Blake Straus
Music Producer / Composer / Music Director / Celebrity Private Guitar Teacher
Los Angeles, CA
blakestraus.com
instagram @blakestraus
Q What do you do?
“I’m a multi-instrumentalist/multi-genre producer for major label artists, award winning composer + music director for Fortune 100 companies, and private guitar + music theory teacher to some of the world’s biggest artists & songwriters looking to expand their craft.”
Some artists I've had the honor of working with include Khalid, Halsey, Kehlani, Michael Bublé, Olivia Rodrigo, Demi Lovato, V of BTS, Blackbear, YG, Yungblud, Tory Lanez, Lil Yachty, Blxst, and many more found here.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I grew up transcribing my favorite punk records as a kid, & oddly enough ended up falling in love with harmony. It led me to teaching guitar lessons to fellow classmates in high school. After graduating college with majors in Jazz & Classical Composition, I became a session & touring musician, traveling the world with many household name artists.
I learned how to produce records on the back of the tourbus, pestering the acts I toured with to send me stems of their latest single so I could try my hand at making remixes. Once I got home from touring, I entered the world of writing & producing songs for major label artists. My accomplishments there helped immerse myself into other musical outlets like film scoring & music directing, making me a proper obnoxious music slashie.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I pride myself on my ability to translate the emotion of the client's vision into a musical story that resonates with their audience. Beyond that, being a nerdy multi-instrumentalist with the ability to transcribe/play entire musical pieces on first listen definitely comes in handy in the studio.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently finishing up albums for a few of my favorite artists, scoring ads for commercial brands, and teaching elevated guitar/music theory lessons to a select celebrity clientele who are looking to fast track their progress in learning.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I've been loving working with new creatives & storytellers in different fields that are looking for support in their musical identity. I'm lucky enough to work with artists every day, and am now excited to bring that experience into more compositional scoring opportunities.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
All self-employed creatives, say it with me: taxes!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Bounce stems.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
There is nothing more important in art than sincerity, so just be yourself unequivocally. Beyond that, gratitude is everything.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Collaborators who I typically wouldn't find in my preexisting music community.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My favorite collaborations are typically found with passionate, likeminded people who are dedicated to making the work both intentional and sincere. Good energy and gratitude goes a long way.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to email me at blakestraus@gmail.com
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Listen to other people's stories, exercise & running, showing up to my craft everyday with gratitude and no expectations.
This member profile was originally published in December 2023