curtis irie
Music producer
Producing Records You've Been Hearing In Your Head
Hi, I’m Curtis.
I’m a music producer for bands and musicians pouring their hearts out to create art.
If that’s you, I help you capture magic, put your music into digital files, and make it sound good.
Every song tells you what it needs.
My job is helping you hear it.
How to Produce a record that has your sound
Musicians face the constant worry of wasting their time and money.
I have been on both sides of the microphone, I get it.
But producing music can be flowing and fun, that has been my experience as a musician and producer since 1998.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Producing Music Since 2009
#Producer #CurtisIrie
#1
I’m an objective producer with an open mind and open heart.
I bring deep genre experience from Ska & Reggae. I have played bass, recorded, engineered, mixed, and collaborated on records like The Bandulus’ Love a Woman, The Slackers’ sessions, and Sammy Kay’s self-titled album.
#2
The guys I started writing songs with in high school went on to become The Menzingers.
I went a different direction. I became the person bands call when they want someone who understands where they’re coming from, someone who knows the difference between a song that’s finished and a song that just needs more time.
#3
Over the years, I’ve made records with bands like The Slackers, Los Mal Hablados, The Bandulus, The Cascadians, and Buddy Jay Jamaican Jazz Band.
I’ve also had the chance to learn from people like Victor Rice and Brian Dixon, who helped shape how I approach recording, arranging, and serving the song. Click here to read my full story.
Every band brings their own history into the room. My job is to help capture it.
Click here to see a list of my production work.
My Plan That Captures Magic In Your Music
I capture the magic in your music by finding that specific take that possesses an almost indescribable quality.
I have authentic genre expertise in reggae and soul music. Bands often hire me specifically for my knowledge and experience in these genres to ensure they are doing the most authentic thing possible.
I offer a structured, flexible process that begins with an initial consultation to listen to demos and talk through goals, deadlines, and budgets.
I adapt entirely to what your song needs, whether I’m spending my time combing through and cleaning up overdubs for 13 songs or pushing an analog mixing board to its limits.
Click here to discover all my services.
Got a demo?
If you have a demo, I’d love to listen to it. If you don’t, reach out to discuss your project goals.
As a first step, you can send me a message here.
WHAT'S NEXT
Testimonials
“Working with Curtis was an absolute pleasure. Tracking with someone who deeply understands and appreciates the music was incredible. As an engineer he is kind, patient, humble, and great at curating the right tone for the session. As a producer he is creative, encouraging, and thoughtful to say the least. Creating the tracks you want to create with a working, road- worthy musician of high caliber is the only way to go if you ask me. Curtis is the man”.
– Buddy-Jay Kieffer, Saxophonist/ Bandleader, Buddy Jay’s Jamaican Jazz Band, The Israelites
“As a vocalist, the studio can be a daunting place. You may only have so many takes in your voice. Curtis has a real gift in giving the exact feedback you need to give your most impactful performance in as few takes possible. He balances feeling with precision in a world where too much of one hinders the other. He gives direction with warmth and kindness and is my favorite engineer to work with.”
– Leah Farmer (The Bandulus, Boom Shot!)
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Curtis a number of times and it’s just that – a pleasure. Being an accomplished musician makes him an asset at every step in production, and his experience transcends genre. And of course, it’s refreshing to work with someone who’s both smart and kind.
– Victor Rice
“Curtis is a clear and level head in the studio. He listens really well so he is able to hear the minutiae of a part and also hear the big picture at the same time. At our recent session with Curtis, he got us great sounds and was able to make us feel comfortable so that we could be ourselves, confident and creative.”
– Dave Hillyard (The Slackers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you master records too?
I do.
I don’t master my own mixes, though.
By the time I’ve finished mixing a record, I’ve lived with those songs for a while. I think it’s important to hand them to someone with fresh ears. They’ll catch things I won’t.
I’ve mastered a handful of records and have the gear to do it when it makes sense. Most of the time, though, I send my mixes to Brian Wallace in California because I trust his work. If you’ve already got a mastering engineer you love, that’s great too.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the project.
A three-song EP is very different from a thirteen-song album, and every artist needs something a little different.
I’d rather have a conversation than put a number on a website that probably won’t fit your project anyway.
If you’ve got an idea of what you’re working on, get in touch, and we’ll figure it out together.
Can we work remotely?
Absolutely.
If you’ve already recorded your tracks, send me the session files or stems, and I’ll take it from there. I mix a lot of projects this way.
If you’re not sure what files to send, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it.
I’m not based in Portland. Will you travel for a project?
Absolutely.
My studio is in Portland, Oregon, but I’m happy to work wherever the project makes sense.
I’ve recorded in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Belgium, and I’d love to add a few more places to that list.
If you’ve got a studio you love, let’s make it work.
I’ve never worked with a producer before. What should I expect?
A relaxed room and good conversation.
I’ll take care of the microphones, routing, session setup, and everything technical behind the scenes.
You don’t need to think about compressors, EQ, or what reverb we’re using.
Your job is to make music.
Mine is to make sure you can focus on that.
What if my songs aren’t finished yet?
That’s completely fine.
Some artists come in with finished arrangements.
Others show up with voice memos and half-written ideas.
I’ve worked both ways, and I genuinely enjoy helping songs find their shape.
Will you tell us when something isn’t working?
Yes.
If I think another take was stronger, I’ll tell you why.
If I think a part could be simpler, I’ll say so.
I’m never trying to make your music sound like mine.
The goal is to make the strongest version of your record.
What if I don’t know all the technical stuff?
Perfect.
You don’t need to.
Whether you’ve made ten records or this is your first, you don’t have to know which compressor we’re using or how I’m setting up the microphones.
That’s my job.
You just have to show up ready to make music.