Alt-R&B Songwriter Topliner

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

A: I’d love to work with SZA, Jhené Aiko, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller, and 6lack, because their artistry aligns with my Alt-R&B style and the kind of emotional storytelling I’m most passionate about. I also want to collaborate with Davido, Rema, Young Jonn, Blaqbonez, and Tems, because Afrobeats inspires me with its cadence, energy, and global reach. And of course, working with someone like The Weeknd would be huge — his ability to merge R&B with pop and cinematic production is a lane I thrive in. All of these artists push boundaries in their own way, and I know my pen, cadence, and topline approach could complement their sound while creating something fresh.

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 my released track “Moon in Libra”, as myself, OSQUARE, the artist. I wrote the lyrics and topline from scratch, starting with just a beat, and built the entire song around emotion, cadence, and storytelling. The track has been gaining attention on TikTok, and seeing people connect with it and keep it on repeat reminded me why I love what I do. My role was songwriter, topliner, and recording artist — and it proved how powerful authentic lyrics and melodies can be when they truly resonate with listeners.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I’m focused on writing and recording new music as OSQUARE, continuing to sharpen my pen while developing my next releases. I’m also collaborating with artists across Alt-R&B, hip hop, and Afrobeats — providing hooks, verses, and toplines that elevate their tracks. On top of that, I’m building out my services through a Record Label, creating opportunities for independent artists to access industry-quality songwriting.

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

A: This is my first time on SoundBetter, so I don’t personally know anyone here yet. That said, I’m excited to connect, collaborate, and build relationships on the platform while bringing my 10+ years of songwriting experience to clients.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their place. I love analog for the warmth and character it brings — nothing beats the feel of a great mic through high-end hardware. But I work mostly digital because it’s flexible, fast, and allows me to create anywhere — whether I’m rough-drafting a topline at home or finalizing vocals in the pro studio. Digital gives me the freedom to capture inspiration the moment it hits, while analog gives me that final touch of richness.

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

A: My promise is to deliver songwriting and toplines that feel authentic, polished, and built to last. I take the time to understand your vision and make sure every lyric, melody, and cadence serves the song. You can expect professionalism, clear communication, and music that not only sounds industry-ready but also connects with listeners on a deeper level.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most is the process of turning an idea into something real — taking a beat or a vibe and shaping it into lyrics and melodies that connect. There’s nothing better than writing a hook or verse that makes someone feel understood, or creating a full song that people want to play on repeat. I also love hearing and seeing people’s reactions when a song hits them — that moment of connection is why I do this. For me, songwriting has always been about emotion, cadence, and storytelling — and being able to share that with others is what keeps me inspired.

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

A: Most clients ask how long it takes and how many revisions are included. My answer: turnaround is usually 5–7 business days, and I offer 1 free revision session for minor tweaks. Additional revisions or rewrites can be done for an added fee. Another common question is about ownership and rights — I explain that I always retain songwriter credit, but clients can choose between a co-writing split or an exclusive buyout/work-for-hire if they want full rights.

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

A: The biggest misconception is that songwriting is quick or effortless — like you can just throw together some words and melodies and call it a song. In reality, creating a hook that sticks or a verse that feels authentic takes years of practice, experience, and a deep understanding of cadence, emotion, and storytelling. People often don’t see the layers of thought and detail that go into making a song both personal and industry-ready. However, depending on the vibe of the song, I personally can write a verse or hook pretty quick — and sometimes even a full song — but it all depends on the beat and the energy it gives.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to start by asking: What vibe are you going for? Do you have any reference tracks or artists that capture the sound you want? What’s the story or message behind the song? I also ask about the song’s purpose — whether it’s for a single, an album, or sync — since that shapes how I write. And of course, I clarify timelines, budget, and how involved they want to be in the process. The goal is to understand their vision fully so I can deliver lyrics and melodies that feel authentic to them.

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

A: Look for someone who not only has the skill but also understands how to bring out your vision. A great songwriter/topliner should deliver hooks, verses, and melodies that feel authentic to you, not just themselves. Be clear on what you want, provide reference tracks if possible, and trust the process — the best songs come from collaboration and letting the vibe lead.

