Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes on SoundBetter

Zach Hughes is a producer and mix engineer located in Nashville, TN. He has worked with artists such as Stephen Day, itsjustrand, Nathan Colberg, Mikey Jose, Miki Fiki, CHAPPY, Katie Ruvane, Kate Kelly, Coburn Larsen, Leah Marlene, Billy Stonechipher, Chloe Gilligan, Skout, and Jonah Baker.

Hi 👋 my name is Zach Hughes. I'm a music producer and mix engineer based out of Nashville, TN. I have been working in the music industry since 2014 and before then I was playing around in ProTools making demos, writing songs, and earning a degree in Audio Engineering Technology.

I own my own studio here in Nashville where I work with local artists as well as do remote collaborations with artists abroad. I offer full production and mixing services and artist development.

My process is open and collaborative; tailored to the specific needs of the artists I work with. My hope is to create a record making experience that is fun and includes exploration and play. I help artists unpack and decode the meaning and intent behind their music; to understand the ingredients necessary to prepare a soul-filled sound brimming with the unique character and expression of whomever I work with.

Reach out. Let's start a conversation.

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Credits

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes

by Anna W.
Verified
Zach did a really beautiful job mastering a track of mine. He was also willing to go the extra mile to help me out when I wanted to hear alternate versions. He is clearly very talented and also kind. Highly recommend.
by Justin K.
Verified
Zach is absolutely tremendous. His attention to detail was patently clear from start to finish and he saw my song through several stages of revision with patience and encouragement. Zach was able to hear things in this song (both technically and artistically) that I couldn't, and to bring this to completion in a wonderful way. Hope to have the chance to work with him again!
by Mikey J.
Verified
I couldn’t be happier with my first ever time using SoundBetter because I was able to land this incredible opportunity to collaborate with Zach. The entire process was not only pleasant and professional, but every bit of exciting and inspiring as a songwriter/musician would want a creative collaboration to be. If you’re looking for someone who understands the analog sound thoroughly and you want your track to shine, look no further. Will 100% be coming back for future business!
by Rand Walter
Where to start with Zach Hughes? We've been working together for 5 years now (!!) and he somehow wormed his way into my little heart, even managing to land a coveted groomsman spot in my wedding last year. Still not sure how he did that. Anywho. Zach is a meticulous and deeply thoughtful tracking and mix engineer. He's much more than a technician though; he's a great guitarist and a better friend, and he's always up for trying something new or different. He will shoot you straight if you let him, and I would highly recommend doing so. Everything he does is in service of the song.
by William Holk
Zach is an incredibly talented musician, producer, and engineer. He helped me turn my janky demos into quality, professional recordings that I’m extremely proud of. He will pour his heart and soul into fully fleshing out your songs. He is willing to write rad guitar parts, help you experiment with wacky background vocals, create fire mixes, and do so much more to help you realize your vision for your art. Working with him is truly a blast and a wonderful experience.

Interview with Zach Hughes @heyzachhughes

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Soulful. Every song has a soul. My style is to let that soul shine and not crush it with with too much compression, lack of dynamic range, high frequency additive shelfs, etc...
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to my work. Listen to the other providers work. Have a goal. Have a vision. Determine who you work with based off how well they can help you achieve your goals. If you don't have a goal and you don't have a vision, then you may not be ready to hire a provider.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Gear is not the answer.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I picked up guitar at 10 years old. I started writing songs at 15. I earned my degree in Audio Engineering Technology at 22. I worked shitty jobs and hustled to get freelance audio gigs for two years. I started doing full-time music in 2017. Now I'm here to help you.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Glen Hansard. He has my heart.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Yes I can. Background vocals can turn a good production into a great production. I would encourage you to experiment with harmonies, layers, doubles, etc... I love making pads from vocal layers because it's a sound no one else in the world can replicate.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I primarily work with local artists & bands in Nashville. They play real instruments. Indie folk, pop, rock, alternative, singer-songwriter, etc...
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I'm good at starting and finishing projects. I work deeply and can enter into hyper extreme super duper focus mode.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I built a 600 sq ft detached studio building in my backyard. There's a very cool story spotlight chronicling the process on my Instagram @lostharbormusic.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I help independent artists produce music.