He is a producer who uses a wide variety of instruments and recording techniques to express the sounds he hears in his head.
Influences
maria taylor
john frusciante
bon iver
pinback
death cab for cutie
foals
brand new
trespassers william
the postal service
metric
atmosphere
rjd2
acceptance
portishead
new young pony club
justice
the hives
dntel
jurassic 5
stars of track and field
nada surf
Sounds Like
I care more about artist development and songwriting than pushing the red button.
I started playing the drums as a kid and gradually picked up the piano and guitar. By the time I was 16, I was making beats and recording hip-hop in my hometown of Spokane, WA. My youth and skill earned me the ridiculous nickname "Criminal Doogie." As my reputation grew, I began working with hip-hop artists from all over the country.
In 2004, I opened a full-service recording studio and started working on projects from all genres. I was fortunate enough to work with some outstanding (motivated/signed/Grammy-winning) performers and make great friendships along the way. I've been making music for a living ever since and I'm very thankful for all the artists who trust me with their songs. My work has been featured on Fox Television, Starbucks® stores nationwide, as well as numerous film/documentary soundtracks.
I have a recording studio in San Francisco where I spend my days mixing projects and helping artists develop their music. I've also been known to play shows and tour with a few bands. This page is just a place for me to share some of my work and meet interesting people. I'm always looking for new talent.
These are nice things people have said about me:
"He's such a brilliant musician, aside from being a great producer." - The Side Project, 95.3 KYRS Radio Interview
"The technical quality of the recording is nothing short of magnificent and showcases Varela's work behind the mixing board." - The Inlander
"...he is considered one of the finest engineers in the area and is one of the most sought-after Pro Tools wizards we have." - Lilac City Nightlife
"Joe Varela is money. ...I'm not talking about being a 'star' as in lights, camera, action, but rather real, human, radiance – the kind that shines no matter if it's day or night and shares it with anyone who comes within range." - Spokane 7
"You still bring things out of me musically that I didn't know I had. ...My respect for you as a musician and a producer is pretty set in stone." - Matthew Lindley (Portland-based singer/songwriter)
"Varela's live drums and downplayed digital beats stand out on the album as much as his matured production skills" - The Spokesman Review
"Sometimes in life you will run across someone you are simply glad exists. Most of the time that is not the case; but in the case of Joe Varela, you get the idea that as long as people like him are alive and procreating, the human species may have a chance of not only surviving, but perhaps even evolving again." - Nightlife Network Magazine
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