Spotlight On: Sophie Ellis – Producer, Cruush

When pairing Cruush with a producer, it was vital we found someone with a breadth of experience across different genres – Sophie Ellis, now based in Liverpool turned out to be the perfect choice.  Given her vast experience as a mix engineer, Sophie was more than ready to step into a full production role.  After years spent in London freelancing as an assistant to (multi-award winning) Inflo and mix engineer Ben Baptie, Sophie headed home to Liverpool, where she’s now based.  Sophie’s credits as an engineer include Little Simz, SAULT, Cleo Sol, Sorry, two blinks i love you, and Astles amongst others.  We caught up over email to learn more about their time at The Arch, Merseyside.

Hi Sophie, thanks for taking part in ReBalance this year, was a pleasure having you work with Cruush and hearing the results of your time together.  Can you tell us a little about why you took the project on?

I have always been interested in getting more into production, and I had listened to Cruush in the past so I already liked their music.  When the opportunity arose to work together, it seemed too good to pass up!

You’ve worked with a range of different artists in your time as an engineer, at various studios.  What made you want to move into production? Has this been an easy transition?

I’ve been very lucky to work alongside some amazing producers.  Watching them work has been so inspiring, and it often made me think ‘I’d like to try that someday’.

What was the main highlight of your time working with Cruush?

I’d say the highlight was just getting to know the band better, and making their ideas a reality.  It was really rewarding to walk away with something we were all super proud of.

How do you balance the creative direction of a project with any technical requirements? Do you have a view on the creative role of a producer?

I come from a technical background, and I’m not very musically proficient, so my role as producer was mainly encouraging the band to see their ideas through, giving another perspective when those ideas were called into question, and just trying to sonically match what was in their heads.

Do you have any current favourite production tools or techniques you’d like to share?

Not so much a technique, but I’d say creating a safe space for the band to be themselves and to be as creative as possible is really important.

Are there any producers you look up to? Where do you find you take inspiration from?

There are so many producers I look up to!  Some of whom I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside, so I often find myself applying things that I’ve learnt from them in the past.  Also – whatever I’m listening to at the time often informs how something is going to sound, so I guess that’s subconscious inspiration.

Thinking back to your time at The Arch, how was it working with Cruush?

I absolutely loved working with Cruush.  It was so much fun getting to know them in a studio setting.  They wanted to take their music in a slightly different direction from what they already have out, so it was really great piecing everything together, sharing ideas, and ultimately leaving the studio with three songs we were all really happy with.

What’s been your biggest lesson from the last few years of being a mix engineer? And what advice would you give anyone starting out in engineering/production?

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt has actually been to look out for and take care of myself! There is so much emphasis on technical proficiency, or working crazy hours, but if you’re not looking after yourself, then it really takes the enjoyment out of what is supposed to be a fun job.

Do you remember any key advice you were given when you were younger that you’d like to share?

It’s all about playing the long game, and being patient.  Eventually, it’ll pay off.

Any words on ReBalance or your time being part of the programme so far?

It’s been a great opportunity, thank you!

Lastly, any favourite tracks you’d like people to listen to right now – either that you’ve worked on or just in general?

I think an artist everyone should check out is Astles.  His music is sublime and I’ve been privileged enough to work on his last few releases.  He’s got big things planned for 2025, so definitely one to watch!