Engineers and Producers
"Exit"
Mark "Exit" Goodchild spent his summer mixing Michael Jackson records on tour with Akon, where he and the multi-platinum artist/producer spent hours everyday recording many of Akon’s upcoming Interscope projects in a full-blown studio on the tour bus. Exit relocated to Atlanta to fulfill his aspirations of a career in the music business, something he was having a difficult time doing as a DJ in his native New Hampshire. Implementing his musical knowledge and his DJ skill set to engineering over years of hard work, Exit has built an impressive discography and a long list of very happy clients. Exit has perfected his skills working with some of the biggest names in music, including Akon, P. Diddy, Santana, Outkast, TLC, Stevie Nicks, Cher, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, Lionel Richie, Cee-Lo, Claudette Ortiz and T-Pain. Now that he's back in Atlanta, his constantly hectic work schedule, his work as a Big Brothers mentor on the weekends and a full time infatuation with several styles of Nikes are more than enough to keep him from retiring back to the Granite State anytime soon. Check his page for details and a full discography.
Carlton Lynn
Carlton Lynn has been working with Atlanta’s upper echelon of artists, producers, writers and musicians consistently for more than the past ten years, including Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Jasper Cameron, Big Reese and Novel, and artists such as Usher, Pink, TLC, Jennifer Hudson, Ashanti, Brandy, Goodie Mob, Bow Wow, Collective Soul and Aretha Franklin. Carlton’s personality, ability and work ethic quickly built a client base that made it possible for him to work on some big records early on in his career, including TLC’s Fanmail. Carlton received a Grammy along with the group for Best R&B Album in 2000.
Recently, Carlton has been recording and mixing for J Records' Leona Lewis, mixing for Nikki Flores, recording and mixing for Sugababes, and recording for Justin Timberlake's new artist Esmee Denters. Earlier this year, Carlton mixed six songs on Lloyd's platinum album Streetlove including the number one smash, “Youâ€. Carlton is currently building his own studio facility in Atlanta.
Ben Allen
Ben has had a storied career to-date, both as an engineer and as a producer. Cutting his teeth in the studios of New York City, Ben came up the ranks in the Bad Boy camp, engineering records with Puff Daddy, Mase, Carl Thomas and Lil’ Kim. After a brief stint working for pop producer Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, David Byrne), Ben moved back to Georgia, opened Maze Studios and began mixing underground rap records for artists such as Gangsta Boo, Rasheeda, and Bonecrusher, quickly becoming a fixture in the Atlanta hip hop scene.
In 2001, Ben worked his first sessions with Cee-Lo Green and a quick friendship was struck. Their mutual interest in avant garde rock as well as the more muscular rhythms of Atlanta’s rap sound made for brilliant studio sessions that evolved into Cee Lo’s second solo project, 2004’s Cee Lo Green is the Soul Machine. The two continued their working relationship on the Gnarls Barkley project, St. Elsewhere. “Crazyâ€, the 1st single from St. Elsewhere, was a gigantic US and international hit and the 1 single in the UK for 9 weeks. Recorded and mixed by Allen, the album went on to win a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album for 2006.
Allen continues to exercise considerable influence as a mixer and is also making his mark as a producer. Working with his writing partner, Tony Reyes, Ben produced and co-wrote “Here to Stay†on Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics, which debuted at 1. The duo also remixed the track for an international Pepsi ad campaign.
Currently, Ben is developing Atlanta-based collective The Constellations, a Southern take on the concept of the Gorillaz: cross-genre, left of center, beat-based music with a distinctively Southern feel. Ben is also busy with production work with several local artists; he has worked on projects from Y.O.U. and Gringo Starr and recently completed the 2nd LP for local psychedelic rock group All the Saints.
Ben also owns Maze Studios
Sam Thomas
A graduate of Full Sail, Sam relocated to Atlanta in the spring of 2000, just in time for the urban music boom that was hitting the city. Sam and Bryan-Michael Cox got together shortly thereafter, working on some of the biggest hits in pop, hip-hop, and R&B music. Sam has recorded or mixed with the entire left side of the charts: Mary J. Blige, Ciara, Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross, Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, Omarion, Ludacris, TLC, Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Joe, Lloyd and countless others. Recently, Sam has plenty of reasons to be excited: he’s been busy mixing Chris Brown, Joe, Young Stef and B5, as well as a couple of songs for Chris’ new movie, tentatively titled “This Christmasâ€. Sam has also been heavily involved in several TV projects, having tracked and mixed the Making the Band 4 theme song in addition to several songs on the album, and recording material with “Mission Manband†during the making of their series for VH1.
While Sam would eventually like to mix full time, he enjoys tracking and has also been busy as a writer: Sam just collaborated on “Ghetto†for J. Holiday’s new release with Donnie Scantz. Thomas, a skilled guitarist, would also like to produce in the future.
