Meet The Team

Staff

  • Adam is native of Los Angeles, having grown up in the Sacramento and Washington D.C. areas. He graduated from Duke University in North Carolina and Musician’s Institute in Hollywood. Gigging as a drummer in LA, he joined his current partner Mike Kerns in their early studio adventures in 1987. From there, the scrappy pair managed to acquire Paramount Recording Studios from the Brolin family in 1989, Ameraycan Studios from Ray Parker Jr. in 2000, and eventually Encore, Track Record, Wilder Brothers (now Republic Studios), Enterprise Studios, and others along the way.

    The pair have always prided themselves on providing a welcoming environment for all the amazing people who perform and create their art in their studios, along with maintaining the highest possible level of technical excellence and services provided to our clients.

Owner

Owner

  • Born and raised in the Venice and Santa Monica area of Los Angeles. Mike’s journey in the recording industry began in 1978 when he attended a recording session for The Carpenters at TTG Studios in Hollywood. In 1979, he purchased a 4-track tape machine and built a small studio in his garage using discarded carpet and egg cartons. e charged $6 per hour for recording time.

    He purchased an 8-track machine in 1982 and charged $9 per hour, then a 16-track machine in 1983 and charged $12 per hour. In 1985, he made a deal to take over Fast Forward Recording in Hollywood and met a young man named Adam. The next year, he made a deal to take over Classic Sounds Studios on Hollywood Blvd.

    Finally in 1987, Paramount came available and Fast Forward and Classic Sound Studio were shut down and moved into to Paramount.

GM | Producer/Mixer

  • Fernando is a multi instrumentalist, audio engineer from Sinaloa, Mexico. His passion for music made him move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in audio, graduating from The Los Angeles Recording School with a major in Audio engineering.

    He has been part of the team since 2021, worked his way up from running to assistant engineer and finally assistant studio manager.

  • Aaron Agrawal is a drummer, multi instrumentalist, and engineer; born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. At a young age, Aaron knew music was his calling, leading him to pursue his passion and completing a degree in Music Industry from California Polytechnic University Pomona.

    Becoming part of the team during 2020, Aaron worked his way up from runner to part of the management team. Aaron prides himself in creating an environment that fosters a creative environment for recording artists. Being a drummer, musician, and songwriter himself, Aaron understands the need for studios that provide a positive experience in which art can thrive. Aaron continues to provide service to artists and creates music with his jazz quartet on the side.

Billing Coordinator

Assist. Studio Manager

  • Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ben Kemi honed his expertise in audio engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) before launching his music career in Los Angeles. With over a decade of experience in recording and production, Ben creates a welcoming, collaborative environment where artists can thrive creatively, producing inspiring and refined music.

Assist. Studio Manager

  • Ben is a 10x Platinum recording and mixing engineer. Well loved by his clients and exceptionally quick at his craft, Ben has shaped the sounds of industry legends and rising talent alike with credits that include Grammy nominated 5x US Platinum single “Bounce Back” by Big Sean as well as Billboard #1 hit “Savage Love(Laxed – Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685 ft. Jason Derulo. Some additional credits: Latto, 21 Savage, Wale, Arin Ray, Maxo Kream, SZA, Chris Brown, Florida Georgia Line, YungBlud, Ria Mia, Travis Scott, Sam Hunt, Neon Trees and many more.

Engineer

  • Tyler is an RIAA/Billboard charting engineer and producer from Phoenix, AZ. Some credits include: 42 Dugg, Moneybagg Yo, ESTGee, Bryson Tiller, Latto, Lil Yachty, Lil Tecca, Don Toliver, PNB Rock, Internet Money and Lunay.

Engineer | Producer

  • Yáng Tan, or “Young Tan”, has a unique background as a specialist in recording orchestral arrangements (she worked with the Chinese National Orchestra back in her native China). Now she works as a Music Producer and Mixer based in Los Angeles. Yáng has been featured in Variety as a hitmaker engineer. As a female Asian Producer Engineer, she is dedicated to supporting women and non-binary creatives in music. 

    Credited Engineering work with Janelle Monáe (The Age of Pleasure), J. Cole (KOD), Jessie Reyez (Yessie), XXXtentacion (Bad Vibes Forever), and Raveena (Asha's Awakening). Mixing Credits include 88Rising, Jackson Wang, Valorant, Call of Duty (Mobil), and movie scorings that are in the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlinale Film Festival. Production and writing credits for Luhan, Flyana Boss, Margø, Samantha Margret, Morganne, and more.

