Justin Howell on SoundBetter

Been making music for two decades: producing, writing, mixing, playing instruments, singing, the works. I've got a distinctive indie/powerpop sound but adapt to whatever the song needs. Love working with other artists to discover new sonic territories. Hit me up if you want to create something different.

-About Me-
I'm a Cleveland-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with 20+ years of experience. I work across genres but my roots are in alternative and power pop. Learned a lot from mentors like Ben Folds and Craig Finn, and I bring that experience to every project.

-My Approach-
Every artist has their own thing going on, and my job is to help you find it and make it happen. I work with both digital and analog gear, so we go wherever your song needs to go. Whether you want something raw and stripped down or big and layered, I adapt to what serves your music best.

-What I Bring-
Two decades across songwriting, production, mixing, and playing instruments means I can handle whatever your project throws at me. I'm all about the collaboration and helping you push into new territory while keeping it authentically you. At the end of the day, I want it to sound like your music, just done right.

Every project is different, so let's talk about what you need and find pricing that works. I'm flexible and fair.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Languages

English

1 Reviews

Endorse Justin Howell

by Savanna R.
Verified
Justin provided me exactly what I was looking for quickly and it sounds amazing! He maintains great professionalism, and made sure to provide his client with the very best service. I will absolutely return for future needs!

Interview with Justin Howell

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Working on my next EP.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Dan Konopka. An absolute joy to work with and a great drummer.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Little bit of both, I say. Analog has that phat warmth that everyone loves to hear, but digital also has its own character that's fun to work with.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't over-complicate your signal chains.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That inspiration is always waiting in the wings, and everything that comes out is gold.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: 1. Is there a timeline for this project? 2. What is your budget? 3. What's your favorite type of donut?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Sometimes the ugly bits are my favorite things. Be true to yourself and honest about what you're looking for, and good things will come of it.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My MPC Live II, a guitar (hard to pick which one), a toy piano, drum sticks, and a waterskin.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I like to blend genres a lot, but no matter what I'm working on, there's usually an undertone of powerpop. Otherwise, I'm keen on rock, funk, jazz, hip hop, blues, etc.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My endless supply of musical ideas.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A great many things, whether it's a ripping synth solo, a piano ballad, some background vocals, or just a cool vibe.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: When I'm working alone, I tend to noodle until something strikes me. After that, time disappears and I get sucked into the journey. When I'm working with a collaborator, I'm interested in hearing their "starting point" and talking through ideas.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Right now I'm in a newly built isolation room at my place of residence. I have access to a handful of great hardware and software instruments, as well as a lava lamp.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Ben Folds, Josh Ritter, Cory Wong, Chemical Brothers, Louis Cole, Tennyson, Nate Smith, etc.

Full of Air EP Reel

I was the Writer/Singer/Producer/Instrumentalist in this production

Songwriter - MusicContact for pricing
ProducerContact for pricing
Beat MakerContact for pricing
Mixing EngineerContact for pricing
Keyboards - SynthContact for pricing
Singer - MaleContact for pricing

Three major revisions, unlimited small tweaks until we nail it. How long it takes depends on the project, but I'll let you know what to expect before we start.