brian deck

Engineer / Producer

I like music to at once feel familiar, emotionally engaging and uniquely captured. I draw on years as a touring member of Red Red Meat, Orso and Ugly Casanova as well as my music education from Northern Illinois University. My approach can be heard on records by Ohmme, In Tall Buildings, Iron and Wine, Modest Mouse, Counting Crows, Califone, Josh Ritter and many others.

Jim Gifford

Producer / Drummer

Jim recently produced guitarist Chris Poland’s full length “Resistance”, Felicia Patton’s “Things Change”, Lindsay Anderson’s “Forgiving”, Denise Lagrassa’s “A Crossroads Communion” and Gregg Owen’s audiobook “Convergence”. He has recorded or performed with bassist Mike Gordon (Phish), guitarist Chris Poland (OHM, formerly Megadeth), guitarist Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats), bassist Percy Jones (Brian Eno, Brand X), Phil Tarver, Anita Wilson, Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), Rhymefest, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Rudy Ray Moore among others.

JOHN KEMPER

Aeronautical Engineer

John Kemper does the important behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps Narwhal running. He also fixes our amps and outboard gear and he can fix yours too! He plays guitar and the Casio SK-1 and he appreciates if you pay your invoice.

KEMPER@NARWHALCHICAGO.COM

WESLEY RENO

Engineer / Producer

My approach to recording is to document the emotional impact of a moment in music for it to tell a story for many years. As a songwriter and performer in Snake Pond, I have worked to amplify my own musical expression, and I extend that expertise to the artists I work with. You can hear my work on records by Alex Dupree, Taxi, Fake English, Calicoloco, China Rose, Sick Day, Lindsay Anderson, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

PAUL NORMAN

Engineer

In over two decades of recording and touring Paul has worked with Patti LaBelle, D’Angelo, Steve Aoki, Isaiah Sharkey, Dee Snyder, Lupe Fiasco, Ernest Dawkins, Calvin Bridges, Lemmie Battles, Byron Stingily, Manny Torres and many others. Paul is known for his meticulous approach to music and his flip flops.

 

JEFF BREAKEY

Engineer / Producer

Jeff’s work has played a key role in over 30 Grammy-nominated projects. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music including Anita Wilson, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Justin Timberlake, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His experience includes commercials, film mixes, live theater projects and working with organizations like Uniting Voices, Steppenwolf Theater, Starcom, SRW, and RA Imaging. Jeff is known for his craftsmanship and commitment to realizing creative visions and he also shares his expertise as an instructor at SAE Institute Chicago.

 

Rick Fritz

Engineer / Producer

Rick Fritz is an engineer with a career spanning over 30 years in music production and tech. Once an aspiring session guitarist, Rick has become one of the most well-respected and innovative leaders in the Chicago music community. His professional credits speak for themselves - having worked with legends from Brian Wilson to Lizzo to Toby Keith to Jamila Woods - and he has worked not only across genres in music but in television and radio broadcasting as well. The quality of his musical discography is only amplified by his kind spirit, patience, and positive outlook.

MAX MENDELOFF

Engineer / Producer

Max Mendeloff is a producer, engineer and musician based in Chicago. He has a passion for both the technical and creative sides of music and he brings a fun and collaborative energy to every session. He specializes in capturing authentic performances that help artists shape their sound. Max has worked with Common, Leon Thomas, Martin Bandz, Denise Lagrassa, Treelawn, Heather Mall and many others.

Sam Aviles

Engineer

Sam Aviles is a Chicago-based, Spanish speaking recording engineer and saxophonist with a passion for capturing artist’s best sounds. She's worked with a variety of artists including Scarlet Rage, Yna and The Seasons, Arm Candy and Mariachi Sirenas. She specializes in genres that span Latin Urbano to R&B, and hip hop. A lifelong musician, Sam brings a musician's ear and a deep respect for artistry to every session.