Engineer

Engineer

  • Claude Gaston (CJ) has been an Audio Engineer at Paramount Recording Studios for nearly a decade. Known for his chill, humble, and cool demeanor, CJ has been passionate about music and production since childhood, which made his transition to Audio Engineering a natural fit. His impressive client roster includes Rich the Kid, Polo G, Soulja Boy, Nipsey Hussle, YG, Kevin Gates, Eric Hudson, Ryan Toby, Shy Glizzy, and Summer Walker.

  • Sierra, a versatile engineer, studio technician, producer, and trumpet player from Oregon, relocated to Los Angeles in 2019 after earning her Bachelor's in Music. She's contributed to projects for a diverse array of artists, including Ski Mask the Slump God, 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, Southside, Ice Spice, Kid Cudi, Coi Leray, Roddy Rich, Wale, Roisee, Doechii, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson.

    While Sierra specializes in hip hop and R&B, she, as a classically trained musician, also enjoys full band and film score sessions, mixing, producing music and scoring podcasts.

  • Tom hails from Tacoma, Washington, and is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound. He learned the ropes as an engineer and studio technician at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco during its heyday.

    The Paramount Group is fortunate that Tom has been its Chief Technician for a couple of decades now, and is responsible for our reputation for excellence in the audio world. He is known to be the most highly regarded studio tech in the business - consulted by many and mentor to many from all over. Most importantly, Tom and Co. keep all of our facilities in pristine condition at all times, and he is able to maintain and repair anything in any studio!

Chief Tech Engineer

Asst. Tech | Asst. Eng

Engineers

  • Randy Urbanski is a multi-Grammy-winning veteran with over 15 years of experience in the Los Angeles recording studio scene. Known for his exceptional versatility and meticulous craftsmanship, Randy has collaborated with some of the most iconic artists in the world, including Beyoncé, Kanye West, Skrillex, Katy Perry, and many more.

    Randy’s career began under the mentorship of legendary engineers Dave Pensado and Jaycen Joshua, where he honed his technical and creative skills. He later spent four years working with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, contributing to chart-topping records and developing a reputation as one of the industry’s top vocal producers, drawing on advanced techniques learned from Kuk Harrell.

    With expertise spanning production, recording, and mixing, Randy’s mastery extends across all genres, ensuring exceptional results in any professional recording setup. His ability to adapt and excel in diverse musical styles makes him a sought-after collaborator for artists and projects worldwide.

  • Chris Dennis is a highly-acclaimed recording/mixing engineer based in Los Angeles, CA.

    During his career, he’s obtained many accolades including: (2) Grammy Nominations, (2) #1 Billboard Records (most notable “The Box,” by Roddy Ricch), multiple #1 Billboard albums, an RIAA Diamond certified record, and many other RIAA multiplatinum records.

    Some of his past clients include: Kanye West, Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, Offset, Doe Boy, Mozzy, Cordae, & many more.

Engineer

Engineer

  • Zae is a Grammy nominated, mutli-platinum and gold Recording/Mixing Engineer. They work with a range of artists and genres, and credits include J. Cole, Selena Gomez, DaBaby, Jon Batiste, Tyler The Creator, Kali Uchis, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, No Cap, Juice WRLD, Doechii, Adekunle Gold, Yo Gotti, Isaiah Rashad, Earthgang, John Givez and Juicy J. They’re goal in any session is to have fun and capture the music with the feeling the artist intended.

Engineer | Producer

  • Johnny is an engineer, writer and producer from Massachusetts.  He moved to Los Angeles in 2019 and has since had the opportunity to contribute to many artist’s and company’s projects, including: Wale, DJ Mustard, ScHoolboy Q, Diddy, MixedbyAli, Macy Gray, Chance the Rapper, 1500 or Nothin’, Roddy Ricch, MTV, EPIX, Kid Cudi, Ella Mai, Brody Brown, and many more. His focus is to blend current practices and trends with a unique flair, giving artists the foundation they need to build a distinct sound and image. 

Engineer | Mixer

  • Steve has worked with a very eclectic collection of artists. His passion is recording rock bands with real instruments, but sees talent in all genres. From pop to rock, metal to hip hop, gospel to Argentinian tango, Steve has seen it all. He works fast on his feet and can handle any situation thrown his way. Some artists he’s worked with: Deftones, Motorhead, Metallica, Alien Ant Farm, Ben Harper, Steven Slate, Warren Cuccurullo, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sex Pistols, Clint Black, Holland Dozier Holland, Scarface, Busta Rhymes, Mary J Blige, LL Cool J, Cee Lo Green, Bizzy Bone, Miguel, Mario, Scott Storch, YG, Swizz Beats, Polow Da Don, Mac Miller, Odd Future, DJ Mustard, Ty$, TLC

Engineer | Producer

  • Having started as a session drummer and guitar player in the rock, alternative and R&B genres, Kaleb soon found that his true passion really came to light in the studio as an engineer. His extensive experience throughout many of the remaining and since lost commercial recording studios (including the historical United Recording) over the years, has put his name and talents on records from the likes of Sting, Dolly Parton, A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Symba, Ally Brooke and many more including a recent Grammy Nomination. Kaleb still performs live instrumentation on many artist's works including engineering and mixing. He loves to keep his calendar full with as many opportunities to work with incredibly talented artists and producers as possible.

