Pio Hartnett

Vocal Specialist + Songwriter

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14 Reviews (8 Verified)
Pio Hartnett on SoundBetter

Dynamic, classically-driven pop songwriting and choir-style vocal arrangement. Credits include R&B and hip-hop work with artists including Tomike, Tobi- A, Omo Aston and Nahayo, as well as vocal performances under pseudonym for EDM and dance artists from Japan to South America.

Have a track which feels lifeless, or too plain? I have extensive knowledge in the fundamentals of songwriting, both melody and chords, and years of experience singing almost every style under the sun. I can help you give your track that special something.

Need heartfelt and polished production on your song? I can help with that too.

I've studied and graduated from BIMM Dublin, with a CPD Diploma in Commercial Modern Music, and have been fortunate to have learned from some of the best in the Irish music industry and beyond, including acts like Girl Band, IDLES, Hannah Vasanth (keyboardist for Rihanna), Josie Man, and more.

I use a Neumann TLM 102, and Shure SM57, as well as a wealth of synthesizers and drum machines, including the Korg MS2000, Moog Grandmother, and the Maschine Mikro MK3, not to mention various collections from Spitfire Audio's lovely Cinematic series.

I love music which feels like a movie - if you do too, I'd love to work with you.

Services I offer:

Topline/Songwriting
Vocals and Background Vocals
Choir Vocals/Harmonic Stacking
Vocal Production and Editing
Songwriting Assistance (help you finish your songs)

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Languages

  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Irish

14 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

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  1. Review by not d.
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    by not d.
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    Pio did a great job on writing and recording vocals for a track. He was very easy to work with and made any edits that we felt were necessary. Overall I was very happy with the work and would definitely work with him again!

  2. Review by Balir
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    by Balir
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    I would recommend Pio 100% to anyone seeking a remarkable singer and a wonderful collaborator. His talent and enthusiasm make him an asset to any project, and I can't wait to see where his musical journey takes him next. Three words to describe working with Pio: Worth. Every. Moment.

  3. Review by Sope A.
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    Working with Pio is always a pleasure - always! He is ever ready to do whatever is needed to get the best outcome. Once again, I’m extremely pleased and grateful for his skill, patience and hardwork on this!

  4. Review by 森 優.
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    Great artist!
    It's the second time to work with him. Again, he gave me kind communications, unique and beautiful vocal.
    He knows how to my song greater and made it happen.
    Thank you, Pio! I hope to work with you in the future soon!

  5. Review by Alex R.
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    Pio is a very humble guy as well as a truly excellent artist. He hit the spot right away what I was looking for for my project. A pleasure to have worked with him.

  6. Review by Jason L.
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    Truly the best singer you could ask for! Extremely creative and treat your project like his own. Fast delivery and takes care of everything. Would love to work with him again. Highly recommended. 10/10!

  7. Review by Luke L.
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    It's been a joy to work with Pio on this project. He puts a lot of thought, time, and effort into his writing, and comes up with great ideas. And he's a very talented vocalist to go along with it

  8. Review by Sope A.
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    It has been lovely working with Pio on this project! He listened very well for what I wanted and was patient in making whatever improvements were necessary! We worked together remotely but it didn’t feel so as his communication was great! I can’t also get over his creativity as he took the song from scratch and made it into something I wasn’t expecting and I’m so so happy with! Hope to work together soon and would recommend Pio to anyone!

  9. Review by 森 優.
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    Excellent vocalist with beautiful voice and smooth and kind communications.
    He know what I want exactly and his work was more than perfect! Ireally appreciate him.
    I will definitely ask vocal of next project in the future!

  10. Review by Tobi A
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    by Tobi A

    Pio is a fantastic producer/songwriter. I worked with him on his single Dunes and it was a fantastic experience. He’s a very nice guy and also extremely talented. He produced my new single too and I was extremely happy with the results. He’s a very gifted multi instrumentalist and he always works hard to achieve the best result possible.

  11. Review by Andrew
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    by Andrew

    Pio is a well rounded artist with an excellent ear. He’s also great for song development and he’s really getting his hands dirty with production.

  12. Review by Brendan
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    by Brendan

    Great guy and fantastic artist! I went to him with a song idea, he helped me turn it into my first Spotify single. Absolutely loved my session with Pio and highly recommend.

