Jef Leeson on SoundBetter

Hi there. I'm a producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist & voice actor. I'd love to apply my +30 years of experience (in both music & voice acting) to your project. Having produced dozens of albums (about as many EPs & singles), performed on even more & possessing a +3 octave vocal range, there must be something I can do for you.

A passionate fan of all forms of music & voice performance, Jef is currently performing across Ontario promoting his new album, 'Topic Of The Day', and producing recordings from his home in rural Ontario.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

6 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Jef Leeson

byCraig H.
Verified
Jef was a pleasure to work with. His turnaround time was fast and he did a great job on the vocals. Thanks, Jef!
byStefan R.
Verified
Jef had a second nature understanding of my style and was very prompt in returning ideas as he contributed guitars, bass and vocals to my song. Great musician and communicator.
byuksbpm
Verified
Another super quick turnaround and quality output from this artist.
Will use this artist again...and again.
byuksbpm
Verified
Another good job done on a challenging project and in super quick time by this skilled and talented artist.
Already working on another project straight off...need I say more?
byBilly B.
Verified
Jef was fantastic to work with! He was always quick to respond (the quickest of anyone I've worked with on here), and was more than happy to give my track second, third, and fourth passes to make sure the song turned out just the way I wanted. I wish everyone on here was like him.
byuksbpm
Verified
Jef had a super quick turnaround and gave me precisely what I requested.
Good luck to him in all future endeavours here.
Will use his services again definitely.
Cannot wait...

Interview with Jef Leeson

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Man... I'll... have to get back to you...
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Mix in mono first.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most clients are looking to have their work taken to the next level - improvements to lyrics, music, performance, arranging, mixing, etc. I've been very fortunate to help out many people over the years in doing just that.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Strengthening everything from lyrics, music & arrangement, through recording & final mix is very important to me. I offer what I can of those skills to a project and follow the lead of my clients very happily.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work in a variety of studios, but my own revolves around tracking & mixing with the DAW Reaper, on a custom 64bit CPU, through a custom pair of Camber monitors. Tracking a project depends highly on the genre and songs. More trad & alt sounds are generally done old school open room style. And when required top of the line modelling & programming are used for more modern or aggressive projects.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The lack of passion in a song/recording sticks out like a sour note... pun intended. I work to bring it back.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Main goal - making a release or demo? What services are required? Timeline? Budget?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My ratty $40 gut string guitar, a Neumann U87, my Fender Precision, my main CPU w/Reaper & a solar panel.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Work your project as far as you can take it, and remain as open as possible.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: If I had to pick, vocals, just barely above writing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, rock, country, folk & singer-songwriter material.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Andy Partridge (of XTC fame). A brilliant musician. Oh, how one can dream.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Dynamic, open minded, eager.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I began performing full time in the mid 1980s, having written and demoed my own tunes for some time. Within a few years I started producing for other artists on my own boutique label & then began releasing my own albums. Haven't looked back since.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That having a career in the business outside the main centres is a detriment to collaborating.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: My timeline: ASAP "Can you make it better?": If what I hear & present to you works for you, then yes.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creation & collaboration.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: What you hear I'll help you get, and what I could add you're welcome to have.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Analog for it's pure tactile experience (I almost miss splicing blocks). Digital for it's efficiency, power & amazing control.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: uksbpm provides me with projects that are very challenging, positive and mind opening experiences.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Finishing up mixes on 3 tracks commissioned for a couple of films, tracking an acapella album of my own, and in preproduction for both a country album & a folk/Christian EP for 2 other artists.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I co-ordinated and produced the album 'Keep Me Warm This Christmas' for a charity which raises funds and clothing for children in need. In many ways it's a project I compare everything else to.