AV ProductionWorld

NY producer and CEO of Sound Squeeze, Eryck Bry gives insight on creating hits.

I’m Eryck Bry, a producer, songwriter and a recording engineer based in Long Island, NY. I started producing music in the mid 1990s as a hobby and it became a passion. Now, I’m working to make a career out of it. I’ve worked with artist and musicians in virtually every modern genre from Pop, Hip Hop, Reggae, RnB to Rock. I’m currently running Sound Squeeze, a music production company which consist of other producers, songwriters and engineers.

How did you get involved with music?

I started playing music at the age of 6 -learning the piano, violin, guitar, bass and drums, but never stuck with an instrument to master. As soon as I learned to play one instrument, I'd go to the next then kept on practicing all instruments learned. I then studied music theory, music business, chorus and audio recording in college.

Does your musical training influence the way you work in the studio?

Yes, all of what I’ve learned transforms the way I produce music. Knowing how to play and manipulate sorts of instruments makes it easier to be creative. It gives me broader ideas and alternatives during the production process. Just like painting... It gives the painter the flexibility to be more artistic when you have a variety of colors to chose from than when you have only one or two colors to paint with. Building the structure, form, and texture of the production is where the knowledge of music theory comes to play. Constructing essential elements such as rhythm, harmony, melody, chord progression and arrangement gives the whole production it’s own design and taste. Knowing audio recording is a big help as well. It gives me the ability to capture and record the best sound that each instrument produces -from guitar to drums to vocals, and the ability to place each of the instrument in the full mix distinctively.

What aspects of the production process do you control and when do you open up to collaboration with the artist?

I produce music from my own imagination and perception. When a song is presented to me, I review its content and structure then I create my own concept of what the production should be -from tempo, arrangement, instrumentation, etc.

99% of the time, the artist will suggest and share ideas, and I always take it into consideration if it takes the music a step further. If I feel their input doesn’t suit the production, I explain and have them understand how and why it’s not necessary. It’s always good for an artist to be musically open. This way I get to know their own vision and importantly it builds chemistry between me and the artist.

What are your favorite tools in the studio?

For music production, I often use and create my own sounds from sound modules such as the Yamaha Motif and Roland Fantom. I also use all sorts of virtual instruments depending on the production needs. I use acoustic and electric guitars and bass or even acoustic drums, if the production requires live instruments. For recording, especially vocals, I use a variety of mics and preamps depending on the artist’s vocal tone, style, and texture. I do all my programming, recording and mixing through Logic Pro recording software.

Pen and paper is always a necessity in my studio for scribbling down ideas and making lyrical notations and corrections. Oh yeah, got to have large coffee “light and sweet” during the creative process. For some reason, I tend to come up with better and bigger ideas when coffee is my partner, especially if it’s Starbucks =).

What's been an effective way for you to meet new artists?

The web is a powerful tool when it comes to building relationships with artists. Most of the artists and musicians I've worked with, I met via the internet, especially through MySpace. It is the most convenient and the easiest way for me to communicate and network with other artists and musicians not only locally but all over the world. Also, by visiting the artist's website, it gives me a glimpse of the artist's work and persona before they step into my studio.

Word of mouth, what can I say. It has been and still is a very effective way for me in building relationships with artists. Just like fire, once you start a spark, it spreads. I meet artists in clubs and performing venues as well. It’s a good way for me to interact and know the artist directly. Also, observing the artist's performance gives me an idea about how to work with them in the studio.

What advice do you share with artists entering your studio for the first time?

Not to spill drinks on my equipment…=)

I usually tell artists for the first time to relax and not to be nervous. I advise them to know their material well, refrain from socializing and idle chatter between takes to maximize energy and minimize vocal strain, to stay hydrated and to warm up before every session. Most importantly, I encourage them to stay motivated and have a good time.

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