Derby

Tracking, Mixing & Mastering

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2 Reviews
Derby on SoundBetter

Are you looking to record pro quality songs but can't afford a full band or studio? I offer a cheaper alternative. Whether it’s writing, co-writing, mixing, mastering or producing complete songs that are ready for radio, streaming and DJs, - I can help get you there. https://www.derby-network.com/

Hi I am Derby from NYC, I am founder of Derby Network. I have toured as a singer and percussionist and have worked as a composer, recording engineer and sound designer since 2005. I was raised in Argentina and come from a family of musicians. I have published music for NBC, Oxygen, Speed Channel, Discovery Channel, MTV, “Crime Inc” UK, The Green Channel, Pantene, various films & the 2008 Summer Olympics. I have also produced Children's audio books and design concept piece for Obama Presidential Center.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1rZmTJtH0jUzQocbxtDfhp?si=27c11b94d7f04fea

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

2 Reviews

Endorse Derby
  1. Review by Andres Mayo
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    check_circleVerified (Client)

    Working with Derby was a great experience! I hope we get to keep on collaborating together.

  2. Review by NT Martin
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified (Client)

    Great producer! Super clear and professional. I can only hope to work with him again in the future!

Interview with Derby

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

  2. A: I just finished a sound design concept piece production for the Obama Presidential Center. I felt extremely proud and honored to be a part of it. I got to work with award winning designers and had the opportunity to lead the audio production team.

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

  4. A: I'm releasing 6 singles with Cosmoxie an eclectic rock, funk project I recorded over the pandemic.

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

  6. A: Justin Colletti for Mastering

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Analog is the warmest and most amazing sounding.... Digital is not as warm but the upside is convenience in editing and collaborating remotely. Luckily we've reached the age of analog simulation so you get the sound and the convenience. That is why I use Universal Audio gear and their Unison plugins and tape machines.

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

  10. A: That I will treat their project with the same standards as I do my own material that represents me. I am a perfectionist and strive to have an impressively polished album quality product ready for radio and streaming.

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

  12. A: Everything! but the beginning of the writing process is the most exciting where ideas are flowing out effortlessly. When you know you are onto something really good.... it's an exhilarating feeling!

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

  14. A: What is the essence of what they want to communicate with the song. What is the purpose of the recording/ target audience. Also sometimes people sort of know what they want but they need someone to help them figure it out. Also what reference tracks can they provide that they want their song to sound like.

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

  16. A: Mac Pro w midi keyboard, good headphones, a good mic, Roland VDrums, percussion

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

  18. A: I started giggling and touring in my late teens and have been writing and producing for 20 years.

  19. Q: How would you describe your style?

  20. A: I make pop, world and groove music for the most part. But have stretched my horizons to include classical influences, Singer Songwriter, Electronic, Trap

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

  22. A: Well I would say to make sure you listen to your mixes on various mediums before finalizing.... flat monitor speakers, headphones with lots of bass, headphones that sound trebly, your mac and phone crappy speakers, the car stereo, Bluetooth speakers. (Bonus tip: Learn Mid side panning, it's incredible for your mixes ...esp the low end)

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

  24. A: Typically music that has a strong groove, in the pocket and is catchy. I work on a variety of genres including, Chill, Jazz, Rock, Latin, Funk, Reggae, R&B, Soul and soundtrack.

  25. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  26. A: Working with and producing vocalists. I have coached many singers in studio recording... which is very different than live and comes with it's set of challenges. Preparing ahead of time for a session can also really make a difference,

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

  28. A: I tend to have a commercial hooky sound that is also sophisticated and I think it's really important for a song to have dimensions and for it to take the listener somewhere.

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

  30. A: I like to expand all ideas and be totally free before starting to contract. That way I can piece together magical moments that are spontaneous and real without the interference of the thinking mind.

  31. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  32. A: I have a small sound treated studio with Universal Audio hardware, Logic/ ProTools set up, Roland V-Drums. Various mics and percussion instruments. I like to keep it simple but high end.

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

  34. A: I love the sound Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, The Weekend, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Daft Punk, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson.

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

  36. A: I publish music for film and TV as well as work with lots of artists/ vocalists. I am a singer myself and have recorded vocals on many tracks over the years as well as singing live. I learned a lot of valuable lessons and I passionately love the vocal recording process as well as the production side always aiming to showcase the singers unique sound.

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

  38. A: What credits I have, whether I can play instruments, what per song rate I charge. Who should master the recording...etc

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

  40. A: The biggest misconception is thinking that you can have a great mix overnight. It takes time to rest the ears between listens so you have the most objective ear. If you try to finalize something when your ears are not fresh, then the mix won't be good.

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

  42. A: I think it's important that the producer you work with has a focus on your particular style.... don't go to a producer that does mainly rock to work your R&B song for example.

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

  44. A: Amy Winehouse but I lost my chance to =( I think her phrasing and realness are unmatched!

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Cosmoxie, Lay Your Love On Me

I was the tracking, mixing and mastering engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

Standard. Disclosure form when applicable. Copyrights for works from collaboration with me. Licensing and publishing contracts when applicable.

GenresSounds Like
  • Seal
  • Jay Kay
  • Sam Sparro
Gear Highlights
  • Native Instruments hardware
  • SM7B
  • Neuman
  • Roland V-Drums
  • ATH 4050
  • ribbon mics
  • Focusrite
  • Universal Audio Apollo hardware: 10 DSP cores & unison inputs
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

Special pricing on production for singers who want to collaborate and share writing credit.