My Production
Every record asks for something different. Sometimes I’m producing from the first demo. Sometimes I’m mixing a finished session. Sometimes I just hit record and let the band do what they do.
Here are some of the records I’ve worked on:
- The Bandulus – Love a Woman (2020) — Producer, Recording Engineer, Mixer
- Los Malablados (Album, in production) — Mixer, Producer
- Irie Idea – Blues Like Sandpaper, Rock Steady Like Dirt (2013) — Producer, Songwriter, Performer
- The Cascadians (EP) — Co-Producer, Mixer
- Buddy Jay’s Jamaican Jazz Band (Two albums) — Producer
- The Bandulus – Bottoms Up (Split EP) — Producer
- Sammy Kay (Self-titled, 2015) — Arranger, Guitarist, Creative Collaborator
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)
Behind the Records
Examples of the records I produced
THE SLACKERS
Currently in Production
I first worked with The Slackers in 2015 as the assistant engineer on their self-titled record, produced by Brian Dixon.
Ten years later, they invited me back to produce their next album.
Going from supporting the sessions to leading them has been one of the most rewarding moments of my career. It’s a reminder that the relationships you build and the work you put in really do matter.
Hear the self-titled record I worked on:
My favorite shots from The Slackers sessions at JWF Studio. Dave Hillyard called it “THE picture” of the session.
THE BANDULUS
Bass Player (2014–2025) • Producer
I played bass in The Bandulus for over ten years and produced most of the band’s records, including Bottoms Up, Love a Woman, and Tell It Like It Is.
Love a Woman was the first time I recorded strings, wrote the horn arrangements, and handled the production from start to finish. It was one of those projects where a lot of things I had been working toward finally came together.
Hear the Track:
The first Bandulus record I produced. Looking back, it’s the project where I really started to understand what makes a mix work.
There’s also an Etta James cover on here that I’m still really happy with.
Listen to the EP:
Tell It Like It Is was a record made across two continents. I worked with Nico Leonard from Badasonic Records in Belgium.
Nico tracked drums and several instruments in Belgium while I recorded overdubs, vocals, and production from my studio in Portland.
We had so much fun building the record from two studios on opposite sides of the Atlantic.
Listen to the Album:
LOS MAL HABLADos
Currently in Production
I’m currently producing Los Mal Hablados upcoming record, a blast of Spanish-language hardcore punk and ska.
The tracking was already done. I’m combing through the sessions, listening closely, and making sure every part serves the song and brings their vision on the record.
Music coming soon.
IRIE IDEA
Album “Blues Like Sandpaper, Rock Steady Like Dirt” • 2013
This was my band. We spent ten days making this record in Los Angeles, sleeping on the studio floor and squeezing every minute we could out of the studio.
I wrote the songs, sang, played guitar and harmonica, the result of which was the first album I’d ever make to be pressed on vinyl. It was also where Jamaican production really started to click for me.
THE CASCADIANS
Album “When The Time Comes” • Co-produced with Victor Rice
I co-produced this EP with my mentor, Victor Rice, then mixed the record and handled the overdubs. Hearing people talk about how good it sounded at the release show was one of those moments that reminds you why all the hours in the studio matter.
Listen to the EP:
Buddy Jay's Jamaican Jazz Band
Producer
I produced two records with Buddy Jay during my time at JWF Studio, helping capture the band’s blend of Jamaican jazz and reggae without losing the feel of a live performance.
I also produced an EP they called “Before The Big One” which was a split with The Cascadians
Here’s a picture of me at the JWF Studio
Sammy Kay
Album “Self-Titled” • 2015
Recorded at Little Eden Studio in New Jersey with Pete Steinkopf from The Bouncing Souls. I played lead guitar, sang backing vocals, and helped shape the arrangements throughout the record.
Listen to the album here:
Sammy Kay, Arron Cote & me • Atlanta, Georgia
Rehearsals before hitting the road. New Brunswick, NJ • February 2015
Making records at Little Eden Studio with Pete Steinkopf • January 2016
More Credits
- Assistant engineer on The Slackers self-titled album (2015), produced by Brian Dixon
- Recorded overdubs and vocals for Bandulus with Nico Leonard (Badasonic Records, Belgium)
- Toured and recorded with Sammy Kay & The Fast Four
- Backed legendary Jamaican vocalist Norma Fraser on two occasions
- Guest performer with The Steady 45s backing The Clarendonians
- Produced the comedy podcast Assville, hosted by Seth Allen & Shain Brenden
Let’s make a record that sounds like you.