Vernon Mungo
Vernon Mungo grew up loving the Caribbean rhythms of soca and calypso as well as Run DMC and the hip-hop culture that was growing up right along with him. He moved to Atlanta as a computer science major, and in June 1995, Vernon transferred to Georgia State’s music program, which opened the door for him to intern at DARP studios. Vernon was hired a year later as an assistant engineer, working primarily with mix engineer Alvin Speights. Vernon left DARP in 2001 and has been busy ever since. ‘VDiddy’ (the nickname 112 gave him) has worked with producers Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Brian-Michael Cox, Mario Winans, Dre & Vidal, Tim & Bob, Sean Garrett, Warren Campbell, Oak, and Track Starz. His credits include the Destiny’s Child single, “Bills†and album Writing’s on the Wall, Ciara’s Evolution, Fantasia’s Fantasia, OutKast’s Idlewild, Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun and Grammy nominated projects Lionel Richie’s Coming Home, Jamie Foxx’s Unpredictable, India Arie’s Voyage to India, and TLC’s Fanmail. Vernon is especially proud of the last two 112 projects, both of which he tracked in their entirety. Recently, he also recorded the R.Kelly written and produced single "Hush" for R&B singer Jaheim’s soon to be released album. Vernon’s also been working on new projects from Kelly Roland, Rick Ross, Bow Wow & Omarion, and Chris Brown.
Miles Walker
Nashville transplant Miles Walker’s everyday gig is tracking for Sean “The Pen†Garrett (who’s responsible for "Yeah" for Usher, "Ring the Alarm" for Beyonce, "Run it" for Chris Brown, and "Soldier" for Destiny's Child, among other hits). Together, they have worked on lead singles for Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Nicole Scherzinger. Miles is also looking forward to showing off his abilities on Garrett’s upcoming solo album; he tracked all the songs for the project and hopes to mix several songs as well. Before teaming with Garrett, Miles worked with Usher, recording tracks for Usher's upcoming project and R&B group One Chance’s J Records debut. Miles also worked with Usher’s brother, J Lack, recording "Get it Shawty" and "Hazel" for Lloyd. Miles has tracked with producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Tricky Stewart on upcoming projects for Omarion, Sammie, and Brick and Lace. OutKast and Cartoon Network fans can hear Miles’ mixing work on songs for Andre 3000’s animated series, “Class Of 3000â€.
Karl Heilbron
Graham Marsh
After cutting his engineering chops with super producers Dallas Austin and Jermaine Dupri, Graham Marsh has gone on to record with a wide range of ‘A-list’ artists and producers, including Nas, Kelis, Lionel Richie, Natalie Cole, Ciara, Sugababes, Ludacris, Joss Stone, Jazze Pha and George Clinton. Graham received a Grammy Certificate of Recognition for his engineering work on Ludacris' "Release Therapy". He’s excited to be working with Ceelo on the new Gnarls Barkley record, along with additional projects for Ceelo’s new venture, Radiculture. G Ram has also been spending many hours in the studio with up and coming producers Ben Allen (Christina Aguilera, Gnarls Barkley) and Novel (Alicia Keys, Joss Stone). Graham has been working with Ben on new artists Asher Roth and Kate Earl, and co-writing with Novel for his upcoming record. Graham also recently achieved his first success as a producer, placing a song on Leona Lewis’ project. The song, "Myself", was co-written by Graham and Novel and performed by Leona and Novel for her J Records debut, due early 2008.Paul Sheehy
Paul Sheehy studied at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona for two years before making his way to Atlanta to break into the city’s thriving music scene. Paul “broke in†quickly at Dallas Austin’s DARP, rapidly progressing from intern to recording engineer. Sheehy worked with talented producers Dallas Austin, Lil’ Jon, No ID, Jasper Cameron, Novel and Kanye West as well as artists Gwen Stefani, Nas, Janet Jackson, TLC, Leona Lewis, Sugababes and Cee Lo. Excelling at both the technical component of the studio and working closely with artists and clients, Paul was named studio manager at DARP, a position he held for five years. In addition to freelance work, Paul is also currently involved in two musical groups, Diabolik and Knivezout. While Paul enjoys both tracking and mixing, he looks forward to mixing more records and producing for outside artists.Rob Skipworth
Rob moved to Atlanta right after graduation and landed at Silent Sound Studios working under local audio legend Thom “TK†Kidd. Silent Sound, a state of the art studio with a steady stream of high profile clients, proved to be the perfect setting for Rob to learn the finer points of engineering. While at Silent Sound, Rob worked with Rodney Jerkins, Train, The Bravery, Elton John, Whitney Houston, TLC, 112, Jagged Edge, Rihanna, Outkast, David Banner, Big Tymers, Ciara, Sleepy Brown, India.Arie and Rich Boy. Now that Rob has signed on with Milk Money, he’s been busy working with talents such as Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Andre 3000, Keyshia Cole, Usher, Menudo, Chingy, Chilli (TLC) and Polow Da Don as well as new artists and producers Dirty Rose, Sy Scott, Ray Lavender, Soundz, One Chance, The Pack, Poli Paul, and Dolla.Jay Stevenson
