Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donovan Capron. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Donovan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I’ve always had a passion for music and came from a line of musicians in my family. Growing up as a kid, I was inspired by those around me; dedicated church musicians who were not just pioneers in their own right but also wielded cool gear like sequencers to create beats. They would share stories of their studio escapades, and I was captivated. In the 90s, the beat-making scene was on fire; you didn’t need to be a rapper or singer to be part of the magic, Just look at Timbaland or Dr. Dre, and you’d see that producers were the real wizards behind the curtain.

Armed with a dream to one day be as good as these icons, I begged my parents for a drum set and a keyboard. From there, I embarked on a self-taught journey that would shape my career. Of course, technology wasn’t as sophisticated back then as it is now, we’re talking Windows 3.1 era and analog here. I practiced for countless hours recording and making beats. Starting out, there wasn’t any special ways to save my work so I had to save my progress on cassette tapes. Completing my first full song at just seven years old felt like a monumental achievement. There was no luxury of quantizing or looping, so I had to play the parts with perfect precision every time the whole way through. One mistake in any layer meant starting everything over from scratch….EMOTIONAL DAMAGE and thoughts of speaking in Cursive were discovered for the first time.

When I first debut my song for family and friends to hear, they reaction was extremely positive. Not only were they impressed but I was pretty shocked and found it exhilarating that I could do something like this especially at a young age. I felt like I achieved the impossible. With the positive reactions, I became hooked on making beats and songs where I was excited to wake up and do it all over again.

As I delved deeper into my craft, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the world of audio engineering. I wanted to understand not just how to create music, but also the intricate artistry behind it—the technology, the nuance of the impact sound waves to mind, body, soul, and the magic that transforms raw sound into mesmerizing experiences. Whether in a studio or on stage, I wanted to be sort of like an alchemist of audio. My journey had just begun, and with every beat, I felt like I was stepping into a new world of limitless possibilities waiting to be discovered.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Donovan Capron, a Gospel Music Producer and Audio Engineer, and I am thrilled to have the honor of sharing about what I do! Growing up in a musical family of faith, I was exposed to seeing people operating in both their faith and gifting, sparking my passion for music and leading me to discover the world of sound engineering while not needing to compromise my faith to fit any molds. One of my mentors and uncle, “Calvin Williams”, gave me this blueprint, leading to much of my success and others in various spaces.

Now, I have the privilege of helping gospel artists shine by creating studio-quality sounds that elevate the vision of their music to new heights. Whether it’s crafting the perfect mix for a heartfelt ballad or ensuring a live performance ignites the audience, I’m all about delivering excellence. With over 20 years of experience and certified audio engineering skills and music composition, I can guarantee that every song will be perfectly polished.

I’ve done work for notable names in the gospel industry along with countless events for Fortune 500 companies.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Having a vibrant vision is absolutely ESSENTIAL! As a producer, I believe it’s crucial to dive deeper than just lyrics and words. Music is a language transcending straight into intellect and soul. My mission is to transform the artist’s vision and lyrics into an unforgettable experience every time the play button is hit (like candied yams touching the mac & cheese, A TOTAL EXPERIENCE!) I love telling stories through my production, ensuring that listeners feel every emotion and never have to wonder what the song is about.

There was once a time when I was asked to do a song about heartbreak, and I used heartbeats for the kick drum, for the snare glass shattering laced with a deeper snare, and low distortion guitars written in the blues scale, and it became a primed canvas to enhance the story once the lyrics were added. For Gospel productions, I pray before playing and ask the Holy Spirit to lead me into playing what will be necessary for creating the atmosphere for deliverance or inspiration needed for the listeners. While God blesses many with skill, there is something special that happens when the Holy Spirit is with you in the creative process. Having witnessed countless miracles or life changing events because of the yielding to be used by the Holy Spirit, is one of the reasons I love working in Gospel productions.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a decline in the art of storytelling through music. Great music should evoke emotions and stir feelings! It’s not just about having a catchy beat or clever lyrics, though both are important, but about creating a connection. Listeners may forget the specifics, but they will always remember how a song made them feel. That’s what keeps them coming back for more! Dino Nuggets or Filet Mignon?

Client experience is the heartbeat of any business. Clients are sharing their most sensitive and personal projects, (sometimes written from vulnerable places) it’s a profound trust. As I first take on a production, I often find myself acting as a musical therapist, guiding clients through their creative journeys, something I find very rewarding and allows me a deeper connection with clients.

Exceptional customer service is essential; it’s not just about hearing requests but truly taking them in, even when they might not align perfectly with the project’s vision. The ability to listen and empathize can make all the difference. And let’s not forget about energy! The vibe you bring to the table must uplift and inspire, ensuring that everyone feels motivated to unlock their creativity. You are trying to get the best out of your talent, so you have to make sure your vibe doesn’t kill theirs, if so, the project will never move forward completely.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The finished product of the song is always great. However, the most rewarding is playing back the finished product and having it help, encourage, or minister to someone in need where other songs can’t. For the artist, it may be a personal song for them but when the song is released, it has the power to reach the masses in a special way. Knowing that God uses me to help not only bring an artist’s vision to life but also change the lives of others as well is THE MOST rewarding experience and makes all the hours and work definitely worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeaCea
• Other: donovancapron@gmail.com

Image Credits

Tom Eckblad
Image Revive Photography
Lindsey Capron