Kurt Martinez on SoundBetter

Music Producer, Mix Engineer and Songwriter based in Soho, London.

Hi. I'm Kurt. I'm a Music Producer, Mix Engineer and Songwriter with a Masters' Degree in Music Production specialising in Pop, Rock and Electronic music based in London, England.

Releasing music independently my work has been played on national radio and music videos have been broadcast on television and in gyms and universities across the country. I have collaborated with artists overseas in the US, Canada and Europe.

I have access to a number of studios across London as well as my own studio facility in Nottinghamshire equipped with a varied selection of microphones, guitar pedals and outboard equipment for recording and editing.

Most recent works include Koopa, the first unsigned band to chart in the UK Top 40, Jamie Scott, previously of Kingsland Road and The X Factor, Virgin Radio Fresh Fest winners, Sheafs, and music library company, Hyphon Music Group.

Contact me through the green button above and lets get to work.

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Interview with Kurt Martinez

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have a demo or recording of a live version so I can get a feel for the project? Do you have a song or artist you'd like to use as a reference?
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I like to work on pop and rock. Recently I have been working a lot on hip-hop and R&B which has been a great insight but I am predominately a pop-rock musician.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mixing. I understand that each instrument needs it's own space in a song. I try work quickly and efficiently by mixing two songs in one day maintaining contact with the band or artist throughout the project.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I will record a band on location in the studio then mix remotely delivering versions of the songs by email until the band or artist is happy with the project.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio consists of a Mac Pro running both Logic and Pro Tools. I have an Audient interface and a 24 channel mixing desk. I have a selection of outboard equipment, guitar pedals and microphones. I use KRK and Genelec monitors. I also have a number of guitars, basses and hardware synthesisers for writing and production. I have access to a number of studios across London should a project require a particular sound or piece of equipment.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Having studied at London College of Music I went on to graduate from Leeds Beckett University with a Masters’ in Music Production. That lead to freelance work recording bands both on location and in studios such as Fox Den Studios in Sheffield. Moving to London I found work as a studio assistant at 750mph, a studio specialising in sound design and audio production for television adverts. I now working in post-production for feature film and trailers, working with bands and artists in my own time.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I grew up listening to pop-punk and pop-rock bands. I’m a big fan of producer musicians like Mark Hoppus from blink-182, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park and Adam Young of Owl City. With regards to mixing I am influenced by the greats like Chris Lord Alge, Andrew Scheps and Neal Avron but I like a polished modern sound drum similar to what engineers like Zak Cervini and Dan Lancaster are putting out at the moment. I like to incorporate elements of each of my influences in to my own production and mixing.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I'm a huge fan of analogue warmth but we do live in a digital age. I work primarily in the box, but I do however like to get hands on in a mix. I use 24 channel mixing console and various outboard in conjunction with Logic and Pro Tools when mixing.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: No two projects are ever the same. Everyone writes and produces differently. Sure, I might start with the same template for a mix but every mix goes in a different direction to the last. That's what keeps things fun and interesting.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: I actually contributed towards an article on music production tips recently for AudioSkills.com. You can find that article here: https://audioskills.com/tips/music-production/
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Although I produce it seems at the moment I am actually doing more and more mixing and mastering. I mix remotely sending versions to the band or artist to review and offer feedback. I do have access to a number of studios in London to record and produce too.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working on the first single for an artist called M and mixing and mastering soundtrack for Hyphon Music Group. I am due to begin mixing the original soundtrack for a computer game to be released on iOS and Playstation Network. And I am working on the new Koopa album at the moment which I'm really excited about!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: The project isn't finished until you are completely happy with the mix.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: I would have to take my portable set up which currently consists of my MacBook Pro, Audient iD14 USB Interface, my Novation Launchkey Mini MIDI keyboard and KRK KNS8400 headphones. Of course I'd have to take my Blue Bluebird microphone and as well.