Sketch to Cinematic

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

A: Marcel Villamil is an excellent singer and producer. He's also a warm and charismatic person who will make you feel good by providing you with very professional work. https://soundbetter.com/profiles/244454-marcel-%22katchaco%22

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

A: Another project I'm proud of is a band called Surmarides, it was 2 years of exhausting rehearsals and recording sessions, in this project I composed part of the music using the instrument I first learned, which is the drums. I also had the opportunity to learn and share with excellent musicians.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on a personal project that tells stories of overcoming difficulties experienced in my country. The name of the project is "La Causa de SAG"

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

A: With determination and discipline I will help you find the best version of your musical work.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Although facing a blank canvas can be intimidating at first, it's incredibly rewarding when a work begins to organically form from new ideas. Being able to emotionally connect with a work you helped complete is a deeply enriching experience.

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

A: One of the most common concerns when handing over your own song to someone else is that you think they won't respect what's already there. The truth is, the work I do is to enhance what's already in the song.

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

A: Pretending that the composition is going to change because of the change in sounds, if there are no changes in the melody, chords and structure, it will continue to be the same song, but with a more cinematic effect.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: The first thing I would always ask about is the concept, what the song is intended to convey. Then I would ask about technical aspects like the instrumentation they imagine the song will use, and finally, I would ask about the timeframe we have to finish the song.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I believe that the proper use of the tools at our disposal is what will yield the best results. Each song needs the right treatment for what it aims to achieve.

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

A: Try to be as specific as possible about what you want, and if you can give me some Reference Tracks to understand your goal, even better. Communication is essential; don't be afraid to tell me anything.

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

A: First of all, if I were on a desert island, the first thing I'd need to be able to work (forgetting what's necessary for survival, hehe) would be some kind of device that generates energy from sunlight with a power strip. Then I'd bring a laptop, an interface, a keyboard, some kind of satellite internet, and if there are only five things, I'd have to use the laptop's built-in microphone.

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

A: I was a late bloomer in music. I started taking drum lessons at 13, then went to study in a country with a rich musical culture like Cuba. I then continued developing my talent with local teachers in Medellin, Colombia. At some point in my career, I realized that composing was the most important thing for me, regardless of the musical instrument I used, whether it was drums, Cuban percussion, or the piano.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I love it when on an album you not only hear the lyrics and the audio but you are also transported to a totally different time and place. I hope I can contribute to obtaining that unique signature that your music deserves.

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

A: Beth Hart, this woman exudes music, she is not so well known, but she deserves all the respect for her tenacity and dedication.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I give you two pieces of advice: 1. When composing, even if it sounds very basic, always build the vocal melody before making arrangements. Sometimes we procrastinate if we're not singers, but the vocal line is essential. 2. When producing, be clear about the concept of the sound you're going for. Using reference tracks from artists who achieved what you want is very important.

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

A: Rock, Pop, World Music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Respect for your music and the constant search for solutions so that you can achieve the best version of your art.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: You have my commitment that I will work with you to transform your music with the vision you have in mind.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If possible, before starting I would like to Chat with you to find out what you want from the Song. What are your expectations? What type of Orchestration do you think of? What emotion would you like to be highlighted? What kind of musical influences would you like to manifest in your music?

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The most important thing about my work tools is the access I have to Premium libraries of Orchestral sounds, also of synthesizers and other instruments, in addition to the knowledge and curiosity to use them.

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

A: I have many influences, from Blues with Beth Hart to Afro-Cuban music like Muñequitos de Matanzas. In recent years I have been focused on learning more about the music of my country, I highlight the work of Totó la Momposina

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

A: I'll take your draft song, which you've probably made with basic MIDI sounds, and make it sound very professional, with Plugins made with real samples of orchestral recordings made by high-level musicians. This process will give a lot of personality to your music and will save you time and studio expenses.