Simon Reid is a songwriter, producer, mixing/mastering engineer and session musician based in Nashville, TN. He has over 18 years experience, and can help take your music to the next level.
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Simon regularly collaborates with writers and artists across the world, both as a writer and producer. His portfolio of projects spans numerous genres including, Pop, Rock, Country, Urban, EDM, Classical, Jazz & Folk. As a session musician, Simon has performed live with The Wanted (BBC1), We See Lights (Canada), The Rise (Italy) and Jamie Kimmett (Italy)
In addition to having a BA Honors degree in Popular Music from Edinburgh Napier University, Simon has produced a track for ABC Family’s ’10 Things I Hate About You’ (Season 1, Episode 8); co-written a song for The British Red Cross Appeal Week; met and performed for Barbara Orbison and the Orbison family during the launch of ‘Roy Orbison - Under The Covers’ in London; won 1st place in The Pacific Songwriting Competition (Pop/Ballad category); was awarded a place in the BBC Radio 2 Songwriters’ Academy; and performed live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium.
Simon recently produced three remixes of multi-platinum and award-winning country artist Sara Evans’ single 'Marquee Sign', and also ‘If I Can’t Have You’, from her covers album Copy That.
He is a member of NSAI, CMA, SESAC and The Recording Academy (Grammys), a Premium Pro on SoundBetter.com and a Pro Mentor for SongTown.com.
Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.
Credits
- Sara Evans
- Sister C
- Ryan Follese
- Tara Thompson
- Joe Diffie
- Electra Mustaine
- Emily Ann Roberts
- Barbara Orbison Productions
- johnny reid
- Tam White
- British Red Cross
- Angela Cheslock
- Jake Arch
- Ernest Jedd
- Scottish Power
- Scottish Provident
- The Rise
- Chopy Fatah
- We See Lights
- Playtone
- Jamie Kimmett
- Hayley Orrantia
- Abby Anderson
- kalie shorr
252 Reviews - 54 Repeat Clients
Endorse Simon Reid
check_circleVerifiedSimon was able to take my simple demo recording and transform that into a powerful song, bringing in his own unique ideas in the process to make the song much better. Very fast to respond and unmatched quality of production, really amazing work.
check_circleVerifiedPlayed what I wanted excellently with the references I gave him and did it in a timely manner. Would recommend to anyone.
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What can I say, that hasn't already been said. At my opinion, the best there is. I always have a lot of demands. He's taking it so kindly, until the song is perfect. ☺️
check_circleVerifiedI had an incredible experience working with Simon. He truly went above and beyond to ensure that my project came to life just as I had envisioned. His communication was clear, friendly, and timely, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
The quality of his work is outstanding. He has an exceptional ear for detail, and the final mix was rich, polished, and exactly what I was hoping for.
I highly recommend Simon to anyone seeking top-notch work and a seamless experience.
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Gave him a weird mix of ideas. Somehow he made sense of my crazy and made an amazing song!
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Professional, thorough, patient (through a very difficult phase in my life). I give my best recommendations to Simon
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Simply put - Simon is fantastic. A pleasure working with him.
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Simon is a professional musician who always gives you a good result
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This is my third time working with Simon and there's a reason I keep going back. He is not only a JOY to work with, but he is crazy talented. He is so humble about his craft but I'm telling you, he's the real deal. HIGHLY recommend meeting with Simon live in his studio to record your vocals, if you are able to travel. The creativity that comes out of being with him live is so worth it.
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I don't feel I got my money's worth. He was not patient enough and threaten to terminate the job without completion asking to mark the job as completed over Christmas. No mixing and no mastering were done eventhough the agreement includded it. I will not use him again.
check_circleVerifiedI've worked with Simon for a few years now, and every time he delivers an excellent production. He'll take the the bare-bones vocal and acoustic guitar tracks I send and craft a full, professional production from them a few days later. They've gotten tons of compliments from my audience. He's super easy to communicate with and he always delivers. Highly recommended. Simon is Awesome!
