Stevie J Mayer

Songwriter, session player

Stevie J Mayer on SoundBetter

Great blues piano player, guitarist & songwriter. Stevie J will give your song the grunt it needs. Authentic sounds and playing ability will add the professional touch to your track.

Stevie J Mayer toured for 20 years in a variety of bands and played solo in piano bars around the world for 7 years. Along the way he created a catalog of backing tracks for musicians and global distributors. He has honed his craft as a professional muso, multi-instrumentalist, singer & songwriter and is always open to collaboration.

Credits/ royalties by mutual agreement, in writing, before a project starts.

Greatest life lesson/advice: 5% of something is better than 100% of nothing!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Interview with Stevie J Mayer

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

  2. A: Some years ago I was asked by a Dad to brush up two of his Daughters songs into a more professional production. When he heard them he cried.

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

  4. A: My own songs at present.

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

  6. A: I'm new here. try me in a few months.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Both. There's nothing like the experience of a whirling Hammond B3 with mad rotors cranking around the back of your head. But there's nothing like the convenience of the digital version either. All good by me.

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

  10. A: You love what I do, or you don't pay.

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

  12. A: Music is food for the soul. To get paid to do it is a privilege I will never take for granted.

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

  14. A: Is that you playing/singing that? Usually... yes.

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

  16. A: Just because I'm a pro muso, doesn't mean I'm a juke box you can switch on and off at will. Do accountants go to parties and do your tax return for free? Playing music really well takes a lot of effort, both physical and emotional effort. Non-muso's rarely appreciate that.

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

  18. A: What's your timeframe? What style are you trying to capture? If you could choose anyone in the world to do this, who would you choose?

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

  20. A: Take your time. There's a lot of awesome talent here. Just be sure that what you listen to, is the actual person you are hiring.

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

  22. A: Acoustic guitar (with nylon strings so they don't rust!). Bongo drums, ukulele, blues harp and a kazoo!

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

  24. A: Started playing 30 years ago. Turned pro 5 years later. As soon as I started earning money from music, I was hooked for life. What could possibly be better?

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Bluesy, groove-based, soulful. Love what Eric Clapton has done over the years.

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

  28. A: Paul McCartney. He is the godfather of music... and he won't be with us much longer. If anyone can introduce me, I'll be eternally grateful!!

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

  30. A: Seek out a great producer! That's a legitimate craft all on it's own. Many muso's "think" they are good producers, but only 1% would make the cut IMHO.

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

  32. A: Ballads, rock, pop, blues and the odd jingle or soundtrack.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Most would say my piano playing. Seems to stop people in their tracks, above everything else.

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

  36. A: Ideas, chops, 20+ years of blood sweat and tears. All yours... ;)

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

  38. A: Listen, listen, listen. If I can add something, I know it straight away and will get to work. If I can't hear it immediately, I'll let you know. Best we sort these things out fast ;)

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: Very basic, but functional. All the goods to get the job done.

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

  42. A: Where to start? Too many. Anyone who knows their stuff and plays/ sings/ writes from the heart. If I had to pick just one artist it would have to be The Beatles.

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

  44. A: Music production. I've created over 1000 songs for performers and still collect royalties from them.

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ORIGINAL SONGS - MIX

I was the Songwriter and played all instruments, some Vocals and BGV's in this production

Terms Of Service

50% deposit in advance (cleared through SB) due to the amount of work I put in. Then 50% on completion and acceptance. Includes 2 x free revisions, then $100 per revision.

GenresSounds Like
  • Eric Clapton
  • Elton John
  • Crowded House
Gear Highlights
  • Yamaha Motif-Rack ES
  • Kawai Baby Grand
  • Roland RD300
  • Hammond XK-3
  • Fender Strat
  • Takamine Acoustic
  • Garageband
  • Pro Samples
More Photos
More Samples