Zian Gutiérrez

Hi! I'm Zian Ka'an, a composer, producer, and session musician with a background in classical percussion from the UDG Conservatory. Currently studying digital music production, I specialize in alternative rock, post-punk, shoegaze, and sound design. Let’s bring your music to life with passion and precision!
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Zian Gutiérrez
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One project I’m especially proud of is the documentary “El Llanto del Conejo” and the audiobook “Comida para Pichones”, both created with Aria Audiovisual. I composed the music and did the full sound design for both. El Llanto del Conejo was screened at the Guanajuato Film Festival and even made it to Barcelona, which was an incredible honor. I’m proud because these works combined storytelling and emotion in a powerful way, and I was able to bring them to life through sound.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: At the moment, I’m producing the debut EP of an emerging bedroom pop band, as well as two singles for Krystanne, a Latin R&B project. I’m also working on my second album as Zian Ka’an, where I explore indie rock sounds with a personal touch.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not yet. I’m still getting to know the platform and exploring the amazing talent here. But I’m always open to discovering and collaborating with other professionals to offer the best to my clients.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I prefer digital because of its accessibility and flexibility. It allows me to work efficiently, experiment more, and adapt to different projects without needing expensive gear or large studio spaces making high-quality production more available to everyone.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will treat your project with the same care and passion as if it were my own. I’ll listen closely to your ideas, respect your artistic vision, and deliver work that feels honest, emotional, and professionally crafted. I’m not here just to finish a task, I’m here to help bring your music to life.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I love most is feeling the music being emotionally connected to it. I truly enjoy the creative process because it feels like bringing an idea to life, turning something abstract into something real and tangible. It's a magical transformation, and I’m grateful to be part of it every time.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "Can you make my song sound professional even if it's just a rough idea or demo?" Answer: Absolutely. I specialize in taking raw ideas, whether it's a voice memo, a guide track, or basic stems and building them into fully produced, professionally mixed and mastered songs. I’ll work closely with your references and vision to shape the track until it feels complete and authentic.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One big misconception is that producing or mixing a song is just about using software or presets. In reality, it’s a creative and emotional process that requires musical sensitivity, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of the artist’s vision. It’s not just about making things sound "clean", it’s about making them feel alive and meaningful.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask clients about their musical style, references, and the overall mood or message they want to convey. I also inquire about the project's scope, whether they need full production, mixing, mastering, or just specific parts like recording instruments. Additionally, I clarify deadlines and any technical details like file formats or stems. This helps me tailor my work precisely to their needs and expectations.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice is to clearly communicate your vision and share any references or ideas you have. This helps me understand exactly what you want and deliver a result that fits your style. Also, be open to the creative process, sometimes the best ideas come from collaboration. Choose a provider who not only has technical skills but also cares deeply about the emotional impact and artistic quality of your music.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, Audio interface, MIDI, my AT4050 and my guitar
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I began my musical journey studying drums as a child at the UDG Conservatory. In 2016, I started gaining experience as a composer with my first band, developing my skills through private lessons. Since 2021, I’ve been working with Logic Pro X and currently study digital music production. Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects, including soundtracks, sound design for documentaries and short films, as well as producing and recording in multiple genres. Overall, I’ve been actively involved in music for about a decade, continually growing as an artist and producer.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I consider my style blends the emotional depth of post-punk with the melodic sensitivity of indie rock, wrapped in an alternative and experimental sonic aesthetic. My productions and compositions are introspective and layered, balancing organic elements like real drums, bass, and guitars with atmospheric textures, influenced by artists like Radiohead, Molchat Doma, and Björk. I think my music feels narrative-driven, each track tells a story or evokes complex emotions, supported by meticulous sound design, cinematic undertones, and a strong artistic vision.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I’d love to work with Molchat Doma because their sound feels incredibly authentic. Their lyrics captivate me, and the overall production seems meticulously crafted. Since I'm currently exploring a post-punk direction with my own project, collaborating with them would be a perfect fit to bring that distinctive touch.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always start your mix at low volume. If it sounds good quiet, it'll sound great loud. This helps you make better balance decisions and avoid over-processing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie Rock, Post-Punk, Alternative Rock, R&B
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Music production
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: bring emotion, depth, and a clear artistic identity to every song I work on. Whether I’m producing, mixing, or recording, I focus on enhancing the unique vibe of the track while adding subtle textures, tasteful arrangements, and a strong sense of dynamics. I aim to serve the song, not just make it sound good, but make it feel alive and memorable.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My work process starts by fully understanding what the client wants, using reference tracks or detailed notes to align with their vision. I begin by sending a full mix first, and I offer up to 4 revisions to make sure the mix feels right. Once the final mix is approved, I move on to mastering. For production work, I build the track from the materials provided, whether it’s guide vocals, stems, or rough ideas, crafting the song layer by layer until it reaches its full potential.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: While my personal home setup is modest, I have access to a professional studio at my university, where I currently study digital music production. The studio includes a Q-32 digital console, Universal Audio preamps, a 32-channel snake, Yamaha HS monitors, and high-quality drum gear (Mapex Venus kit with Zildjian or Paiste cymbals). This allows me to deliver high-quality recordings and mixes with precision and musicality. Whether I’m tracking live drums, bass, or producing a full mix, I make sure each project is handled with care, detail, and creative intention.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m inspired by artists like Björk, Her’s, Arctic Monkeys, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead for their emotional depth, unique soundscapes, and bold artistic direction. On the production side, I admire Finneas O'Conell, Mark Ronson. Their creative approaches deeply influence how I shape and produce music.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common type of work I do for my clients includes music production, where I create and arrange tracks from scratch or enhance existing ideas. I also record live instruments like bass, drums, and keys, and provide full mixing and mastering services to ensure the final product sounds polished and professional.