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Simon you’re the man. Once again you’ve done an awesome job producing my song. Will definitely work with you again and highly recommend you. Thank you.
Eugene - check_circleVerified
Ever since I started using Simon It's been an awesome experience . Not only is the track great the communication is been great as well . By far the best producer I have worked with . Thanks again Simon.
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Simon did it again and I could not be happier! I highly recommend Simon for all of your music production needs. Thanks again my friend!
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Simon is awesome and easy to work with! He gets my highest recommendation for all of your production needs! Thank you, it was a great pleasure🙏🏻
check_circleVerifiedOf all the producers I've been working with the past 20 years, Simon is the one I've felt most understood by, most able to bring the best out of my songs, and most thorough when it comes to producing and communicating afterwards what he has done. As producer myself, this is INSPIRING and gets my highest recommendations (and no - he didn't give me a discount for writing this review - ha!)
Music is truly LIFE birthed into this world through sound. Simon is your midwife. Thank you brother!
check_circleVerifiedSimon's an AMAZING musician and knows exactly how to make your musical visions come to life. He's taken many of my rough demos and turned them into the most beautiful songs. His work is exceptional, precise, and professional.
If Simon ever misses the mark & gives you a track that you're not happy with, just let him know what you need fixed — he will put in the work to make sure that he gets it right. He could be more timely, though, but clear communication helps with that!
He's also VERY nice! Super sweet! Thanks for working with me, Simon 🩷
check_circleVerified (Client)Simon was a breeze to work with! Very professional, prepared and GREAT tracks! Hope for many more in the future!
check_circleVerifiedSimon's the best. He's thoughtful, creative -- and did I mention he's an amazing musician!? I'm always happily surprised with the productions when I give the songs a first listen. A++. Thanks Simon!
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Simon’s quality of work is excellent. Overall, I had a good experience working with him. A little bit better communication and it would be a five star review.
Interview with Simon Reid
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently co-wrote the song “Angry Butterfly” with Kalie Shorr and Fred Wilhelm, which is the final track on Kalie’s critically acclaimed debut album “Open Book”. The New York Times named the album #7 on their ‘Best Albums Of 2019’ list, and it's also had positive reviews from Rolling Stone, Billboard and other major Country publications.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, a lot of my friends are also Pro SoundBetter members! Check out my buddy Brandon Chase, his vocals and songwriting skills are world class!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will always listen to your needs and provide you with excellent service. You will end up with a truly original and bespoke piece of music you can be truly proud of. I will work quickly, but always handle your song with care. I promise to keep you in the loop throughout the process, and I guarantee that when the project is complete you are 100% satisfied!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: All of it! Being lucky enough to do what you love most is an amazing gift, plus I get to meet new people and make lasting friendships through music!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: What’s my turnaround time? (A: 7-10 days) Q: What kind of equipment do I use? (A: Please see question 3 above). Q: What styles can you work in? A: Any! Q: Do you offer a discount if I do 3 or more tracks? A: Yes!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Many clients think I produce the track but hire other musicians to play the parts, however I do the entire track myself, every single part of it. This helps keep the cost down for clients as I don’t have to hire several musicians, and because I have my own studio there are no overheads for studio rental. It also allows me to work quickly, and put my heart and soul into every production I create!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I grew up in Scotland, and started making music when I was 14 years old in my bedroom. I studied music all through High School, then at 17 I went to Edinburgh Napier University to study for a Batchelor of Arts degree in Popular Music. I graduated in 2006 with honours, then in 2007 I signed my first publishing deal in London and began writing and producing projects with UK writers, bands and artists. I have been living and working as a professional songwriter and producer in Nashville since 2012, and signed my first publishing deal on Music Row in 2014.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I love working in lots of different genres, so I have a very eclectic style. One day I’ll be working on a Rock or Country track for a client, then the next I’ll be programming an EDM or Hip Hop track! I love writing melodies and counterpoint, and you can usually hear a lot of them in my tracks. I’m all about the ear candy and emotion.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Give 100% to every project, regardless of fee or time constraints. If your name is attached to it then it should always, always be your best work.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Most recently Pop, Country, Rock and EDM, but I can work in any style of music a client wants.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Mac Pro 2.7GHz 12-Core, 64GB RAM, Logic Pro X, Propellerhead Reason, Focusrite Safire Pro 40, AKG C414 XLS, Apogee MiC, Taylor 414ce, Fender USA VG Strat, Musicman Bass, plugins and instruments by Soundtoys, Spectrasonics, Waves, iZotope, Slate Digital, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia & Toontrack.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes! My friend Brandon Chase is an incredible male vocalist, songwriter and musician. He's also an all-round good guy!
