Artist & Film/Media Producer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I'm very proud of having worked on a short film called "Maraton", where i composed the original soundtrack, recorded live musicians, mixed and mastered. The film went on to achieve official selections at international festivals, including Shorts México and ARFF Berlin (Around International Film Festival). It was later displayed on various cinemas and events. Seeing how the music resonated and moved the audience made me feel really proud accomplished.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working on producing, mixing and mastering an alternative rock band from Vancouver, Washington. Working fully remotely!

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

A: No, because I'm very new to the platform.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I like how analog sounds, but i find my workflow faster on digital.

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

A: My promise is to deliver true and authentic music that resonates with you and the audience, uplifting the original storytelling and concept of your project.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The making music and working with other creatives.

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

A: Whether Takeo is my real name! My answer is always 'No'—it’s actually a nickname my friends gave me back in middle school that stuck with me ever since.

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

A: That the more tracks or arrangements you have the better. Sometimes less is more, otherwise the song could begin to sound cluttered and not get your message across.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When do you need the music finished? What is the concept of your project? Is this the final video? Do yo have any references or playlist? Do you prefer real instruments or are you looking more for an electronic vibe?

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

A: Be very passionate but also be very serious about your project. This is the fun part, don't ignore the other elements and never give up.

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

A: My bass, midi piano/controller, SSL 18, Laptop and headphones.

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

A: I started playing Bass Guitar in bands since 2012 when i was 12 years old. Then i got into playing the piano which later on helped me experiment with MIDI and get into music production. I studied in a Berklee affiliate music college called Rec Música here in Mexico City where i learned music theory, orchestration, mixing, mastering, recording, songwriting and sound design. This changed my whole perception of myself and the music industry. It made me fall in love with music production, which at the time i didn't know much of. Before graduating i started working as an assistant audio engineer in a music studio called Antarrec where i got more into depth about recording and producing. I then moved onto producing singles, albums, trailers and soundtracks which i also mixed and mastered most of the time.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Versatile.

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

A: An artist that is open minded and passionate about their project.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Trust you ears. Sometimes we get caught up on plugins, music theory or gear when the most important thing is how a song makes you feel.

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

A: Film Music, Pop-Rock Music, Hip Hop and Indie.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My creativity. This tied to discipline and passion is what gives me the best results!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Originality and emotion. I don't see music just as the end result, the process and intention is what most mattters. I'ts what gives a song the feeling most projects lack.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once i get the concept or initial ideas, i like to have fun and play with different instruments and midi until i get the sound that i like. Once approved, i like to record live musicians if the budgets allows it. Once the stems are recorded, I get into editing, mixing and mastering.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My hybrid setup is anchored by an SSL 18 audio interface, giving me full versatility to track instruments like strings, vocals, brass, woodwinds, percussion, guitars, and bass. It features the Legacy 4K mode, which adds a rich analog enhancement when tracking instruments. I work with a dual-monitor setup that helps streamline my workflow when composing for video or arranging. For monitoring, I use ADAM Audio T5Vs, which are widely known for their balance and clarity, helping me achieve accurate and efficient mixes. I like to use Pro Tools, Ableton and Cubase depending on the project. In general I use Pro Tools for recording, mixing and mastering, Ableton for sound design and songwriting, and Cubase for scoring. For music notation, I use Sibelius to prepare clean, professional-grade scores and lead sheets for my recording sessions.

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

A: Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, Ennio Morricone, Victor Wooten, Flea, Tyler The Creator, Gorillaz, Kevin Parker.

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

A: I mostly do tracks from start to finish. I like to start talking with the client about the concept and style they are looking for to avoid wasting time. Then i start giving them proposals until they are satisfied with that direction. In other occasions the client gives me an initial idea and I uplift it to it's maximum potential.