Hip-Hop Producer & Mixer

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

A: I’m especially proud of “Dance With Me” by Simi Stylezz. I produced, mixed, mastered, wrote, and performed the record. It represents the complete perspective I bring to a project: understanding the beat, arrangement, vocal performance, and final sound as connected parts of the same record.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m developing new music as Simi Stylezz, expanding Nine Mic Records, and working with independent artists on production, arrangement, mixing, and release preparation.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital, with an analog mindset. Digital tools give me the speed, recall, and flexibility modern collaborations require, while analog-inspired processing helps me preserve character, movement, and musicality.

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

A: I will communicate clearly, respect the agreed creative direction, and give your project focused attention. You will know what is included, when to expect it, and what I need from you before the work begins.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I enjoy hearing a rough idea become a record that feels complete and specific to the artist. The best part is finding the production decision that makes the performance click, whether that is a drum pattern, an arrangement change, a new texture, or simply creating more space.

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

A: Clients often ask whether I can produce and mix the same song. Yes. The services can be combined, but I outline the production, mixing, deliverables, price, and revision terms clearly in the proposal so both stages of the project are properly covered.

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

A: A common misconception is that mixing can completely repair a poor recording or an unfinished arrangement. Mixing can strengthen clarity, balance, energy, and impact, but the best results begin with a strong performance and properly recorded files.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What service do you need? What stage is the song currently in? Which references best represent the sound you want? What do you like about those references? What files can you provide? What deliverables do you need, and when do you need them?

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

A: Look for someone who understands the purpose of the song, communicates clearly, and can explain what is included before the project begins. Send an organized demo, two or three useful references, your available files, and an honest target date. Clear direction at the beginning usually creates a stronger result with fewer revisions.

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

A: A Mac running Logic Pro, my Universal Audio Apollo Twin, an Audio-Technica AT4033, my PRS SE Custom 24 guitar, and a pair of Yamaha HS7 monitors. That would give me enough to write, record, produce, and mix complete records.

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

A: I developed as an independent artist, producer, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist before completing a BFA in Music Production for Visual Media at Academy of Art University. I now release music as Simi Stylezz and operate Nine Mic Records while producing and mixing for other artists.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Groove-driven hip-hop with punchy drums, vocal-focused arrangements, and cinematic texture. I like productions that feel musical and atmospheric without becoming too crowded for the artist.

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

A: I would like to work with Kendrick Lamar because his records treat production, performance, and storytelling as parts of one complete idea. That kind of project would allow me to use both my hip-hop background and my experience producing music for visual media.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Build the arrangement around the vocal instead of filling every available space. If the drums, melodies, and effects are all competing with the performance, removing an element can improve the record more than adding another one.

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

A: I primarily work on hip-hop, trap, and R&B-influenced music, including records that use cinematic, electronic, rock, or soundtrack-inspired elements.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is developing production around an artist’s voice. I can take a rough concept and create drums, instrumentation, arrangement, and transitions that give the performance room to lead while keeping the record memorable.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring groove, structure, vocal awareness, and cinematic detail. Because I’m also a rapper, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist, I consider how the production supports the performer—not simply how the instrumental sounds by itself.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin by reviewing the demo, references, goals, deliverables, and target date. Once the project is funded and the files are received, I establish the creative direction before completing the production or mix. I send a review version, collect specific notes, and complete the agreed revision rounds before delivering the final files.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My production and mixing setup is centered around Logic Pro, a Universal Audio Apollo Twin, UAD processing, Melodyne, Yamaha HS7 monitors, and a selection of microphones and instruments. I also work with guitar, bass, drums, keys, and programmed instruments, which allows me to build productions from both live and electronic elements.

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

A: I’m inspired by producers and artists who make the production part of the storytelling. Kanye West’s arrangement instincts, Travis Scott’s atmosphere, Future’s vocal production, and producers who balance strong drums with cinematic texture all influence how I approach a record.

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

A: I help hip-hop artists turn an idea, reference track, or rough demo into a finished production. That may include building the instrumental, programming drums, arranging the song, tuning vocals, or mixing the recorded tracks. Production and mixing can be booked separately or combined in one clearly defined project.