Michael Varner

Executive Producer

Record label owner available to help emerging artists achieve their fullest potential.

I recently started my own record label, L2 Records, after discovering I had an ear for music. I've also been a DJ for a number of years. What I do for artists is listen to their music and work with them to help make their tracks more commercially viable. I have a knack for identifying what needs to be improved on a track to make it better than it was before, so in this way I act as a type of artist "coach", song consultant, or the proper term - Executive Producer. Note that if you hire me you will still need to have a regular producer as well - I don't operate DAWs but rather work with the producers that do. I only work with dance music that you would hear at clubs (pop, hip-hop, trap, EDM). I consult on all aspects of the track - lyrics, vocals, beat, etc.

I'm just starting out so I don't have a laundry list of high profile credits to my name just yet, but they're coming. Hit me up and let's discuss your project!

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Interview with Michael Varner

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

  2. A: This most recent EP. I think the tracks are great! I was the Executive Producer and oversaw 2 producers/beat makers. I gave song notes and ideas that the two producers executed.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: An EP with an artist I signed to my indie label.

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

  6. A: Not yet

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Whatever sells.

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

  10. A: That I will give you my honest feedback and work until the song is in its best shape for commercial release.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: I love pointing how a song could be better.

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

  14. A: That it's unnecessary. Like I said about Diddy and Biggie, Biggie had the talent but Diddy had the vision. Executive producers are "vision" people. It's easy to just write that off "Psh I don't need that I got that covered."

  15. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  16. A: Do you want to be commercially successful or do you want to make art? The two aren't mutually exclusive but sometimes you'll have a choice to make.

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

  18. A: You have to be open to blunt feedback. Truth be told I may not be totally necessary for you if you already have a producer that gives you candid feedback.

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

  20. A: Like I said I'm not the one with all the equipment thankfully. Probably take some lemons, sugar, and fresh water and start a lemonade business.

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

  22. A: I just started my label and coaching services. I've been DJing for over five years.

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: To the point. I just give the honest truth not sugar coated in any way. Since I own a record label I'm all about commercial viability, so with every track I ask myself "would I sign this person based on this song? Is this hit single material?"

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

  26. A: Drake. I mean c'mon it's Drake!

  27. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  28. A: Well, as an executive producer I would say book more time than you think you need when working with your beatmaker/producer or recording engineer (for vocals). You don't want to feel pressed for time. Also - you need money, make sure you have enough (real talk).

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

  30. A: Dance music in the 120 to 150 bpm range.

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: I have a knack for identifying what might be "wrong" with a song or why it isn't as commercially viable as it could be. I also have a knack for taking already good songs and making them even better.

  33. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  34. A: Creativity and vision.

  35. Q: What's your typical work process?

  36. A: I listen to the track in progress, give feedback, and then am present either in person or via Skype for studio sessions.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: I don't have a studio. If hired to meet in person I work in the studio that the producer has.

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

  40. A: Diddy. I just feel like in his time he had a vision for where to take Biggie and what the public wanted to hear that not even the artists themselves were aware of. Biggie had tons of talent but Diddy coached Biggie to success. Diddy was one of the early pioneers of rapping over R&B samples/beats. At that time it was considered whack but those tracks ended up being some of Biggie's most successful hits.

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

  42. A: I either help create a commercially viable track along with the artist and producer or I diagnose what is wrong with a track, give feedback, and then work with the artist and producer to make the track better.

SoundBetter Deal

$500 per track