Producer - Composer - Photographer - and More

 

Music is something that has been close to me since a young age. From the time that I could first take on an instrument, I did. Starting on trombone in school, then to guitar, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, I have always reached to explore a broad range of music. I'm known by most for my six-string bass playing encompassing various techniques such as slap & pop and two-hand tapping. I also specialize in electric and acoustic guitar. From the first 4-track and drum machine I used to layer together basic songs with guitar at age 13. To the multi-platform project studio (Squank Sound Studio) that I own today in Lane County, Oregon. Making music is a deep part of me. Something I describe as a rushing waterfall of creativity that never runs dry. I work on music as a independent recording-artist with Squanky Kong, and with side projects as a musician, composer, and/or producer.

Producing is something that I truly have a passion. Using my abilities to help other creative minds develop and realize their musical visions. As a musician and recording-artist, I relate to those being produced. With a laid-back, easygoing approach I keep the production comfortable and fruitful while staying organized and focused. With experience in handling the full process of making albums from concept to finished product working with my own small label, I am also a well-versed recording engineer. With the right tools and budget I have the know-how to produce high-quality productions to parallel any level in the business. Meanwhile combined with a strong business sense, working with a budget or production of any size is well within my capabilities. All with ease and lean operations. With a diverse background in music, I can work with artists and bands doing a variety of Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country, & more.

Composing is something that I enjoy beyond my personal work as a recording-artist. I work to create tracks intended specifically for TV, Film, Video, Games, and other sync purposes. I am open to working with production music libraries, or a commission for custom compositions (i.e. TV/ Film Composing). Coming from such a diverse background, I write well in various genres including: Jazz, Blues, Funk, Fusion, Electronica, Alternative/ Modern Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive/ Psychedelic/ Classic Rock, Singer-songwriter, and Film Score. I always enjoy new challenges employing an open palette with endless ideas.

Sound Engineering is something that came natural with my pursuit of music. It all started by recording my own music at a young age. Eventually it all led to studying more- and in time -opening my own recording studio and sound company in western Oregon. Recording is something I specialize in when it comes to sound engineerng, with a focus on tracking and editing. I'm available to work as a recording engineer, and consultant.

Photography is something that started as a hobby with an inclination to travel, exploring the countryside and cities. Since then I have become active on the side semiprofessionally working with stock photography. As with what started with my hobby, the subject matter is usually related to nature, the outdoors, architecture, landscapes, cities, and travel.

I have a residence in Los Angeles, CA, in addition to a residence and recording studio near Eugene, OR.
Most of my current time is being spent in the Los Angeles area.


 

My Resume (.pdf)

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Contact:

Phone: 1-818-748-6161

Email: james (at) squank.com

  • Multifaceted with notable abilities in recording engineering in addition to playing electric/acoustic guitar and six-string electric bass.
  • Strong business organizational skills coming from his varied background in Pro Audio sales/ management (including studio design), and running his own small businesses.
  • Laid-back, easygoing personality excelling in professionalism while providing motivating and creatively nourishing support for those he works with.

Producing:

Halie Loren - Full Circle

Jazz-infused breed of intelligent Piano-Rock presented with a richly textured, emotive voice and compelling song interpretations. She gets in your head, plunges you into darkly-effervescent musical waters and pulls you on an emotional journey.

Credits: Producer, Engineer, Bass*, Guitar*, Percussion

Olen Kent - A Different Cycle

Olen expresses hope and beauty in the darker side of life with his unique style of music. He mixes various styles including country, folk, rock & roll, classic rock, and more. This album is a relaxing journey to a new sound backed by Olen's unique and dynamic vocals.

Credits: Producer, Engineer, Bass*, Guitar, Perc., Graphic Design

Samples:

Maybe I'll Fly

Sand

Alone

Kitty*

Samples:

Hideaway

My Mind

The Dark*

Dead Shall Rise*

(Project Alpha) : Universal Reversal

A rare group of musicians performing a "spontaneous" blending of jazz, blues, funk, and more. Featuring Joseph Wooten on keyboards playing along side Squankidonk (James M. House) on six-string bass with special guests like Don Latarski on guitar.

Credits: Producer, Engineer, Composer, Bass, Graphic Design

Squanky Kong


Squanky%20Kong
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Personal work with Squanky Kong.
2 albums (SEE- www.squankykong.com)

Credits: Producer, Engineer, Composer, Lyricist, Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Synth, Graphic Design, Art Concept.

Samples:

Squank #3

A Mind of Games

Rivers of Neptune

Miniature Spanish Conquistador

Composing:

 
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I enjoy making music for sync to Film, TV, Games, etc. In addition, most of my original music from the past is available for licensing.

