About Oak Hill Audio

We work with artists to transform demos and ideas into radio-ready, polished tracks, helping you realize your creative vision in a quiet, well sound-conditioned studio space in north Knoxville.

We record, mix, and master your music while offering guidance with arrangement, song structure, creating harmonies, rhythms, counter melodies, and help with writing and recording each element that adds to that full sound of your songs.

FAQs

Q: What services do you offer?

A: For artists, we offer recording sessions, mixing, mastering, help with arrangement, help with song structure, writing and recording of additional instrumental parts and harmonies.

We also offer custom composition for TV, commercials, films, as well as podcast and audiobook production (recording, editing, mixing & mastering) for entrepreneurs, filmmakers, theatre directors, and authors.

Q: What does a producer do?

A: Working with a producer is like having a creative director in your corner, helping to guide the creation of your music, but working toward your creative vision. We test out ideas, ask questions, toss possibilities into the ring to see what the song wants. The producer’s role may also include the engineering side of music production: recording, mixing, and mastering.

Q: What’s the difference between mixing and mastering?

A: Mixing is the first stage after a song is recorded. It’s the process of setting levels, using tools like compression and EQ, effects like reverb and delay, and making creative choices to enhance the song’s energy and message (and so much more). This stage is detailed and surgical, working to augment each element in the song individually, and to create cohesion for the song as a whole.

Mastering is the last stage of finishing a song, applying subtle techniques with tools that are applied to the song as a whole after the mix is done. It’s like adding those last layers of polish or adding just the right frame that really makes your work stand out and shine.

Q: Can we record cover songs?

A: Yep! We can record cover songs. To release them publicly, you’ll just need to get a cover song license. This is done through a distributor (such as Distrokid). We can walk you through the process.

Q: I have a song written but I’m not sure if it’s ready to record. Can you help?

A: Absolutely! Part of the magic of working with a producer is that it can be helpful to have fresh ears on a song you’ve been working on. We can help you with ideas to get things to the finish line. We can help figure out what instrumentation might work well, what parts of the song might need some work or might be missing. Maybe it needs a bridge, an instrumental break, a key change, a drop, counter melodies and hooks? We can quickly shuffle pieces and colors around until the full picture of the song comes together.

Q: I write songs, but don’t play the instruments I want to hear on my recording. Can you help?

A: Absolutely! That’s a central part of our collaborative approach: we can write and record instrumental parts, vocal harmonies, and more!

Q: What types of instruments and sounds can you record on my song?

A: The sky is the limit! We often add one or more of the typical band instruments (guitar, bass, drums) and vocal harmonies in house and contract with various studio musicians to add instruments such as piano, violin, cello, banjo, and mandolin. We also have a vast collection of virtual instruments, samples, grooves, and sound effects. Glockenspiel? Timpani? Ethereal alien voices? 808s and tuned toms? Risers? Cannon shots? Check.

Q: What types of music do you record?

A: We record all sorts of music: folk, rock, country, R&B, pop, and cinematic instrumental tracks.

Q: Can you help with getting my music on Spotify, Apple Music, etc?

A: Yes! This is done with a distributor. We can help you get signed up and have a referral discount code you can use.

Q: Is your studio a good space for a full band live recording?

A: Unfortunately, no. While the studio is a quiet, well sound-conditioned space, it’s best for solo artists or small groups. For full bands at Oak Hill Audio, it’s best for us to record each instrument and voice separately to get the best results. If getting a live recording of your full band is what you really want, I recommend checking out Pink Moon Sound and Auralation.

Q: What are your rates?

A: Our rates depend on the project, and we aim to make it accessible for everyone we work with. We offer à la carte rates for specific services like recording, mixing and mastering and we offer discounts and bundle rates for large projects such as album creation and film scoring. For fellow artists, we have bundled rates to help transform your demos and songs-in-progress into fully-produced, radio-ready tracks that include recording, mixing, and mastering at a flat rate. Let us know what you’re working on!

Q: Do you have any promotions and discounts for artists?

A: Yes! We aim to make our rates accessible for artists. We have ongoing special discounts throughout the year, bundled rates, and ongoing referral bonus discounts. Get in touch to learn more!

Hello

Oak Hill Audio was founded by me, Travis Tench. I’m a musician, producer, and organizer. I made my way down to Knoxville from NYC in 2019 and have been working to contribute to the artistic community in East Tennessee since.

My mission as an artist is to inspire joy, connection, hope, and progress through creativity and collaboration.