Music is much more than sonic vibrations emanating from instruments in pitch and rhythm. What we experience as music is the manifestation of emotion in a very real physical form. What we receive as a song that makes us weep or dance or prompts us to action; this musical construct has many facilitators before ever reaching our ears and hearts. Salvador Moratillo is as passionate as the many music artists whom he works with. This Peruvian born music producer and audio engineer finds great satisfaction in the creative process of the capturing and molding of an idea and performance.
Most of us instantly know the singer, bands, and composers who have created our favorite tunes but few of us are aware of the immense impact of a producer on their final form. It’s a career which someone like Salvador pursues not because of the fame it offers but rather due to a sense of quietly weaving the musical identity of an artist and an era which will be a cultural touchstone of a particular moment.
Moratillo credits his association with famed producer Juan “JP” Negrete (known for his work with numerous Grammy Award–winning artists including Pitbull, Nelly, David Guetta, and others) and Melrose Sound for bolstering his notoriety within the industry in Hollywood, even though his resounding success in both Peru and China is unequivocally established. Salvador’s first session at Melrose Sound was an overnight recording with Icy Narco (XXL 2014 Freshman) and has led to a multiyear professional relationship.
Mr. Moratillo remarks, “JP has trusted me with many sessions over the years, counting on my skills as an engineer and pushing those skills to further be developed. Apart from that he has also noticed me as an exceptional producer and has called me in to collaborate with their new A&R team at Melrose Sound.” Regarding the benefits of conducting sessions at Melrose Sound, he informs, “I love that they have been mainly curated for artist to feel automatically inspired when going in the rooms.
From their rooms over in the Hollywood hills to their rooms at their older location on Heliotrope Ave; the rooms have been set for every sort of artist imaginable. In comparison to other studios, Melrose Sound has developed an incredible staff of engineers and industry professionals that are very well instructed on modern vocal recording and production. The staff, from their engineers to their interns, are all given the chance to learn from each other. They’ve created a beautiful space where everyone collaborates with each other and is respected equally.”
The rooms at Melrose Sound offer great diversity for a producer and audio engineer like Salvador Moratillo, as evidenced by the artists and sessions he has worked with there. From a female guitar phenom who rose to fame via TikTok to a rapper who was nominated for BET music video of the year, and beyond, they are eclectic and speak to different demographics of music fans.
They are also from various parts of the world. Overseeing tracking and vocal production on American rapper GirlzluhDev (177k monthly listeners) single “Dangerously N Luv” and “AMG” or Jamaican artist Lila Ike’s (559k monthly listeners) fusion of reggae and modern R&B elements, Salvador cultivates the uniqueness of each artists’ message. Moratillo worked closely with EP Luis Bordeaux (Lil Tjay, H.E.R, Lil Durk, and more) on an Amaal Nuux (62k monthly listeners) session at Melrose Sound. Amaal’s contemporary R&B style differs greatly from that of Li Rye (107k Monthly listeners) but this variety is intoxicating to Salvador.
He declares, “Every artist has a distinct voice and it’s my responsibility to enhance and showcase that uniqueness. Whether it’s through arranging, instrumentation, or vocal production, I use my expertise to create a musical backdrop that complements the artist’s strengths and brings out the best in their performance. In the studio, I help cultivate a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere. I encourage experimentation and creativity while maintaining a strong focus on quality and coherence. It’s crucial to strike the right balance between innovation and relatability so the music feels fresh and exciting while still appealing to a broad audience.”
Though always intrigued by working with different types of artists, Salvador concedes that a large portion of those whom he is currently working with are female music artists.
He remarks, “I truly love female artists. I feel like I tend to curate safe creative spaces, especially for women, when producing them and recording them. This has made it easy for me to be recommended to work with mainly female vocalists. I am also a huge advocate for female artistry and their success in this tough industry which is especially tough for women.”
“I have a true passion for female vocals and female song writing. I feel like when I am in sessions with female artists, they tend to be more open about their feelings and what the song might be about. I like to connect deeply with artists when it comes to songwriting and really be able to open about emotions when in the studio.”
Moratillo has been working with English singer/songwriter Sofia Lafuente whose bilingual approach (Spanish/English) appeals to an increasingly aware global market. Lafuente’s numerous placements on TV programs expanded her fanbase and led them to “Madruga”, produced by Salvador. Moratillo has also contributed his skill to Indian singer Nikitaa’s renounced record “Peter Pan.” Rolling Stone India recently gave a shout out to her single “Peter Pan.”
The dark pop/heavy electronic undertones of Kaila Hoy and Country/Indie Pop of Girl Wilde further displays the wide range and emotional accent of artists who seek out the benefits of working with producer Salvador Moratillo.
He confesses, “As a successful music producer and engineer, one of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to immerse myself in the ‘musical mindset’ or vernacular of each artist I work with. This skill allows me to understand and appreciate the individuality of their creative vision, enabling me to bring something fresh and unique to their music. First and foremost, I believe in building a strong and open relationship with the artist.”
“This means spending time with them, getting to know their personality, their inspirations, and their musical influences. By engaging in conversations and actively listening to their ideas, I gain valuable insights into their creative world. This personal connection helps me establish a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, creating a comfortable space for them to express themselves freely.”
Writer: Mike Winston