About Aural Alchemists
About
Aural Alchemists
[awr-uhl] [al-kuh-mists]: artists who are dedicated to the craftsmanship of music. They’re obsessed with how sound is transformed into feeling. They create with care and intent.
Meet Your New Creative Partner
My Background
Since 2017, I have been writing, producing, and engineering music. It started with cheap DIY projects but evolved into collaborations with vibrant artists, leading and producing my own band, and working at one of Chicago’s premier recording studios.
- Produced and engineered music for artists in Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and beyond.
- Collegiate education in Recording Arts & Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University
- Produced the music for 50+ live videos as musical director for Midwest Music Deposit
- Worked as a staff producer & engineer at Gravity Studios in Chicago
- 15+ years as a musician while performing with a variety of singers, rappers, and bands
How To Get Started
Step 1. Book A Free Audit
In a production call, we assess your vision, challenges, and opportunities.
Step 2. Holistic Support
I guide your project towards success with a holistic production process.
Step 3. Share Your Vision
You walk away with a record that's impactful, polished, and uniquely you.
My Philosophy On Music
A good song is more than just pretty, organized sounds — it’s an instant and visceral form of emotional communication.
That’s why I’m obsessed with how music transforms sound into feeling. It has the power to create magical moments in people’s lives, just like it has in mine.
So, I believe any song should be greater than the sum of its parts:
- It makes people feel first. Then they make them think and move.
- It respects the heritage, tradition, and culture behind that it stands on.
- It only shows useful authenticity as confusion and falsehood weaken its impact.
Music that stands the test of time connects with people on a spiritual level. That’s why I focus on the details that add depth and longevity to your work. Every lyric, every melody, every sonic choice matters.
The result? Music that creates a lasting connection and impact. This mindset is what guides how I show up in every project. It reflects what I value in music and collaboration.
Why My Colleagues Trust Me
Kentrell Drummond
CEO & Creative Director @Midwest Music Deposit
“CJ is an exceptional engineer, music producer, and content curator. His dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to his craft are truly remarkable… His presence alone elevates any environment, and his relentless pursuit of excellence consistently yields outstanding results…”
Ramsey Valentyn
Studio Manager @Gravity Studios
“CJ’s attention to detail and finely-tuned ear allow for precision that I’ve rarely seen elsewhere in my career. If you are looking for a passionate audio engineer who will invest their very soul into your recording project, I would absolutely recommend working with CJ.”
Liv Roskos
Event Producer @OAD Productions
“He is personable and professional. His attention to detail is impeccable and he pays close attention to the needs of the artist… He makes everyone’s jobs easy and leaves the guess work out of the production process… I would highly recommend booking CJ for all your engineering and production needs!”
5 Principles You & I Will Abide By
1. Do the right thing, even if it costs an arm and a leg. I will to tell you the truth, take ownership of my actions, and be selfless as much as possible.
2. Use superior effort or no effort at all. I go all-in on the projects I care about, and if I can’t give you my best effort, then I won’t work with you.
3. Aim for 1% improvement every day. Every moment we work together, I will strive to pull out your best and my best. And guess what? After all of that, I’ll still ask for better.
4. Take life by the horns and ride it into the ground. I don’t let the challenges your music brings intimidate me. I’ll take them head-on because I want the best out of anything we work on.
5. Do not tolerate liabilities under any circumstance. I won’t allow anything to get in the way of your music — not me, not my team, not even you.
I value integrity, hard work, and growth. I work with artists who do the same. If any of this turns you off in any way, shape, or form, then I understand. However, if what I’m saying resonates with you, then contact me today to get started!