Jay came to Atlanta in 2005 from Arizona, where he was a music major at Arizona State University and a graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. Hired as an intern at Patchwerk Recording Studios, soon Jay was providing support for many local mix engineers, including Leslie Braithwaite, Fabian Marasciullo, Ray Seay and Marcella Araica. After just a couple of months, Jay started working more tracking sessions with artists including Amerie, JC Chasez of N-Sync, Young Buck, Slick Pulla, Eightball and MJG, UGK and Gucci Mane. Leaving Patchwerk in May of 2006 to begin freelance work, Jay was immediately busy with DJ Drama and Don Cannon of the Aphilliates, including tracking Cannon’s entire project with artists Swizz Beats, Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, Clipse, Lloyd and others. Starting off the year with Milk Money, Jay worked with DTP artist Shareefa, producers Justice League, writer Ryon Toby and B. Cox's group Dirty Rose before landing the coveted gig at Hitland with JLack and Usher. He is currently wrapping up Usher’s upcoming album and has been working alongside JLack on several projects, including Yellawolf, Ne-Yo’s upcoming album, and Bow Wow and Omarion’s new album.Blake Eiseman
Mix engineer Blake Eiseman moved from Miami to Atlanta in 1991 to work at Doppler Studios. Technical ability and an easy-going demeanor help Blake excel at recording and mixing work with a wide variety of artists. Blake has mixed records for Usher (Blake received a Grammy nomination for Confessions), Janet Jackson, James Brown, Boyz II Men, Arrested Development, 3LW and others. Eiseman also strongly supports Atlanta’s music scene. He’s on the NARAS Board of Governors and has worked with many local artists. While he’s been busy tracking on new projects for Jay-Z, Nelly, Bow Wow and Omarion, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, Eiseman’s goal is to do more mixing work. Blake prides himself in being very versatile and enjoys working in many different styles of music.
Musicians
Tony Reyes
Tony has been a first call session musician for many years. A not so secret weapon of Dallas Austin’s, Tony’s guitar, bass, keyboards and background vocals have graced a multitude of hit records. Gwen Stefani’s Love Angel Music Baby, Shakira’s Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 as well as songs from such varied artists as Natalie Cole, Anastacia, Janet Jackson, Staind, Stacie Orrico, Kelis, Christina Milian, Shakira and Sugababes have all featured Tony’s musical ability. With major songwriting contributions on Introducing Joss Stone and Elliott Yamin, Tony is garnering more attention for his writing skills. Tony co-wrote “Reason To Believe†with Lionel Richie and Dallas Austin for Lionel’s album Coming Home. Along with Ben Allen, Tony co-wrote and co-produced the Christina Aguilera track "Here to Stay" for Back to Basics. Recently, Tony’s been writing with J Records’ Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), Justin Timberlake’s artist, Esmee Denters and with hit songwriters Scott Cutler and Anne Preven (Beyonce’s “Listenâ€, Natalie Imbruglia’s “Tornâ€) for various projects.
Mike Hartnett
CEO
Monica Tannian
Milk Money’s founder Monica Tannian left the business to her capable staff for a few weeks in October to join the ‘Kenya: Water is Life program’ in Kenya. Water scarcity in the are southern area, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya are particularly hard felt by the Maasai people who are pastoralists. They and their herds of goats, sheep and cows are regularly hard pressed to find water. Often walking 8-10 hrs/day, women will get to wells and bore holes only to find no water. The recent project was to survey a 25 miles radius track in Meshanani, a small village outside of Amboseli Reserve. They spent many days in the bush profiling the land and doing soundings. Good news, soundings confirmed a viable, potable water source. However, water is estimated to be found at a depth of 160m-200m and further fund raising efforts are the next step.Artists and Producers we’ve worked with in 2008 include:
Jay-Z, Kanye West, Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Cee Lo, Gnarls Barkley, Missy, Timbaland, Ludacris, Pharrell, Animal Collective, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Robyn, Fantasia, Beyonce, Fergie, Robin Thicke, Chris Brown, Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls), Rihanna, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes, Sean Garrett, Goodie MOB, Britney Spears, Jermaine Dupri, Keyshia Cole, Dallas Austin, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Lil’ Jon, Jamie Foxx, Nelly, Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Polow Da Don, Maroon 5, Ciara, Enrique Iglesias, Novel, David Banner, No I.D., Asher Roth, Keri Hilson, Chrissette Michelle, Common, NKOTB, Lil’ Mama, Dream, Rich Boy, DJ Toomp, LeToya Luckett, Mario, Lionel Richie, Trey Songz, Amerie, Nas, Rock City, Epiphany, Janelle Monae, UGK, Stargate, Gorilla Zoe, Monica, Stat Quo, Jesse McCartney, Kardinal Offishall, Game, E-40, Bow Wow, Leona Lewis, Dondria, Jo Jo, Jaheim, Ashanti, Rodney Jerkins, Snowden, Lindsay Lohan, Yung Joc, Flo Rida, Jordyn Taylor, Kate Earl, Ray Scott, Goapele, One Chance, Solange, Algebra, Sweet Rush, London, Michelle Williams, Reni Lane, N’dea Davenport and Brand New Heavies, K. Briscoe and Outsyders, Kuya, Justice League, Tricky Stewart, MTV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and on the movie soundtracks for Hancock and Kung Fu Panda.