I've always had a passion for the process of bringing concepts and ideas into fruition and I've also found that of the many ways of doing so, Audio is my favorite! From the East coast to the West coast, my goal is to help paint pictures with sound!
I was born in Baltimore, MD, where I grew up skateboarding, playing paintball, and falling in love with the Guitar. My love for the Guitar eventually grew into an overall love for music which subsequently lead me onto my career in Audio, that one day reached a point where I wanted to seriously pursue a musical education. I ended up enlisting to the United States Marine Corps as an Artilleryman where I was stationed to Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, Ca. Upon honorably discharging, I moved to my dream city of Los Angeles, CA to continue on my journey in Audio. Now, a Musicians Institute alumnus and Californian resident, I spend my time falling back in love with skateboarding and doing more than ever with Audio every day!
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Interview with Damon Pollard (DMD Royale)
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I'm honestly proud of all of my work at this point. But if I must choose, I'd say I'm most proud of my first EP that I completed upon my schooling. I produced everything from the art to the music and distribution, and more importantly, created my first milestone after completing my military service.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I recently put out all of my recent creations (an album for each favorite style) and I am always writing more for my solo guitar Project (Damonomad) in my spare time. Aside from music, I skateboard just about every other day and am back school pursuing a degree with Digital Media Arts.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Adam Kagan
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog, simply because its part of our roots and because its in true form. HOWEVER, digital is super convenient on nice setups.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I am adamant about making sure a project meets professional standards before delivery.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: My favorite part of my job is getting to do what I love for people that love the same passion just the same!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How long will it take? - I generally have a delivery ready 2 days within accepting the project. How much will it cost? - Depend on how much, and of what, you would like done (NOTE: see listed price averages)
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: A lot of people starting out don't typically realize how much detail and time goes into making a production enjoyable for listeners and viewers.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: 1. What is the intent behind the created work? 2. What would you like to be brought out (or removed) from the mix? 3. Your 3-5 favorite sounding Artists/songs.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: The best thing I can say or really request is that my client have a solid idea of what they want to be done, as well as the time frame expected, and have all applicable files packaged and ready for me to work on the project.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1. The biggest book of as many blank pages as possible. 2. A harmonica (so i can finally learn to play it) 3. A memory foam Pillow 4. Carbon Fiber plate/cup set 5. Flint
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I initially got into music by playing the cello in Elementary school which led to me playing Guitar in bands growing up. Once I realized I wanted to get professional with my craft, I decided to enlist into the United States Marine Corps to facilitate my later education in Audio Engineering. Ever since, I have since lived in Japan and now reside in Los Angeles continuing to create.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I can either go real smooth, or it can get heavy and gritty if the project calls for it. In essence, I guess you could say that my style is laid back but with firm roots.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: A$AP Rocky because he knows exactly what he's doing with his passion.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Listen to every and anything!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Hip-Hop and Metal are the balance to my life!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My goal is to bring out the most of Spirit, Talent, and Energy of whatever it is that I'm working on.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Production of any assortment of sounds is always fun for me, but in time, I definitely have become more fascinated with organizing and over all cleaning up work done by other talented Artists that may not know exactly how to bring out the sound they are seeking to achieve!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to discuss the initial idea and intention of each project with the client to ensure I have a better feel and understanding of how to approach them. Once the general idea is discussed, I will work through the day and do final checks to each project the final morning with fresh, and rested ears. From there, I will send you a copy to review and discuss any final changes. Upon the review, the project will either be completed at that time, OR potentially given ONE more day of work and to be delivered as a Final Draft the following day. (Please Note - the applicability of this process may change depending on the service requested.)
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work between my home studio and very studios amongst Los Angeles, CA.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: In terms of producing beats, I'm very influenced by names like A$AP Mob, Bone Thugs, all the way to Alina Baraz. When it comes to general mixing and especially working with metal, I'm heavily inspired by all productions done by "Sumerian Records" and heavier bands such as The Black Dahlia Murder.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I enjoy working most with Mixing, producing a track, and Sound Design.
I was the Producer and Engineer in this production
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $100 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $100 per song
- EditingAverage price - $100 per track
- Sound DesignAverage price - $50 per minute
- Post EditingAverage price - $100 per track
- ProducerContact for pricing
- Beat MakerAverage price - $200 per song
Services will be completed on delivery. As such, any additional services onto said product will subsequently need to be consulted for further pricing.
- Foo Fighters
- Periphery
- 808 Mafia