Engineer

  • Segal is a Grammy award winning engineer/mixer. He is dedicated to capturing the story and energy of an artist through vocal coaching, vocal editing and musical arrangement. Intimate family/team efforts have always been a priority in Segal’s approach to making music. He has worked with a range of clients that include established artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Roddy Ricch, BlocBoy JB and new artists such as Lebra Jolie and Bennett.

Engineer

  • Jules Everson is an Engineer/Mixer born in Santa Barbara, CA. She graduated of Cal. State Northridge with a B.A. in Music Business and an Associates degree from SAE Institute in Audio Engineering. Jules has been working in music studios for over a decade as an Intern, Studio Manager, Assistant Engineer, and Engineer. She began at Paramount in 2016 as the Studio Manager and now has been a part of several gold and platinum records as an Engineer. With a background in classical instruments and full band & choir set ups, she loves working with people who bring good energy to a session. Jules has worked with artists, songwriters, and producers such as Victoria Monet, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Madison Calley, Kina, Halsey, Khalid, Bjrnck, Derek Dixie, Justin Tranter, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Jessie Murph, Saweetie, Kanye’s Sunday Service Choir, and Hunter Daily. She also co-produces a podcast that interviews pro audio professionals, called One and Dunn.

Engineer

Assistants

Randy Brown

Oliver Taylor

Chris Knoll

Wyatt Sayre

Sam Loriomre

Michael Choi

Jack Miller

Jemin Ryoo

  • Eli, a Grammy winning engineer, began his journey in the industry as an engineer and producer. Along side his mixing/production career, he found himself helping smaller studios build their businesses, building and running two successful studios in Los Angeles in the process. After years of consulting and running his own production company, he’s joined the Paramount team to continue on the 50 year legacy!

Studio Manager

  • A graduate of UCLA with a degree in music and media, Morgan was born and raised in Los Angeles. She began interning at local recording studios to learn the ins and outs of studio management while expanding her education in music production.

    In the office, she displays her passion for music through elevating other artists and contributing to their recording experience. In the studio, she crafts her own music. Synthesizers, vocoders, harmony stacks and freestyle rapping have a special place in her heart.

  • Starting as an intern at Paramount in 2016, Xavier has since become a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording and mixing engineer. Equally at home across genres, he’s worked with some of the biggest artists in the industry, including Future, Don Toliver, Muni Long, Teddy Swims, Raye, Halle Bailey, Young Thug, Mustard, MGK and more.

    “My approach is simple—serve the room. As an engineer, my job is to create an environment where artists feel free to create without limits.”

Engineer

  • Kahlil Vellani

     

    is a highly skilled audio engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, with five years of experience in the industry. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering professionalism, Kahlil has collaborated with a diverse roster of renowned artists, including IDK, Sean Paul, Stefflon Don, Melvoni, Tommy Brown, Ari Lennox, Jessie Reyez, Adekunle Gold, Masiwei, Rubi Rose, Usher, Party Favor, Kanye West, and many more. His expertise in crafting pristine soundscapes and delivering exceptional audio quality has made him a sought-after name in the field. Kahlil’s commitment to excellence and passion for audio engineering continue to drive his success and elevate the projects he works on.

Engineer | Producer

  • Joey is a multi platinum, Grammy nominated engineer with 10+ years in the industry. He continues to make an impact in the industry with his fast ProTools work, attention to detail, and his ability to vibe with an artist instantly. Some recent credits include Latto’s Top 20 album “777” as well as her #3 single “Big Energy”, Maxo Kream’s “Weight of World”, Pressa’s Juno nominated “Gardner Express”. He has worked with many other artists/producers/songwriters including Anderson Paak, Schoolboy Q, Kanye West, Nija Charles, Ant Clemons, Derek Milano and Sonny Digital.

Engineer | Producer

  • Chris has worked with artists such as Roddy Rich, Maxo Kream, Ari Lennox, Russ, and Kodak Black where he received a platinum record for “Dying To Live”.

    “When it comes to engineering I strive to achieve quality and feeling in the music. That’s what makes music great to me. “

Engineer