Joe Varela
About Me
My name is Joseph Paul Ramón Varela.
I'm a drummer who fell in love with melody. In 2001, I started making beats and recording hip-hop on an iMac with a stolen copy of Pro Tools. As my reputation grew, I began working with hip-hop artists from all over the country and earned the ridiculous nickname "Criminal Doogie."
In 2003, I expanded my business to accommodate a wider range of styles. I've been producing/engineering records for a living ever since and I'm very thankful for all the artists who trust me with their songs. My work has been featured on Fox Television, Starbucks® stores nationwide, as well as numerous film/documentary soundtracks.
I usually work with clients in my studio but I enjoy recording in other places as well. I've also been known to play shows and tour with a few bands. This page is just a place for me to share some projects I'm proud of and meet interesting people.
These are nice things people have said about me:
"He's such a brilliant musician, aside from being a great producer."
- The Side Project, 95.3 KYRS Radio Interview
"The technical quality of the recording is nothing short of magnificent and showcases Varela's work behind the mixing board."
- The Spokesman Review
"...he is considered one of the finest engineers in the area and is one of the most sought-after Pro Tools wizards we have."
- Lilac City Nightlife
"...One of the most beautifully recorded albums to come out of Spokane in a while."
- Out There
"Joe Varela is money. ...I'm not talking about being a 'star' as in lights, camera, action, but rather real, human, radiance – the kind that shines no matter if it's day or night and shares it with anyone who comes within range."
- Spokane 7
"You still bring things out of me musically that I didn't know I had. ...My respect for you as a musician and a producer is pretty set in stone."
- Matthew Lindley (Portland-based singer/songwriter)
"Sometimes in life you will run across someone you are simply glad exists. Most of the time that is not the case, but in the case of Joe Varela you get the idea that as long as people like him are alive and procreating, the human species may have a chance of not only surviving, but perhaps even evolving again."
- Nightlife Network Magazine
Thanks for listening.
