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.

The Creative Partnership You Deserve

Making a record should be exciting, immersive, and transformative — not stressful. I help artists move past technical frustrations and creative roadblocks, so they can focus on making the best music of their lives.

Working with me is a partnership rooted in growth—one that truly understands and champions your artistry.

Every project I take on is about pushing creative boundaries while empowering the artist’s vision. My goal is to help you create music that defines your career.

But powerful music doesn’t happen by accident. It’s often forged in the middle of messy, high-stakes roadblocks — places that can cause the project to fall flat. That’s where I come in.

A Hands-On Partner In Your Corner

Hi, I’m CJ. I developed my approach to music production over the course of 7 years through a mix of trial by fire, formal training, and mentorship.

I’m a hands-on collaborator with a background in composition, Jazz saxophone, and engineering across the American soup of genres.

I believe direct, thoughtful communication that fosters trust and creativity. When you work with me, I create a relaxed, exploratory environment. This allows time to experiment and refine each element of your music with purpose.

You won’t find a yes-man here — you’ll get honest feedback and insight to push your project to its full potential. If that sounds right to you, then book a clarity call to see if we’re a good fit!

My Philosophy On Music

My obsession is with how music transforms sound into feeling. A good song is more than just pretty, organized sounds — it’s an instant and visceral form of emotional communication. It has the power to mark pivotal 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. Great music:

Makes people feel first. Then they make them think and move.
Respects the heritage, tradition, and culture behind that it stands on.
Only shows useful authenticity as confusion and falsehood weaken its impact.

Music that endures time is felt on 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 deeply connects with people and leaves a lasting 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!