ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

1. About Us
Digital Fidelity Studios is the production home of Mekaal Hasan Band, internationally recognized for blending traditional South Asian music with contemporary styles. Across four critically praised albums (including Sampooran and Andholan), we have toured the USA, Canada, Europe, India, Pakistan, and the UAE.

The studio is a full-service music production hub in Lahore, supporting Mekaal Hasan Band and a growing roster of artists including Romaisa Tariq. We are now expanding our production wing and looking for the right person to mentor and grow with us.

2. The Opportunity (Read This Carefully)
This is not a typical job posting. This is a mentorship track.

You will work directly under Mekaal Hasan himself, learning the craft of music production from one of Pakistan's most respected names in the industry. Over time, you will become an integral part of the studio's production team.

"I want us to begin searching for a young Associate Producer who can be mentored directly under me and eventually become an integral part of the production wing of the company. This role is not just a job. It is a mentorship opportunity where the individual will develop into a high-level producer and engineer."
- Mekaal Hasan

If you are hungry to learn, technically capable, reliable, and serious about building a long-term career in music production, keep reading.

3. Who You Will Work With

• Mekaal Hasan (direct mentor, daily working relationship)
• Romaisa Tariq and other DFS roster artists
• The wider Mekaal Hasan Band and Digital Fidelity Studios team
• Visiting singers, session musicians, and clients you bring in yourself

4. What You Will Be Doing
A. Studio & Production Work

• Operate Logic Pro for recording sessions, editing, and session management
• Handle vocal editing and pitch correction using Melodyne (timing and pitch)
• Transfer productions between Logic Pro and Ableton Live, especially for live performance setups (Romaisa Tariq's live shows and similar artist work)
• Assist with microphone setup, signal flow, and basic mixing during sessions
• Maintain professional studio etiquette during recordings with artists

B. Session & Project Management

• Maintain organised session archives for every project
• Manage regular backups of all sessions and project files
• Build clean project documentation for handoffs and references
• Keep the studio's production pipeline organised and accessible

C. Talent & Client Outreach (Commission-Based)

• Identify and approach singers, musicians, and bands who need a professional space to record
• Walk them through the DFS recording and composing structure
• Bring them into the studio as paying clients
• Earn commission on every project you bring in (see Compensation section below)

5. What We Are Looking For
Technical Skills (Required)

• Hands-on experience with Logic Pro for recording, editing, and session management
• Working knowledge of Melodyne for vocal timing and pitch correction
• Familiarity with Ableton Live, especially for live performance setups
• Understanding of microphone setup, signal flow, and basic mixing
• Solid grasp of studio etiquette and recording techniques
• Strong organisational skills (session archives, backups, file management)

Personality Traits We Value

• Genuinely hungry to learn and grow
• Reliable, punctual, and professional in studio environments
• Patient under pressure during long recording sessions
• Connected to or actively building presence in the local music scene
• Serious about a long-term career in music production
• Comfortable asking questions and taking direction

Music Background (Huge Plus)
A real, demonstrated interest in music production is a major advantage. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• Studied music production formally or built skills through serious self-teaching with a portfolio
• Played in bands or worked on independent music projects
• Done internships or assistant work at recording studios
• Personal SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or YouTube production work
• Strong connections in the Pakistani independent music scene
• Familiarity with Sufi, folk, fusion, classical, or rock genres

6. Compensation Structure
We are upfront about this. Please read carefully before applying.
Probation Period (Months 1 to 3)

• TADA provided to cover daily transport and meal expenses
• Commission earnings active from Day One on every artist or client you bring to the studio (no cap)
• No base salary during probation period
• Exception: For exceptional candidates with strong portfolios and proven skills, a probationary salary may be offered at hiring manager's discretion
• Important: The 3-month probation period still applies even if a probationary salary is offered

Commission Structure (Active From Day One)

• Handsome commission on every recording project you bring to DFS
• You build a talent ecosystem around the studio and earn from it directly
• No cap on commission earnings
• Specific commission percentages discussed during interview based on project scope and type

Post-Probation (Month 4 Onwards)

• Performance review at the end of 3 months
• Full salary offered based on demonstrated skill, contribution, and commission earnings during probation
• Commission structure continues alongside the fixed salary
• Annual increments tied to studio growth and personal performance

Why This Structure Exists
This compensation model is built around two principles:

I. Music production is an apprenticeship craft. The first three months are heavily focused on learning under Mekaal's mentorship, not output. We want to invest our mentorship hours in someone who values the learning itself.

II. Commitment is the test. Candidates who sustain themselves through TADA and commission for three months are the candidates who genuinely want a long-term career in this industry.

If you are looking for a salaried entry-level studio job from day one, this role may not be the right fit. If you are looking for the kind of mentorship that shapes a career for the next decade, you are in the right place.

7. Growth Path

• Months 1 to 3: Associate Producer under direct mentorship from Mekaal Hasan
• Months 4 to 12: Junior Producer with assigned session responsibilities
• Year 2 onwards: Producer in the DFS production wing, leading sessions independently
• Long-term: Senior Producer or Engineer at Digital Fidelity Studios with a personal client roster

8. Working Hours & Location

• Days: Monday to Saturday
• Hours: Schedule aligns with studio session bookings and Mekaal's working rhythm (expect a mix of daytime and late-night sessions)
• Location: 11-B Warris Road, Off Main Jail Road, Jinnah Town, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Note: This is an on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to and work from this location daily.

9. Eligibility Criteria

• Age between 22 and 30 years preferred (open to exceptional candidates outside this range)
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Lahore
• Must be able to work full-time on-site at our studio
• Previous experience in music production, recording, or engineering preferred (not mandatory if portfolio shows strong potential)
• We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

10. How To Apply
Email to: solid.salar@gmail.com

Subject Line (use exactly): DFS Associate Producer Application - [Your Full Name]

Please include:

• Updated CV with music production experience and education
• Portfolio or showreel of your production work (Logic Pro project links, Ableton sessions, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, or similar)
• A short 200-word note on why you want to work in music production and what you hope to learn from this mentorship
• Any references from previous studio or music industry work
• Valid CNIC copy

What Happens Next:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview at the studio, followed by a hands-on technical assessment (Logic Pro session task, Melodyne exercise, and a short Ableton transfer task).

11. One Final Note
Most producers in Pakistan have to scratch their way into the industry through years of uncertain unpaid work and inconsistent mentorship. We are offering something different:

• Structured mentorship under a recognised producer
• Immediate commission earnings from your own client work
• A clear growth path with defined milestones
• The chance to build your own client roster from day one

If you are the right person, this role can shape your career for the next decade.

Pay: Rs15,000.00 - Rs25,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person