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Native Californian and singer-songwriter Gary Henson’s music brings together a melting pot of varied rhythms and authentic experiences. Raised in L.A., Gary now lives in the foothills of the Sierras in Northern California, about 45 minutes northeast of Sacramento. A busy keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist, we recently caught up with him to talk about producing his latest song “Me And You” at Studio Pros.

Check out Gary’s Song “Me And You”:

Gary’s musical influences stem primarily from his father. “My dad was very influential on me growing up and is probably responsible for my musical influences today. He was always blasting The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, etc. He had an affinity for the great 60′s groups and had amassed quite an impressive record collection from which to draw and share. I believe that the constant cascade of these sing-along melodies and driving guitar licks planted seeds of inspiration in me that came to bloom after high school.”

Gary’s songwriting process usually begins with a tape recorder running and him playing either a piano or guitar. From there he plays with various chord structures and captures whatever melody and lyrics emerge with unconscious disregard for whatever finds its way to tape.  After a writing session he likes to play back what he’s done and take note of all the parts that he likes–chords, melody, verse, etc., and refine it from there.

“Me and You” is a great example of that process. “This song was an unconscious outpouring of melody and verse that began on piano with the tape recorder running,” he said.

Gary completed his first album at a Los Angeles recording studio with session musicians, so he understands the value, technical chops and creativity that they can bring to a song. While Gary knew that his next project would require the same process, he didn’t have the time or resources to make another trip to L.A. to line everything up. And that’s when he decided to try Studio Pros.

“I found Studio Pros on the internet, checked them out, and decided to give the team there a shot. I was very pleased with the results and have been using them ever since. I like their quick turnaround and the parts that they come up with. I also like the fact that I can ask Kati (StudioPros Head of Production) for production ideas/opinions when I’m not exactly clear on direction.”

Working remotely with the Studio Pros team, Gary had just enough interaction to get the results he was looking for while giving the team the space to make the artistic decisions necessary to enhance the song. “When all was said and done, I think I suggested four or five modifications–not many when you consider all the parts that were played.”

“Studio Pros is the ideal outfit to help a singer-songwriter like me–with lots of songs/ideas and little time–bring his passion to life in a professional way with minimal disruption to my schedule. It’s also a great place to add that drum track, or guitar solo that might not be possible otherwise. I’ll definitely be using them again.”

Upload YOUR Song To Studio Pros’ Free Consultation Page, or call 1-310-928-7776 to get a project started today!

Find out more about Gary Henson at www.garyhensonmusic.com

Looking to take his recordings to the next level of professional quality, Tommy Owen teamed up with Studio Pros to make his music radio-ready.

“I felt like I was working with a group of super-talented friends that I had known forever.”

Tommy Owen didn’t have a plan for his music; it was simply a hobby for the San Marcos, Texas native.  But working with Studio Pros has a way of opening doors for artists; after putting his songs on MySpace and Facebook, Owen couldn’t help but pay attention to the response he got.  “I must have gotten about 50 emails the day I put it up on MySpace,” he says.  “Half of the feedback is about the quality of the recording!”

Owen, who runs his own graphic design company, has been playing music since he was a teenager.  He soon decided that producing his own music was a lot more fun than playing someone else’s songs in a band, so he bought a 4-track and started recording.  For years, Owen never felt the quality was up to par, but after teaming up with Studio Pros he found himself suddenly being contacted by radio stations asking him for a physical CD (a friend passed on Owen’s music to a radio connection).  He attributes his newfound success to the professional product he was able to make with the help of Studio Pros.

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So he lives all the way in Sweden? No big deal. Studio Pros spoke with our favorite Scandinavian songwriter about getting his song produced online.

Tell us about yourself:

I’m 34 years old with a huge interest for writing music and performing my songs live. I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old and I wrote my first song when I was 23. I play at some local pubs with a friend of mine and sometimes we play with our two acoustic guitars and harmonica at company parties. I live 20 miles from Gothenburg in Sweden and a couple of my songs have been played on the Swedish radio stations here.

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Mark Sadek Ricotta is a man of few words, but when it comes to songwriting he doesn’t hold anything back. Studio Pros just recently did a music production for Ricotta and got in touch with him to get to know the man behind the song.

How long have you been writing songs?

“I’ve been writing since I was in junior high. I started playing guitar when I was 6 or so. I wanted a toy guitar when I was little out of curiosity and got a few lessons and that’s was about it really. I’ve been playing ever since.

Do you have any major influences in your music and songwriting style?

“My major influences would probably be early 90’s rock, a lot of classic rock, as well as cheesy pop music (it’s the truth). I take a lot from listening to the hooks in pop and applying them to my songwriting.

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