Producer, Engineer, Songwriter

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is my EP Invisible Pain. I recorded and mixed the entire project myself while also being the artist and songwriter. I personally selected each beat based on the artist I was working with, making sure the production suited their voice, style and what I wanted each record to feel like. I handled the vocal recording, arrangement, processing, effects, ad-libs, harmonies and final mixes. I’m proud of the project because it showcases my ability to hear a record from both an artist’s and engineer’s perspective, from choosing the right production through to delivering the finished song.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently working on new music as DManOTM, alongside recording, mixing and developing upcoming material. I’m constantly experimenting with vocal production, harmonies, ad-libs and different approaches to mixing while continuing to develop my sound as both an artist and engineer.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital. I like the flexibility, speed and creative freedom it gives me when recording and mixing. I can experiment with vocal chains, effects, automation and different ideas without interrupting the creative flow.

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

A: I promise to treat your record with the same care and attention I give my own music. I’ll listen to your vision, communicate clearly and never make changes just for the sake of it. Every decision I make will be about making the song better while keeping your identity as an artist.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Hearing the difference between where a song starts and where it finishes. I love taking raw vocals and bringing the record to life through mixing, harmonies, ad-libs and creative vocal production. Seeing an artist hear the finished version of their song and genuinely love it is one of the best parts of the process.

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

A: “Can you make my vocals sound professional?” My answer is yes, but I also want them to still sound like you. My goal is to polish, control and enhance your vocals while keeping the character and emotion that makes your voice unique.

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

A: That mixing is just making vocals louder and adding effects. A good mix is about balance, emotion, space and making the right creative decisions for the song. Vocal production can also mean knowing when a harmony, ad-lib or backing vocal will improve the record — and when to leave it alone.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you trying to achieve? Do you have any reference tracks? What do you like and dislike about your current mix? Are you open to creative input on vocal arrangement, harmonies and ad-libs? I also make sure I understand exactly what the client expects from the final track before I begin.

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

A: Have a clear idea of what you want the song to feel like, but also be open to creative input. Reference tracks are always helpful. Most importantly, choose someone who understands your vision rather than someone who simply knows how to use the software.

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

A: A powerful computer with my DAW, Audio-Technica AT2020, M-Audio M-Track 2X2, a great pair of headphones and a MIDI keyboard. That would give me everything I need to keep recording, writing, producing and mixing.

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

A: started making music in 2018 and developed my skills through writing, recording and engineering my own music. I later started running my own studio, recording and engineering other artists and building a client base across London and Hatfield. Being both an artist and engineer has allowed me to develop my skills from both sides of the recording process.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic, vocal-focused and adaptable. I like clean, present lead vocals with carefully placed harmonies, ad-libs and effects that add emotion and character. I adapt my approach to the artist rather than trying to make every record sound the same.

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

A: Jessie J, because her vocal ability is unmatched. Her range, control and versatility would make her incredible to work with, especially from a vocal production perspective. I’d love the opportunity to experiment with harmonies, vocal arrangements and ad-libs around a voice as powerful and dynamic as hers.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don’t add something just because you can. Every effect, harmony, ad-lib or vocal layer should have a purpose. Sometimes taking something away gives the lead vocal more room and makes the record hit harder.

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

A: I mainly work on R&B, UK Rap, melodic Rap, Hip-Hop and Afrobeats, but I’m comfortable working across different genres. I particularly enjoy records where vocals, harmonies, ad-libs and emotion play a major part in the sound.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have a strong ear for vocal production and arrangement. When mixing, I can naturally identify where a track would benefit from ad-libs, backing vocals or harmonies, and I can hear which harmonies will complement the lead vocal without overcrowding the record.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring an artist’s perspective as well as an engineer’s ear. Because I write, record and mix my own music, I understand both sides of the process. I’m focused on emotion, vocal clarity and character, enhancing what makes an artist unique rather than making every record sound the same.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by speaking with the artist about the sound and direction they want, along with any reference tracks. Once I have the stems, I organise the session and build the mix around the vocals and the emotion of the record. I then work through editing, EQ, compression, effects, automation, ad-libs and overall balance before sending a first mix for feedback. I include revisions so we can get the record where the artist wants it.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work from my own recording setup using an Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser microphone, M-Audio M-Track 2X2 audio interface and Mackie CR4BT studio monitors. My setup is built for professional vocal recording, editing, vocal production and mixing, allowing me to take a project from raw vocals through to a polished final mix.

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

A: I’m inspired by artists and producers who combine strong songwriting with distinctive vocal production. Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and Beyoncé are major references for me, particularly for their approach to melody, emotion, vocal production and storytelling.

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

A: I mainly work with artists on vocal recording, vocal production and mixing. I take raw recordings and turn them into polished, release-ready vocals, working on EQ, compression, effects, levels, ad-libs and overall vocal balance while keeping the artist’s individual sound.