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

A: My U87 to keep the vocals crisp, my laptop loaded with beats and sessions, some studio headphones, my notebook & pen, and unlimited WiFi so I can still dig for inspiration and send tracks out from the island!

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

A: I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old, and by the time I was a teenager I was already writing songs — verses, hooks, and full concepts — which has always been my #1 passion. About 10 years ago, I was recording songs in my bedroom and posting them on SoundCloud lol, just to share what I was creating. Over the years, I sharpened my pen and grew as an artist, moving from DIY setups into professional studios and building a catalog of release-ready music. That journey gave me firsthand experience with what makes a song connect with listeners. My foundation is in Alt-R&B, but I also write across hip hop, Afrobeats, pop, and alternative sounds. Now, as OSQUARE, I bring that lifetime of passion and a decade of experience to every project — delivering professional songwriting and toplining that’s versatile, authentic, and industry-ready.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is rooted in Alt-R&B, blending smooth melodies, emotional storytelling, and a cadence that gives songs replay value. I bring a balance of vulnerability and edge — hooks that stick, verses that flow with the beat, and toplines that feel authentic. While Alt-R&B is my foundation, I also fuse influences from hip hop, Afrobeats, pop, and alternative sounds, giving me the flexibility to adapt while still keeping my signature vibe.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave space for the vocal. A beat can be fire on its own, but if there’s no room for topline melodies and cadence to breathe, the song won’t connect. Simplicity often wins — give the vocal a pocket, and that’s what makes people hit repeat.

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

A: I usually work on Alt-R&B, which is my main lane, but I also topline across hip hop, pop, pop-rap, Afrobeats, and alternative rock. Most of my projects involve creating hooks, verses, or full song concepts that blend storytelling with melodies, cadence, and energy that keep people hitting repeat.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is writing hooks and toplines that stick — pairing authentic lyrics with melodies and cadence that make people want to run the song back. I know how to capture emotion and energy in a way that connects instantly, whether it’s Alt-R&B, hip hop, or pop.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a mix of emotional storytelling, strong cadence, and catchy melodies that make a track stand out and feel like something you want to play on repeat. My pen is rooted in Alt-R&B, but I’m versatile enough to topline hip hop, pop, pop-rap, and alternative rock. Whether it’s a hook that sticks, a verse that flows with the beat, or a full song concept, I know how to capture a vibe and deliver industry-ready lyrics and melodies that resonate with listeners.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by connecting with the client to understand their vision, vibe, and references. If there’s an instrumental or beat provided, I listen closely for mood and direction, then begin sketching topline melodies. From there, I write lyrics that fit the story and emotion of the track, balancing catchy hooks with verses that feel authentic. I’ll first record a rough draft at home using GarageBand and a simple mic — just to lock in the flow and structure — then I book a session with the professional studio I work out of and make the commute to cut the final takes with my U87. Once the demo is ready, I deliver a polished version within 5–7 business days. I include one free revision to ensure everything lines up with the client’s vision, and from there we finalize the song for release.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record in a pro studio with a Neumann U87, so everything comes out clean, warm, and release-ready. The setup gives me the clarity I need to deliver hooks, verses, and toplines that sound radio-ready.

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

A: I’m inspired by artists and producers who push boundaries in Alt-R&B and beyond. Brent Faiyaz for his raw storytelling and vibe, SZA for her emotional honesty and melodic range, and The Weeknd for his ability to merge R&B with pop and cinematic production. On the production side, I admire creatives like Noah “40” Shebib and Illangelo, who both pioneered atmospheric, moody R&B production that allows vocals and songwriting to truly shine.

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

A: The most common work I do is songwriting and toplining—writing lyrics and melodies that bring an artist’s vision to life. For some clients that means crafting a hook that sticks, for others it’s a full Alt-R&B song with verses, chorus, and structure. I also often topline over hip hop, pop, and pop-rap tracks, giving producers and artists a finished song they can record and release.