How do you choose a project?

[PinkHumpy]

I'm curious how you choose what projects to work on? How do you know if it's a good fit?

With a resume like yours, you must be in ridiculous demand.

I ask because I'm looking for someone to mix my album and I don't know how to find someone who's a good fit. And I don't know if people as famous as you even ever consider unsigned artists.

Thanks,
Brendan

ps - Black Orpheus and Voodoo are two of my top 10 favorite albums of all time

[Russell Elevado]

hello brendan,

many thanks man!
i know that i keep saying this, but i'm a lucky man. the projects sort of have a way of finding me. i'm really flying by the seat of my pants half the time (sound familiar to anyone?). this year is 21 years in the business and i'm still going. i have no plans of slowing down either. and i haven't really pursued anyone who is established to work with them. i'm fortunate that the people who want to work with me are almost usually people i can connect with. therefore the majority of the work that comes in, i'm really into the music and are perfect projects for me to be on. there are a lot of artists that i'd love to work with though...

as far as unsigned artists:
i'm currently in the middle of producing a project with an "unsigned" artist called Krystle Warren & the faculty. she was introduced to me by my friend and assistant Ben Kane. so i've been trying to finish her album to try to get her music out there. all major engineer/producer's are always looking for new and fresh talent. most budding artists are broke and need a break as well and can't finance their recordings. are you any good?

all the best

[PinkHumpy]

Hi Russ,

Thanks for the response! This is just so cool to actually talk to you (my drummer is going to have a heart attack). It's not surprising that the work finds you.

As far as if I'm any good, I did get an email from rugged Mr. Keziah Jones a few years back saying he dug my music (after I gave him my '01 solo demo). My new band's recordings are much better, and are just waiting to be mixed. Mr. Jones even put a link to my website from keziahjones.com. So maybe if he remembers me he can tell you the answer.

I'm in a strange position that I'm young/unsigned but not broke, I spent the last 7 years working a day job to build a "go for it in music" nest egg. I haven't hit the pavement much yet to promote myself b/c I don't yet have the record in my hands that I feel is good enough to be undeniable. I'm also not much of a networking person to find/schmooze the right people. Although I graduated from college in the same class as John Stephens/Legend, I wasn't lucky enough to be friends with my classmate whose cousin was Kanye West.

Cheers!
Brendan