Nathan Etes on SoundBetter

Alternative artist, producer, songwriter & mixing engineer creating cinematic, emotionally immersive music inspired by Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey. Specializing in atmospheric production, vocal production, mixing, sound design, and emotionally driven records with modern alternative edge.

Hey, I’m Nathan Etes — an alternative artist, producer, songwriter, and mixing engineer creating emotionally immersive music with cinematic depth and modern edge. Inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey, my work blends haunting atmospheres, intimate vocals, distorted textures, and detailed production to create records that feel both emotional and immersive.

I’ve spent the past 5 years independently producing, writing, recording, and developing my own sound from the ground up, which has given me a deep understanding of how every layer of a song should feel emotionally — not just technically. I focus heavily on emotion, atmosphere, dynamics, and helping artists bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and unique to them.

I specialize in alternative pop, dark pop, cinematic production, vocal production, mixing, sound design, creative FX, and emotionally driven records. Whether you need full production, vocal editing, mixing, or help shaping the identity of your sound, my goal is always to create something impactful, memorable, and honest.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Languages

English
Spanish

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Interview with Nathan Etes

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Honestly, I love both. Analog gear has a depth, warmth, and character that’s hard to fully replicate, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about working hands-on with real hardware. It adds color and personality in a way that feels very musical and inspiring. That said, digital technology has come an incredibly long way. Companies like Universal Audio, SSL, and Harrison Audio have done an amazing job bringing classic analog sound into the digital world, making high quality production far more accessible without needing a room full of expensive hardware. My workflow is a hybrid of both mindsets — I love the flexibility and efficiency of digital, while still chasing the tone, movement, and emotion that made analog gear legendary in the first place. And as someone who’s very tactile, I’ll admit turning real knobs will probably always feel more inspiring than dragging a mouse across a screen.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My process usually starts with understanding the artist’s vision, references, and emotional direction for the track. Once I have a feel for the atmosphere and intent, I begin building out production, sound design, vocal processing, or mixing depending on the project. I stay in close communication throughout the process and regularly send updates so clients can give feedback as the track evolves rather than only hearing the final version. I focus heavily on creating immersive textures, strong dynamics, and emotionally impactful moments while still keeping the mix clean and detailed. Once the main version is complete, I’ll make revisions based on feedback and fine tune everything until the record feels finished. Whether I’m producing, mixing, or working on vocals, my goal is always to help bring the artist’s vision to life while making the song feel unique and emotionally authentic.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work primarily in Logic Pro on my MacBook, with a hybrid setup built for both creative production and detailed mixing. My main interface setup combines a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 connected via ADAT to a Universal Audio Apollo Twin X, which handles my primary outputs and headphone routing. For microphones, I regularly use a Neumann TLM 103, Shure SM7B, and sE8, alongside an AKG C414 XLII mainly for room ambience and reamping. My keyboard and synth setup includes an Arturia AstroLab 61, AKAI MPK Mini MK4, Sequential Take 5, and a Casio Privia PX-S1000. For monitoring, I use Yamaha HS5 monitors paired with a Yamaha HS8S subwoofer. I also mix extensively on Sennheiser HD 490 Pro headphones and use Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for recording and production work. Beyond that, I keep a variety of pedals, amps, tape equipment, and other studio gear integrated into my workflow for sound design and experimentation.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Sam Gellaitry, Travis Scott, FINNEAS, Ninajirachi, SZA, The Dare, Don Toliver, Julia Wolf, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Pink Panthress, etc.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mainly work on Mixing and Mastering, Vocal comping/tuning, and Production.