THE TEAM
Mastering/Mixing Engineer
Nate Middleman is an expert audio engineer with over 20 years experience mixing and mastering big records. Nate's audio path started in 1998 NYC as assistant to hip hop legends MOP, The Beatnuts, DITC, and DJ Honda which led him to pursue an engineering career working with iconic artists Alicia Keys, Usher, Camron, Lil Mo, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Dru Hill, Wu Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Mya and more.
In 2016 Nate launched Above Ground Studios to help independent musicians "sound their best" and compete in today's crowded marketplace. Nate's mixes deliver radio ready quality and replay-ability, generating millions of streams online, spins on radio, and spots on the Billboard charts.
Since Above Ground's grand opening, Nate has mixed hits for rising stars Shordie Shordie (Warner Bros. Records), YK Osirus (Def Jam), Tate Kobang (300 Ent.), Lou Got Cash, Bandhunta Izzy, and Kiana Lede (Republic), in addition to mixing songs for superstars Wiz Khalifa and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (Atlantic). Nate has also mixed title themes and soundtracks for major movie releases (Chitthi, Konte Naytaay, Magic Mike, Johnson's Family Vacation), sports organizations (Island Soccer League's "Bermuda Bounce", NFL Baltimore Ravens's Anthem "Baltimore Get Up"), television shows (HBO's "Ballers", MTV's "Wild'n Out", BET's "The Next Big Thing"), commercials ("Spotify and PlayStation meet"), mobile applications (Drync), and video games (Ubisoft's "Watch Dogs 2", EA Games's "Def Jam: Fight for NY").
Grammy award winning mastering engineer Tom Coyne (Bruno Mars, Adele, Beyoncé, etc...) said, "Nate has the ability to bring the energy needed to take your sound to the next level.”
nate.
Mixing/Recording Engineer/Producer
Val "Mr. 14th", a.k.a. Eric Hicks, has over 15 years experience producing and engineering major music productions. He's produced, recorded, and mixed records for Future, Hoodrich Pablojuan, Moosh and Twist, 9th Wonder, Creek Boys, King Midas, and legendary Baltimore Club music producer DJ Blaqstarr.
Val notably engineered the young female rap phenom Deetranada's debut album helping to land her a deal with Jermaine Dupri's hit TV show on BET "The Rap Game". As half of the dynamic DJ duo Big Vibe, Val's DJ expertise creates "big vibes" in his studio sessions that resonate with music lovers everywhere.
Whether customizing original production sounds, capturing the ultimate vocal take, or crafting ingenious mixes Val works diligently to break new ground and deliver rare gems enriching our universal music culture.
Val.
Producer/Engineer
Fatality, a.k.a. Aric Dickerson, is a hot producer blazing the rap and rnb scene with banging beats. His discography is filled with features from star Baltimore rappers such as the late great rap phenom Lor Scooter, the Baltimore Don Dada Young Moose, the reality TV actor/performer Starzz, and club music princess Rye Rye.
Fatality's 808 driven productions are layered with popping percussion and infectious melodies that inspire artists to create magical compositions that speak their truth. Fatality's proficient production skills are paired with a wealth of engineering expertise well versed in the art of recording, editing and mixing.
Fatality employs his own unique mixing automation style in Pro Tools to achieve new sonic possibilities and unpredictability with fresh effects that keep listeners guessing and wanting more.
FATALITY.
Engineer/Producer
Kali is a pro recording engineer and producer that brings her finely tuned ears to every production. She's recorded and mixed rising Baltimore rap stars Bossed Up Loco and Trill Major as well as the young rapper and reality tv star Lil Key from Jermaine Dupri's hit BET show "The Rap Game".
Kali's work connects with listeners on an emotional level by creating a wavy vibe while maintaining a crisp audio clarity. She specializes in DAWs Pro Tools, Logic, and Studio One as well as beat making sequencing programs Reasons and Frutti Loops.
Wether at the mixing-board or keyboard, Kali will bring your musical ideas alive; adding her own unique twist along the way; giving your song that special "something" or "it" factor that runs up views, streams, and downloads.
KALI
Producer/Engineer
From the simplicity of a song's conception to the complexity of the grand finale, Foo is fluent in all parts of the production process. Well known for his "dramatic instrumentals and captivating hooks,” Foo's unique producer style is highly sought out by Baltimore's best and brightest rap stars such as YG Tech, TruGwap and Young Moose. His catalog is also filled with songs by industry professionals Cook Laflare (TSO Music Group/International Records) and Pop music singer-sensation Janelle Licharowicz.
Well adept at beat construction, songwriting, vocal recording and mixing; Foo's mastery of a wide variety of audio technology and techniques is key to artists realizing their creative vision. Foo's application of modern effects combined with raw ingenuity push the sonic horizon forward to create classic songs.
Foo.