Manuel Abad on SoundBetter

Hi, I’m Manuel Abad — songwriter and music producer from Argentina. I specialize in indie, singer-songwriter, pop, and rock, helping artists bring emotional, honest songs to life. From the first idea to the final mix, I focus on capturing a sound that feels real and personal.

I’m a songwriter, music producer, and mixing engineer with over 8 years of experience working with artists across indie, pop, rock, and singer-songwriter genres. I’ve been part of more than 150 productions, helping shape songs from the initial idea to the final master.

My approach is deeply artistic and collaborative: I focus on understanding each artist’s identity and translating it into a unique sonic world. Whether it’s a stripped-down acoustic track or a full production, my goal is always the same — to create something honest, emotional, and timeless.

I work with Ableton Live and specialize in arrangement, vocal production, sound design, recording, editing, and professional mixing.

Artists I work with often look for a sound that feels authentic and expressive, inspired by the storytelling tradition of artists like Bob Dylan or León Gieco, but brought into a modern sonic landscape.

I’m currently looking to connect with new artists and expand my collaborations worldwide. I’m flexible with pricing depending on the project, so feel free to reach out and tell me about your music.

Let’s make something meaningful.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Credits

Languages

English
Spanish

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Interview with Manuel Abad

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Look for someone who understands your vision and enhances it without losing its essence. Communication and trust are key, since the process is collaborative and personal. Always listen to previous work, not just for quality, but for artistic identity.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A portable recorder, a condenser microphone, my guitar, headphones, and a notebook — everything I need to capture ideas and turn them into songs.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been working in music production for over 8 years, developing my career through hands-on experience across a wide range of projects. I started as a songwriter and guitarist, which naturally led me into production, arrangement, and eventually mixing. Over time, I’ve worked on more than 150 songs, collaborating with artists mainly in the singer-songwriter, indie, pop, and rock space. My path has been deeply rooted in the creative side of music — growing not only as a technician, but as an artist and collaborator. This allows me to understand each project from its core idea to its final form, supporting artists through every stage of the process.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is rooted in a singer-songwriter approach, focused on emotional depth, storytelling, and artistic identity. I tend to prioritize the essence of the song — its melody, lyrics, and natural rhythm — over overly complex production. I’m influenced by artists like Jorge Drexler and Lizzy McAlpine, and producers like Rick Rubin, where the goal is to enhance what’s already there rather than overshadow it. My productions usually blend organic elements with a modern touch, always aiming for something honest, intimate, and emotionally resonant.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to collaborate with Jorge Drexler, particularly because of his deep and meticulous approach to songwriting. His commitment to his work is something I find genuinely inspiring.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: One production approach I often use is shifting the context of a song. For example, if it was written on guitar, I’ll quickly reinterpret it on piano, or the other way around. This process helps reveal the song’s core essence — its natural melody and the underlying rhythm it inherently carries.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I primarily work within the singer-songwriter space, with styles reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine and Jorge Drexler. Although I’m comfortable across multiple genres, the artists I collaborate with most often belong to this category, where storytelling and emotional depth are central.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My core strengths lie in songwriting and arrangement, closely followed by my mixing skills, allowing me to shape both the artistic vision and the final sonic result of a track.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I believe my strongest contribution to any song is my perspective as both an artist and songwriter. I deeply understand the creative process and the different stages artists go through, which allows me to support each project with sensitivity, clarity, and direction.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I work closely with artists through songwriting, arrangement, and pre-production, helping shape a clear and cohesive vision for the track. We then move into the recording phase, ensuring every element reflects that direction. During mixing, we refine the song together, making adjustments where needed to fully realize its potential. The process concludes with a polished final mix and master, ready for release.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work from a fully equipped home studio capable of delivering professional-quality results. While I value high-quality gear, I believe the true focus should always be on the music itself.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m deeply inspired by the creative approach of Rick Rubin and the way Pharrell Williams communicates ideas. I also connect with Nico Cotton, especially in his balance between creative guidance and technical support. I strongly value the artistic and creative role of the producer — placing it above the purely technical side, without diminishing how essential the technical aspect is to achieving a great result.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I work across songwriting, arrangement, beat production, and orchestration, while also performing guitars, vocals, and piano. In addition, I handle mixing and mastering, offering a comprehensive, start-to-finish production process focused on artistic coherence and sonic quality.