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

Alright, Mikhail thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started learning music by shadowing other producers. Once I got the hang of the software, I had to figure out instruments, arrangement, and sound composition. This took countless hours of practice, mainly trying to mimic my favorite producers like Dre, Timbo, and The Neptunes. Looking back, I wish I had taken piano lessons early on. Imagination is crucial in this field – it’s key to creating new sounds and avoiding getting stuck in a formula. The only thing that held me back was my focus on boxing during my teens. I didn’t really start my music journey until I was 18.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

By the end of high school, I was all about music production. It was pure excitement – I never thought of it as a career, just something I loved. Back in 2006, there were no YouTube tutorials, and few producers around, so collaborating with others was the best way to learn. This led to forming a production group called Northern Profit with Pops, Arthur McArthur, and me. We started competing in hip-hop beat battles across North America and won almost every time. This success opened doors to work with major label artists and eventually become full-time producers. We later went our separate ways, and I kept traveling, working with artists worldwide, and exploring new sounds. As a music producer, songwriter, artist developer, and audio engineer, I offer a range of services to help artists achieve their vision. I also teach at The Remix Project arts school, mentoring up-and-coming musicians. I deliver high-quality tracks, help artists find their unique sound, guide them through their careers, and ensure the best possible recordings. What sets me apart is my extensive experience, unique taste, sound design, and broad imagination. I’m proud of the impact my work has on artists’ careers and the joy it brings to listeners. My goal is to create a lasting legacy in the music industry, helping artists connect with audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a new artist or established, I’m here to bring your musical vision to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

n 2023, I got the chance to score music for a Coke Zero March Madness commercial. It was my first high-level commercial gig, and I knew the competition would be tough with 50 other musicians submitting their versions. We worked day and night and kept advancing – top 20, top 10, top 5, top 3, and finally, it was down to us and one other contender. I just had a gut feeling we would win. And we did – Coke loved our take the most. But the work wasn’t over; we had to keep refining it to make it perfect for the commercial.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The most impactful videos I’ve watched are by Bashar Channeling. His insights really resonate with me and inspire me to follow my passions fearlessly. I highly recommend his videos to anyone in the creative field or anyone feeling held back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trackears.com
• Instagram: @mikhailsound
• Linkedin: Mikhail Cronin
• Twitter: @mikhailsound
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mikhailsound