Exclusive Interview With Music Producer Jordan Lake
We had the privilege to speak with producer Jordan Lake about his journey from nuclear power to major label music production, creating & releasing tracks for artists and labels on the international market.
Lake has had great success creating opportunities in the music industry, landing sync placements on streaming media & national television channels and developing up-and-coming artists (including securing management deals and providing branding support).
He’s also collaborated with Gold and Platinum record producers from across North America: Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta and Toronto.
How did you get interested in music?
When I was a child, my mother was a singer/songwriter, so spending time in local studios and traveling between shows was the norm for me.
I remember playing old cassette tapes and spinning singles on vinyl when I was 5 years old. That’s when I started playing guitar, and by the age of twelve, I was already playing in the church band, running the sound board and any gigs I could get.
Making music, running sound, bending six strings in Indiana, playing for packed crowds at the House of Blues in Texas, laying down beats for an inspirational act on Sunset Strip in So-Cal and rocking acoustic folk up in Nor-Cal: this was my life for years while traveling. I landed a few songs on the radio, but mostly I just had a lot of fun.
What was it that made you leave a career in nuclear energy? Obviously something drew you to Music City and got you excited about working in Nashville…
For nine years, I was an Environmental Safety and Health Engineer for the largest new construction/engineering company in the country.
What some people don’t realize is that timing is essential to everything in life. I’d finally gotten myself to the point where I’d proven that I could perform at a high level in all aspects of creating music, so I searched for a location in the states where everything was happening (in all genres of music and the businesses that support them).
While Nashville was becoming the hub of the entertainment business, it also became my home.
What are your sources of inspiration…what pushes you to produce music?
People can find inspiration in almost anything, but for me, having the opportunity to work with artists (whether they’ve been around for a while or just coming up in the industry) pushes me forward. The one thing I’ve noticed most artists have in common is that they’re missing something that can open doors for their careers, what it really comes down to one major factor: the songs. You’re only as good as the song you release. In this biz, the song always wins the race.
I’m fortunate enough to be able to make a living creating. With that in mind, I’ve put in countless hours playing instruments, analyzing music and spending long nights in the studio. There’s been several occasions where I’ve found myself pulling 36-hour marathons at the desk, but sometimes that’s just the price you’ve got to pay.
Are there any particular artists or engineers that you draw from — if so who and what sort of music?
As far as artists go, I’d probably say hit music from the 1950’s to the present day. Even if I don’t enjoy an artist or a song — I ask myself and my team to “learn to love the songs you hate.” No matter what your personal taste is, a hit is hit for a reason. The numbers just don’t lie.
I love listening to different sounds; like the bass in “Good Times” [Chic, 1979] or the low end in “Sorry Not Sorry” [Demi Lovato, 2017], or post-production techniques used by guys like Chris Lord-Alge and Bob Clearmountain.
People starting out in recording and mixing may be confused about the products they need to get started. What was the first piece of recording equipment or software you ever bought?
Well, the first thing I ever recorded music on was an 8-track ADAT machine, but the recording software I bought was an early version of Pro Tools. Nowadays, I use Pro Tools HDX, and I’ve been a Pro Tools guy ever since. If you’re just starting out, I would recommend buying one item at a time.
Figure out what you want and stick with it; get gear that gets the job done. The main thing I’d recommend for aspiring producers, at any stage, is to train your ear, spend lots time (hours) listening to music and remember to take notes!
What are a few key lessons you’ve learned about producing that other aspiring musicians and producers could take advice from?
Never underestimate how important networking and meeting the right people is; make sure you get to know the gatekeepers. Find out who is providing a service in the industry and get to know them.
Have a hobby. Personally, I build and ride motorcycles; something that is not music related. You’ll find it gives your subconscious the opportunity to work. Take plenty of breaks and try to keep yourself on a working schedule. Number one rule: finish the song, get it done and get on with the next one.
Is there a process you go through to create the perfect tune? Did you take any specific courses, learn online or just experiment?
To tell you the truth, I’ve done a little bit of everything! Working with Top 40 producers, recording engineers, study courses in music business, self-learning online and experimenting with deconstructed tracks from hit songs are all things I’ve done to cut my teeth over the years.
On our platform, people create ‘Wondrs’, around their ambitions and aspirations. What would your Wondr be for 2018/2019?
Land at least one Top 40 radio single in 2019!
Check out Nashville Hit Machine
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