I am not one of those composers that says they can do anything. However, there are various styles or genres that I work on with strength. Those include a variety of Rock styles (such as Modern, Classic, Progressive, Heavy Metal, Electronica, Art), Funk, Blues, Jazz, Fusion, Electronic (Trance, Ambient, Hybrid), Singer-Songwriter, and Film Score.

To the right you see three sections. The "Solo Compositions" are the material I produce independently. "Squanky Kong" is the material that I work on as a recording-artist, encompassing the greatest creative exploration and experimentation. "Universal Reversal" is a freestyle Fusion album that I made in 2001.

Simply find the track you want to hear, and find the corresponding number and title in the MP3 player above. They are all full-length.

These files are mostly all 192 kps MP3s for preview purposes. The actual quality of the recordings is 1411 kps, CD (.wav) quality (44.1hz 16-bit).

Keep in mind...
I am available for commissioned work as well. Whether TV/ Film composing or just making custom tracks for a music library.

The songs are listed with title, running time, and style.
(I) represents an instrumental composition while (V) denotes a composition containing vocals. NOTE: Most of the songs with vocals can be prepared without vocals with a fairly fast turnaround.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solo Compositions

1. On the Cool Down - 1:34 (Rock/ Blues) (I)
2. Apocalyptic Horizon - 4:08 (Rock/ Electronica)
(I)
3. Ballad of the Badass - 1:39 (Rock/ Metal)
(I)
4. In Tro La Funk - :48 (Rock/ Funk) (I)
5. Anticipating It - 3:02 (Rock/ Alternative) (I)

41. Trip Trade - 3:45 (Electronic/ Trance) (I)
42. Galactic Amazement - 4:29 (Electronic/ Ambient) (I)

Squanky Kong

6. The Living Machines - 9:38 (Art Rock) (V)
7. Aluminum Overcast - 5:15 (New Jazz) (I)
8. An Inward Pull - 3:23 (Latin) (V)
9. Water Torture - 4:12 (Alternative/ Rock) (V)
10. A Mooncalf's Merrymaking - 3:48 (Alternative/ Rock) (V)
11. Dirge III - 8:09 (Art/ Progressive Rock) (V)
12. Sun Shall Shine - 4:50 (Modern Rock) (V)
13. The Wheelbarrow Man - 8:08 (Progressive Rock (V)

14. Government Cheese - 7:38 (Jazz/ R&B/ Hip-Hop) (V)
15. Manana Pretana Tequila - 5:00 (Latin Fusion) (I)
16. A King Without a Name - 6:23 (Progressive Rock) (I)
17. Invasion of the Stupid People - 6:33 (Heavy Rock) (V)
18. An Antimatter Anomaly - 7:28 (Experimental/ Rock) (I)
19. Primordial Ooze - 1:08 (Electronic) (I)
20. The Personal Polluter - 5:13 (Alternative/ Rock) (I)
21. A Cool Evening Breeze - 4:38 (Alternative/ Rock) (V)
22. The Price of Gold - 6:14 (Rock/Blues) (I)
23. Too Busy to Live - 4:17 (Electronic) (V)
24. Momentary Clarity - 4:55 (Experimental) (I)
25. How Disturbing - 2:38 (Experimental) (I)
26. I Want More - 5:33 (Alternative/ Rock) (V)
27. Mirror Image - 3:39 (Experimenta/ Rockl) (I)
28. Predator to Prey - 4:08 (Alternative/ Rock) (V)
29. A Mistaken Assumption - 9:06 (Experimental/ Rock) (I)

Universal Reversal
Jazz (Fusion) (I)

30. Rivers of Neptune - 8:10
31. Miniature Spanish Conquistador - 4:59
32. Not Quite Sure - 4:45
33. Squank #3 - 4:22
34. Slave to the Slack - 7:48
35. What the Heck - 5:30
36. Sudden Sunday Driver - 11:00
37. Middle Eastern Mayhem - 9:25
38. Blues Ending - 2:43
39. A Produced Reality - 9:10
40. The Air's Not So Thin - 9:19

Photography:

The largest selection of my photos, at the highest quality, are available to order prints and rights managed licensing through PhotoShelter. SEE - Gallery right

I currently have some of my photos available for Royalty-Free licensing through Shutterstock, Can Stock Photo, and Fotosearch.

Shutterstock has a referral program for photographers and photo buyers... so if you got some pictures sitting around to try licensing, or are wanting to join to buy.
My referral # is 403207. Or use one of the links below... 

Submit Photos to Shutterstock -or- Download unlimited stock photos!

 
From Nature to the City - Images by James M. House