I have over 30 years experience in both live, and in studio singing/production, primarily with the 10 time Grammy Award winning vocal group, Take 6. Vocals....it's what I do!
If you need high, low, in between, smooth, straight, vibrato, mix.....lead, harmonies, or backgrounds. I can do all of these for you.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Credits
Interview with Claude McKnight
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: My favorite project(s) have been Quincy Jones' "Back on the Block" and "Q's Jook Joint" I was a singer on both of those.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm presently working on the new Take 6 recording.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I think there are advantages to both. Digital of course for ease of recording and editing, also sound quality over many years has gotten to a place where you can't beat the pristine nature of it. Analog however has a quality of sound that really cant be matched, for what it is ( being sound waves) It boils down to what you like, and..what your gear will allow.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise to deliver a professional, well thought out, and authentic project back to them. Simply, and most importantly, giving them back...what they ask for!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That it never feels like a job!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Honestly I think one of the biggest misconceptions I've found is people thinking that anyone can do what I/we do.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask how "married" are they to specific ideas they may already have ( to see IF there's room to experiment)
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice would be to find out how versatile the provider is because versatility can help bring a project to life in ways that could possibly go beyond what you might even be looking for!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career started with a showcase in Nashville TN back in April of 1987. My group Take 6 got a recording contract from WB Records that day and literally started recording 20 days later. We have been blessed to still be thriving in this industry 30 years later!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a combination of James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Tim Miner, Marvin Gaye, and maybe a bit of El Debarge and Al Jarreau thrown in.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Tony Bennett because he is the consummate professional and I'd love to observe his process to see what, f anything I could learn from him.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: One tip I would share is to make sure you always allow yourself, and/or others to be as comfortable as possible while recording. To me there's almost nothing worse than an artist who isn't able to give their all because of any kind of discomfort in the process.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I love working on R&B, as well as contemporary jazz songs
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill I believe is confidence in my ability to be a song stylist, someone who can delve into what a song is truly about, and bring that to fruition for the listener.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I believe I always bring an authenticity to the song, without that, you have nothing!! I also have a great ear, and can harmonize very well with myself and others.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Typically I sit with a song, or song idea and make sure I have a good emotional/musical connection to what the song needs, from there I will record a "pilot" lead vocal to get an idea of where the song should go...then IF needed I will sing the background vocals. Once the backgrounds are done I then go back and sing the actual master lead vocal.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I run Logic as well as Pro tools
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My biggest musical influence has been Quincy Jones, who I've been able to work with on quite a few occasions. Michael McDonald and Earth Wind and Fire have been my musical heroes!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I've actually done a bit of everything during my 30+years of being in the music business. I primarily have done live shows internationally, as well as recorded on hundreds of songs/albums over the years.
- Singer - MaleAverage price - $300 per song
- Top line writer (vocal melody)Average price - $300 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $125 per song
I typically allow for 3 revisions per song. Turn around time within 5 days. Depending on how involved the track/song might be, we can discuss additional changes to these terms.
