Behind the spotlight

Name: Marvin “Madd Maxx” Arbaiza

Occupation: Audio Engineer 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am an Audio Engineer/ Producer located in Washington DC 

Did you ever want to be a Rapper/singer?

Yes, when I first started doing music I started out as a rapper, writing songs and recording myself and it wasn’t till i first went to a professional studio that i fell in love with the art of recording

 What makes a good song in your opinion, do you think there is a formula? 

I don’t think there is a formula per se but I do believe that the composition is everything when it comes to making great records 

Why should you be hired and how do you price yourself or justify your pay? 

I love what i do and i put 100% into every song artists send me. People don’t have to hire me but if they are looking for quality and someone with experience that can take their song to the next level then I’m your guy

How familiar are you with audio equipment and software, and what advice would you give future studio owners? 

I’m very knowledgeable when it comes to studio equipment and i know how pricey it can get when trying to put together a studio so the advice i would give anyone trying to open a studio or build one is don’t be cheap about the gear or acoustics you get, it will definitely reflect on the quality of work you do and also do your research and focus what you are trying to accomplish out of your studio

What is the best part in engineering or producing music, compared to a regular 9 to 5? 

The best part is creating with other creative people and seeing the reaction of the artist when you bring their vision to life 

How do you measure success, what makes you feel you are doing something that you will look back and be proud of? 

Success for me is being able to do this full time and being happy about what i do. Everyday i wake up happy knowing i have music i can work on or an artist i can work with.

What do you feel is the difference in working with singers or urban artists? 

Nothing, no matter what kinda of artist you work with they are all different in their own way and that's great because the music they make is tailored to them.

Any shout outs or news we should know about?

Shout out to my brothers Mannie D Cruz, Los XL, Obe Amaya, Isai and Jvvi Rodriguez for pushing me to be the very best i can be and definitely check them out