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently produced an EP for Country trio Sister C. I arranged all the songs, played the instruments and produced, mixed and mastered the entire project in my home studio. I also co-wrote one of the songs with Sister C (“If I Were You”). The EP received positive reviews from Rolling Stone Country, Nash Country etc.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I just finished a Christmas album for Silverado Records (Nashville). The album features Country artist Joe Diffie, and I handled the arranging, instruments, engineering, production, mixing and mastering.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital for ease of workflow and high bandwidth …but with analog emulations from Universal Audio, Waves and Slate Digital!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will listen to your needs and provide you with excellent service and a bespoke piece of music you can be truly proud of. I will work quickly, but always handle your song with care. I promise to keep you in the loop throughout the process, and I guarantee that when the project is complete you are 100% satisfied!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Everything! Being lucky enough to do what you love most is an amazing gift.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: What’s my turnaround time? (A: 1-2 days) Q: What kind of equipment do I use? (A: Please see question 3 above). Q: What styles can you work in? A: Any! Q: Do you offer a discount if I do 3 or more tracks? A: Yes!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Many clients think I produce the track but hire other musicians to play the parts, however I do the entire track myself, every single part of it. This helps keep the cost down for clients as I don’t have to hire several musicians, and because I have my own studio there are no overheads for studio rental. It also allows me to work quickly.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Have you worked with a producer before? What do you want your track to sound like (ideally provide me with a few examples of artists or songs that you want me to use for reference when producing your track).
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Take your time! Don’t rush into anything, it’s definitely better to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve before you part with your hard-earned money. Listen through all the examples of my work on here and feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - questions are good! Then make important decisions for your project, and how you want it to sound (e.g fully produced, acoustic, simple piano).
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Taylor acoustic, MacBook Pro, Apogee MiC, USB MIDI keyboard and headphones.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I grew up in Scotland, and started making music when I was 14 years old in my bedroom. I studied music all through High School, then at 17 I went to Edinburgh Napier University to study for a Batchelor of Arts degree in Popular Music. I graduated in 2006 with honours, then in 2007 I signed my first publishing deal in London and began writing and producing projects with UK writers, bands and artists. I have been living and working as a songwriter and producer in Nashville since 2012, and signed my first publishing deal on Music Row in 2014.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: John Mayer. Because he's John Mayer!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I love working in lots of different genres, so I have a very eclectic style. One day I’ll be working on a Rock or Country track for a client, then the next I’ll be programming an EDM or Hip Hop track. I love writing melodies and counterpoint, and you can usually hear a lot of them in my tracks. I’m all about the ear candy!
