Working with me will be relaxed, collaborative and fun. I listen first, and then offer creative input where I think it will benefit the music or just help you see new ideas for yourself. My role is to be a sounding board or creative compass, helping you along the to manifest your artistic voice in the best way.
I know working with an unknown producer can be daunting, our songs and music are personal, and letting someone new in is a big step. I am also sensitive to your pocket book and won’t waste time and resources on processes and approaches that don’t serve your music or budget.
Step 01For me, first step in the creative process is to listen to the songs, offer ideas and make sure they are as ready as can be so when we press record so you, the artist, can put your creative being into them.
Step 02Once we start rolling, I’ll guide you along the way and let you know when I think “We’ve got it!” From start to finish, I’ll put myself into your songs as much as you, while letting you guide the vision. Once the basic tracks are down, we will compare notes about what else is “needed” and what might be creatively adventurous to round out each song to it’s fullest.
Step 03Now the song is recorded, the album is in “the can”, we mix, balancing and making things pop to your delight. Or, you have another mixer in mind? No problem! I’ll make sure your sessions and tracks are ready to share and communicate with your mixing or mastering engineer to ensure the best possible handoff.
Music Production and Recording
In-Person + VirtualWe collaborate closely to shape your sound—from songwriting guidance and arrangement ideas to mixing—ensuring the final tracks reflect your artistic vision. If you are local or can travel to me, we will meet at my home studio in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, CA. My garden studio is the perfect urban getaway to get creative a stone’s throw form San Francisco and all it’s wonder.
Can’t get to me in person, no worries. We can collaborate through the miracle of the internet and on and offline to get your tunes ready to record, mix and master.
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As your producer I will guide you step by step from songwriting to release. This is a soup to nuts process where I collaborate with you every step of the way.
On most projects I am also the Recording Engineer and play on the tracks, as well as the Mixing and even Mastering Engineer.
Let’s just say I own a lot of hats!
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If you are self-producing or already have a producer I am ready to record your songs and will offer creative input when requested or appropriate.
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You are excited to work with a professional Music Producer but not sure a traditional studio environment speaks to you. You love the ocean and think an Airbnb on the secluded coast might be an inspirational place to get your recordings done. Or, your family has a an amazing mountain yurt you have been dying to escape to with a crew of friends and top notch gear. I offer you “Adventure Recording - Ben Bernstein Music TO GO!”
We will pack up whatever we need to get the job done, and a little extra (because you never know) and hit the road. Bonus, Ben is a pretty good cook and can plan meals and libations should you choose. Let’s plan your next recording adventure!
featured projectGeorge St. Clair
Music Production
Session Musician
Mixing“To work with Ben Bernstein is a privilege and a learning experience for any musician. I decided to record my debut solo album with Ben, and I could not be happier with the experience and result. First and foremost, Ben is a lover of music. He is a virtuoso producer and bass player with more than two decades of performing, session playing, recording and producing. In short, he knows his stuff inside and out through being there and doing it. And it shows when you work with him - his enthusiasm and creative ideas are grounded in knowledge both of music composition and of the recording equipment.”
–George St. Clair
Mixing and Mastering
In-Person + VirtualYour songs are recorded, perhaps by another Engineer or Producer, but your are seeking fresh ears to do the mix or master. Send me your tracks or stems (there is a difference) or finished mixes and I will do my thing. After I take a first pass we can meet and revise them until they are to your liking. Or, if you can get here we can collaborate virtually in real time or offline.
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I hear this more and more these days. Home studios are here to stay and a great way for DYI artists to record. A lot of you find that mixing is more technically challenging and not a fun as the recording process. That’s where a professional mix engineer can really make a difference. I have mixed a lot of songs and albums that were recorded at home by artists like you.
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This is a very traditional approach and a great way to give you music a well rounded sound by having fresh ears for each step of process.
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I do. I might suggest If I have been involved with every step of the production process that someone else master my mixes, but more often than not I end up mastering. It’s really dependent on what is right for the project and whether I feel i have perspective left and something to add. sometimes though, it’s just better to get another set of ears.
featured projectDennis Moore & the Voice of Reason
Mixing “Ben Bernstein is a top notch mixer who will work tirelessly to get the music in your head head out into the world. He is a consummate professional and a blast to work with. I was bummed when we wrapped the project and look forward to next time.”
–Dennis Moore
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Dennis began recording his album at home during the COVID lockdown. He sent the tracks to Stanton Moore of Galactic to add drums, Marc Ford of Black Crowes fame for guitar solos and some New Orleans horn players for special sauce. Dennis attempted to mix the album at home but soon realized he needed a professional collaborator. He reached out, sent me the tracks and I got busy mixing. Once I had a first pass, Dennis came to my studio several times until the mixes matched what he heard and felt in his soul. This particular track “Still Amazed,” features Lesley Grant on vocals. Lesley is a performing member of The Black Crowes.
For more recordings I’ve mixed produced Listen To My Spotify Playlist
Session Musician
In-PersonYou’ve got songs recorded but are missing the perfect bass line or guitar riff. Or maybe you are a solo artist with no band and need someone to fill in the missing parts. No problem, I’ve got you covered!
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Ben plays 4-string, 5-string and Fretless basses, offering a diverse palette of sounds and styles
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For the Folkier or Jazzier songs
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Ben is an accomplished Acoustic and Electric guitarist with a rootsy style off his own
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I do like to tinkle the ivories from time to time
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My first love! Depending on the song and style, I can lay down a nice groove or rockin’ drum track!
Music Distribution
virtual + In-PersonSo the mix is done, the album is mastered, now what?! We can help you decide which digital music distribution service to use, get your artwork and layout designed and decide what physical media to create (CD’s, Vinyl, None of the Above). Lastly, we will help connect you with a PR pro so your music can reach as many ears as possible.
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Your music sounds great but you need some compelling artwork and guidance on how to make physical product, or not!
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There a several choices of how to digitally distribute your music and technical steps. If this is mind boggling to you we can help!
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So you made your “pièce de ré·sis·tance”! You want people to hear about it. We can help you connect with a professional who can get the word out!
“Working with Ben couldn't have been a better choice when I wanted to record my first album. He is incredibly helpful, professional, creative and guided me through every step of the recording process. Ben's production skills are phenomenal and he's also very fun, friendly and organized. He can do fantastic work on both a budget and a timeline. I would definitely Ben to anyone looking for a producer!”
–Rae du soleil