  13. Review by Tomike
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    by Tomike

    I have had an amazing experience working with Pio, he was a dream to work with! He produced a beautiful track for me. I will definitely work with him again

  14. Review by Alex Nahayo
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    by Alex Nahayo

    Pio has a great ear for music, he is very easier to work with. I have personally collaborated with him on a number of tracks over the years. Mostly on production and songwriting. His attention to detail is admirable and I honestly would recommend him to anyone who is looking to take an idea/concept and bringing it to life.

Interview with Pio Hartnett

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

  2. A: I am currently working with a small number of Ireland/UK-based R&B and pop artists, developing material for upcoming EPs in partnership with them, through assisting with songwriting and production. An upcoming personal EP is also occupying a fair bit of my time at the moment, but I'm not complaining - I still pinch myself that I get to do this kind of stuff!

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

  4. A: Zak Higgins. One of the humblest and most talented producers and engineers working out of Ireland right now.

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

  6. A: My absolute best. Punctuality, and clarity of communication.

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

  8. A: Finding the way to make someone's sound and song they have within them get out there. Sometimes you just need a little nudge; I find it humbling and really enjoyable to be that nudge sometimes.

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

  10. A: Know what you are looking for and hoping for, but also try to be open to your idea becoming more than you started off with. Collaboration is beautiful and will bring your work to the next level, but it only works when you're able to be ok with being brave enough to trust someone to have good ideas too.

  11. Q: How would you describe your style?

  12. A: Pop sensibilities with a leaning towards the off-beat and cinematic.

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

  14. A: Keep it simple. Not every track needs 100 Jacob Collier-style layers to it - simplicity is the friend of great music, most often.

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

  16. A: R&B, pop, hip-hop, ambient, indie.

  17. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  18. A: I understand harmony. What notes work well together, how to make interesting chords. I've had the opportunity to learn from some of the best when it comes to understanding harmony, and it makes me really good at making sounds feel great.

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

  20. A: A solid understanding of the dynamic of lyrics, with a particular heart for songwriters interested in flirting with 'academic', literary lyricism. Dependable, bright hooks. Cinematically-inclined production. A soulful, hearty tenor voice, aware of pop, but with a bit of grit too.

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

  22. A: Meet with the artist/client. Get a sense of their heart, desire with the track, notes and pointers. Listen to relevant reference tracks. Build a track/write lyrics acc. to request. Build a first draft, send to client asking for feedback and requested edits. Go back to track, implement edits. Send back again.

  23. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  24. A: My studio set-up is simple and effective. I have both a Rode NT1 condenser microphone, and a Shure SM57 dynamic microphone - both sufficient for quality recording of vocals, guitars, and whatever else I end up needing or feeling like. I use a Scarlett Focusrite 8i6, and as for keyboards, a Roland FP-10 and a Korg MS2000 synthesizer. Finally, for beats and alternative sounds, I love some of Native Instruments sounds and programs, and have their Maschine Mikro MK3, which is very useful.

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

  26. A: Matthew Rad, 9th Wonder, Aphex Twin.

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

  28. A: Songwriting - working through lyrics and melodies with an artist, and helping them tell the story they want to tell, in way which is compelling and feels authentic to them. Production - creating tracks from scratch, especially working from a reference (one or more songs that a client is looking to draw inspiration from), and then building a track out of that. Vocals + Choral Work - I understand harmonies well; over 9 years of experience travelling and performing with high-calibre choirs has been really helpful. I take requests for lead performances in a certain style (with lyrics provided, or if requested I write them), and can also build choral arrangements around existing vocal performances.

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Pio Hartnett & Tobi- A - Dunes

I was the Producer, Vocalist in this production

Terms Of Service

25% expedite fee - projects 48 hours or less. Typical turn-around time 1-2 weeks. Up to 3 revisions.

Ownership/Publishing for songwriting

*50% Topline
*25% Hooks/Chorus

OR

$2000 Flat Fee

Gear Highlights
  • Korg MS2000
  • Neumann TLM 102
  • Moog Grandmother Synthesizer
  • Maschine Mikro MK3
  • Shure SM57
  • Focusrite Scarlett 8i6.
More Photos
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20% off for all SoundBetter users. Simply include SOUND22 as a part of your proposal message, and the discount will be applied to your quote.

  • Pio Hartnett - New Music Video 'Roses' Featured by Hot Press MagazineMay 24, 2022

    Had the privilege of being featured by renowned Irish music publication Hot Press, with the single 'Roses', and its music video, directed by Andrew Ascough ('i'm fine', RTÉ). 

    Ciarán Brennan wrote, "With his latest release ‘Roses,’ the songwriter looks set to take a step from the peripheries into centre stage to make his distinctive voice heard."

    Read the full article here.