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to have worked with the amazing Michael Jackson (one of my all-time musical heroes!), but instead I’ll say Bruno Mars for his personality and sheer talent.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Give 100% to every project, regardless of fee or time constraints. If your name is attached to it then it should always be your best work.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Most recently Pop, Country, Rock and EDM. I can work in any style of music a client wants.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would say my ability to incorporate emotion and feeling in my work. I’ve always loved working with people, and have learned a lot throughout my career. Being able to communicate an idea effectively, and make each piece of music I create unique and special is something I’m very proud of.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: 17 years experience of songwriting and music production, 10 of which at a professional level. I take great care to let the song speak for itself, and use my creativity, imagination and unique perspective to bring it to life!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: You supply me with a rough recording of the song (e.g. iPhone guitar/vocal worktape), which I use to I create a chord chart and an instrumental music track and send it to you for approval (typically within 1-2 days). Once you're happy with how it sounds, we schedule the vocal recording session (either with you, the artist, or help you find the right demo vocalist for the song). Once the vocals have been recorded, I mix and master the track and deliver it to you electronically for approval.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: iMac, Logic, Reason, Focusrite Safire Pro 40, AKG C414 XLS, Apogee MiC, Taylor 414ce, Fender USA VG Strat, Musicman Bass, plugins and instruments by Spectrasonics, Waves, iZotope, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia & Toontrack.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I just finished a Christmas album for Silverado Records (Nashville). The album features Country artist Joe Diffie, and I handled the arranging, instruments, engineering, production, mixing and mastering.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital for ease of workflow and high bandwidth …but with analog emulations from Universal Audio, Waves and Slate Digital!
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Dan Huff, Mark Bright, Chris Lorde Alge, John Mayer, Max Martin.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Fully produced demos and commercial releases for songwriters and artists.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Have you worked with a producer before? What do you want your track to sound like (ideally provide me with a few examples of artists or songs that you want me to use for reference when producing your track).
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Take your time! Don’t rush into anything, it’s definitely better to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve before you part with your hard-earned money. Listen through all the examples of my work on here and feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - questions are good! Then make important decisions for your project, and how you want it to sound (e.g fully produced, acoustic, simple piano).
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Taylor acoustic, MacBook Pro, Apogee MiC, USB MIDI keyboard and headphones.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would say my ability to incorporate emotion and feeling in my work. I’ve always loved working with people, and have learned a lot throughout my career. Being able to communicate an idea effectively, and make each piece of music I create unique and special is something I’m very proud of.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: 17 years experience of songwriting and music production, 10 of which at a professional level. I take great care to let the song speak for itself, and use my creativity, imagination and unique perspective to bring it to life!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: You supply me with a rough recording of the song (e.g. iPhone guitar/vocal worktape), which I use to I create a chord chart and an instrumental music track and send it to you for approval (typically within 1-2 days). Once you're happy with how it sounds, we schedule the vocal recording session (either with you, the artist, or help you find the right demo vocalist for the song). Once the vocals have been recorded, I mix and master the track and deliver it to you electronically for approval.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Dan Huff, Mark Bright, Chris Lorde Alge, John Mayer, Max Martin.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Fully produced demos and commercial releases for songwriters and artists.
I was the multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, mix engineer, mastering engineer in this production
- Country [Showreel]
- Pop/Funk/Electronic [Showreel]
- Sara Evans - Marquee Sign [Simon Reid Yellow Remix]
- Sister C - Before & After
- Full instrumental productionAverage price - $500 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $500 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $250 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $150 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $150 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $150 per song
- Beat MakerAverage price - $250 per song
Demo turnaround time is typically 3-4 days. If a session vocalist is requested, an additional fee of $100-200 will be required (depending on the singer chosen and their fee).
- Carrie Underwood
- John Mayer
- Thomas Rhett
- Logic
- Reason
- AKG C-414XLS
- Stylus RMX
- iZotope Ozone
- Waves Plug-ins
- Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
- Simon co-wrote Kalie Shorr’s single ‘My Voice’ (with Kalie Shorr & Fred Willhelm)Dec 05, 2022
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwlrJRfh_M
Stream: Spotify | Amazon | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Read the article on Taste Of Country here: https://tasteofcountry.com/kalie-shorr-my-voice-video
- 'A Silverado Family Christmas' (Feat. Joe Diffie) Released!Dec 15, 2016
'A Silverado Family Christmas' Released!
Silverado Records (Nashville), released 'A Silverado Family Christmas', on Friday November 25th 2016. Simon Reid arranged, produced, engineered, mixed and mastered the project, as well as playing all the instruments. The seasonal album features artists Joe Diffie, Melissa Mickelson, Zack Dyer, Crystal Yates, Mandy McMillan, Tony Winkler and Gabe Burdulis.
