Chad Kulengosky
Songwriting that leads into album-ready tracking

Songwriting that leads into production and recording — get album-ready takes, ongoing coaching, and book band or artist sessions at Sound Connected or over Zoom.

Zoom $75/hr In-studio $90/hr Bands & artists welcome

What I teach

Practical producer-coach work: develop the song, play the part for the track, and capture takes with album-ready quality — over Zoom or in the room at Sound Connected.

Songwriting / idea development

Get the best ideas out — from a riff, lyric seed, or rough demo into a form that holds up and is ready to track.

  • Hooks, choruses, and bridges that land
  • Structure, dynamics, and arrangement choices
  • Melody / harmony writing on the fly
  • Finishing unfinished songs without killing the spark

Guitar (for songwriters / tracking)

Technique and tone in service of the song — parts that support the vocal and the production, played on time and fluid.

  • Rhythm parts that lock the groove
  • Lead lines and hooks that earn their place
  • Tone dialing for demos and album takes
  • Performance habits for cleaner tracking

Bass lessons

Same album-ready tracking mindset on bass — pocket, tone, and parts that serve the song under pressure.

  • Groove and pocket that hold the band
  • Lines that support the vocal and guitar
  • Tone and DI / amp choices for tracking
  • On-time, fluid takes for demos and albums

Vocal production

Pitch, timing, and delivery — natural and professional. I can sing parts on the fly and help write new melodies and harmonies. Ongoing coaching, not a one-pass fix.

  • Pitch, timing, and phrasing that feel intentional
  • Natural delivery that still reads as pro
  • Melody and harmony writing in-session
  • Coaching relationship across multiple takes / songs

Production / recording / tracking

Capture album-ready takes while the idea is hot — enough studio craft to freeze the song clearly, whether remote or at Sound Connected.

  • Tracking vocals, guitars, bass, and more
  • DAW workflow without the overwhelm
  • Mic / room choices that fit the setup
  • Mixing fundamentals so demos feel intentional

How sessions work

Individuals and bands/artists — Zoom remote or in person at Sound Connected (Rancho Santa Margarita). Bring the song (or the seed of one). We’ll make it clearer, stronger, and closer to something you can share.

Book a time

Choose individual coaching or a band/artist session, Zoom or in-studio, then send preferred times via the form (or use the scheduler when set).

Confirm the setup

You’ll get a confirm with Zoom link or studio details at Sound Connected, plus a short prep checklist for gear and goals.

Show up with the song

Voice memo, rough demo, charts, or just a riff — ready to write, coach parts, and track when it makes sense.

Leave with next moves

Clear notes on structure, parts, and production so the song (or project) keeps progressing between sessions.

Hourly rates & discounted packages

Base rates: Zoom $75/hr · In-studio $90/hr (includes studio fee at Sound Connected). Packages are discounted bundles for people who need more time depending on goal or product.

Single Hour

Zoom
$75
In-studio
$90

60 min

One focused hour — Zoom or in-studio at Sound Connected (studio rate includes the room). Ideal to unblock a part, coach a take, or map the next move.

Choose single hour
Best for ongoing coaching

Songwriting / Coaching Pack

Zoom
$280
In-studio
$340

4 × 60 min

Save $20 Zoom / $20 studio vs hourly

Ongoing coaching relationship — write, refine parts, and stay on time and fluid between sessions. Modest discount vs booking four hours à la carte.

Choose coaching pack
Bands & artists

Band / Artist Project

Zoom
$675
In-studio
$810

10 hours

Save $75 Zoom / $90 studio vs hourly

Multi-hour package for tracking songs or EP work — book the band/artist in person at Sound Connected or remotely via Zoom. Clear savings vs straight hourly.

Choose band / artist pack

Selected press

Known for “fiery soaring guitar solos and hooky charts,” with leads paying homage to The Edge, Steve Vai, and Van Halen.

Last.fm The Appearance (OC) artist bio

“Sharp metallic riffs and soaring melodic choruses” / “brooding passion-fueled rock.”

Epitaph Records Those We Leave Behind era — about I Am Ghost (band context)

Praised the new lineup’s “winning formula” and well-balanced rock songs.

Punktastic Review of Those We Leave Behind

Described as “outlaw folk” / cinematic Americana — Chad credited as lead guitar (I Am Ghost, Above the Noise).

Covert Booking / The Pier Jason Cruz and Howl project bio language

On Spotify

Projects Chad has toured with or produced — open each artist page on Spotify.

Gear for sale

Guitars, amps, and recording gear from the studio — rotating stock as things free up. Local pickup / inquire preferred. Some items may also appear on Reverb or Facebook Marketplace.

Have something in mind? Ask — soundconnected@gmail.com

Book a lesson or session

Individual coaching or band/artist tracking — Zoom or in-studio at Sound Connected (RSM). Tell me the focus, format, and a few times that work. I’ll reply to confirm.

Pay for your session

Book a time first, then pay securely via PayPal before the session — the same professional checkout studios and coaches use every day.

How payment works

  1. Book a time — use the booking form or scheduler.
  2. Pay via PayPal — before the session, using the button below.
  3. Show up ready — Zoom link or studio details arrive with your confirm.

Hourly: Zoom $75/hr · In-studio $90/hr (packages discount against these — see Packages).

Please pay via PayPal before the session. Rates: $75/hr Zoom · $90/hr in-studio (see Packages for discounted bundles).

Meet Chad Kulengosky

I'm Chad Kulengosky — producer, songwriter, and coach. I get the best ideas out of players and help them play parts on time, fluid, with album-ready tracking quality. Sessions lead from songwriting into production and recording, as an ongoing coaching relationship — not one-off tips. I also book bands and artists for recording at Sound Connected in Rancho Santa Margarita (in person) or remotely via Zoom. I'm lead producer there (~10 years), Orange County's premiere recording studio. Before producing full-time I taught guitar for years, then toured the world with I Am Ghost on Epitaph Records (rhythm guitar / backing vocals, ~2007–2010, reunion 2016). Credits include Above the Noise, Jason Cruz and Howl on Regime, my current project Diventa, and cover band Optimus Prime.

  1. Early years Taught guitar

    Years of teaching before the road — foundation for patient, song-focused coaching.

  2. ~2007–2010 · 2016 I Am Ghost · Epitaph

    Rhythm guitar and backing vocals on world tours in the Those We Leave Behind touring era; reunion 2016. (Touring / performing — not album production.)

  3. ~10 years Sound Connected · Lead producer

    Rancho Santa Margarita — described publicly as Orange County’s premiere recording studio. Producing bands after touring; booking artists in person and remotely.

  4. Recent & current Above the Noise · Howl · Diventa · Optimus Prime

    Producer/songwriter work with Above the Noise (e.g. Memories & Metaphors, 2023); producer, songwriter, and guitarist with Jason Cruz and Howl; current project Diventa; cover band Optimus Prime. Earlier: The Appearance (OC) — OC Music Awards nomination noted by the OC Register (best indie rock, 2007).