Jack of All Trades of Music

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I'm doing a long term production with my label Colored Radio as well as Live Long Media. For these two companies I am the lead engineer for anything they do audio wise (music, video sound, podcasts, etc.) With Colored Radio, we have a weekly podcast that airs every Saturday on the Shane Show app for Android and iPhone so head there and check my work!

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

A: Chris Summers a.k.a DJ iShine.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog. I love the warmth that comes through an analog sound that's missed in digital.

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

A: You're going to get the best quality song there is.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The expression on an artists' face when I can bring what was in their head and put it into their ears just like they pictured, if not better. It's such a good feeling to see the light shine across their face.

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

A: Lately, that question has been 'Can you use auto-tune?' and of course the answer is yes.

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

A: That I'm not real because I'm not in a super fancy studio. The music I make in my space transfers well to everything that it is played on. I do good work, minus all the super fancy stuff.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's my timeframe for the project? What of my services would you like? Is this all original music? Are you ready to sound like a million bucks?

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

A: I'm not as seasoned as the other guys, but I know what I'm doing like the other guys, and I can get it right the first time.

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

A: my mac, my blue spark, my akai, my mackie, and my headphones.

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

A: After college, I wanted to own my own studio, produce artists and myself and get some hits. I have been at this music thing for about 8 years now.

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

A: I recorded an little EP for a friend in my college days. We recorded three songs and it was for a school project. I was producer, engineer, mixer and songwriter. I am in love with this project because not only did the artist love it, it was rated top of the class and I didn't even record it at the studio!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Subtle and shocking.

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

A: I would love to work with Pharrell. Ever since the Neptune days of his career, I've always loved his sound, his voice, his lyrics and drive. I idolize the fact that he isn't limited to one genre and can do everything, even score movies!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to get weird, you'll find something that works for you.

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

A: I usually work on Hip-Hop, R&B, and EDM. I love working with all kinds of music, but those three are my specialty.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is in my mixing. That's where I'm most creative and really work my magic.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Experimental originality. I love tinkering with different sounds and effects and hiding things in the mix to make the song stand out over everyone else. I like to make my songs elaborate to the fact that you hear something new each time you listen so that it never gets old. Timeless-ness.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I work with an artists, I like to talk with them and get a feel for what they want. Usually I can catch a vibe and we start working on songs that day. I like to record everything possible, let the artist go home with a rough mix and come back to tweak here and there. After recording, I begin mixing and doing a bit of producing as well. I bring the artist in to see if they like what they hear and then it's off to mastering and a finished product and happy artist!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am currently working out of my attic which I have insulated and cut sections for a vocal booth and control room. I use a ProjectMix I/O board, which has worked wonders. Two types of monitors for the best mixing possible. A few keyboards to make beats and compose with. It's a nice little set up that works out great.

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

A: Pharrell, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Diplo. There's plenty more but that's just to name a few.

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

A: I record, mix and master songs for the artist that I work with. I also produce and song write, and help them bring the sound they want from their mind and make it a reality.