Founded by producer Daniel Newstead, this Brisbane-based studio specializes in leading-edge music production, mixing, and composition. As Head of Music at Splash, Daniel brings two decades of industry insight to every collaboration, ensuring your work meets the highest professional standards. Whether you are looking for artist development or bespoke sound design, the focus is on expanding your creative message through a blend of advanced technology and authentic musicality.

Daniel Newstead

ABOUT ME

As Head of Music at Splash Music, I bring over 20 years of experience in the studio and on stage to the forefront of creative strategy. From my roots at the Queensland Conservatorium to touring as a multi-instrumentalist, I’ve spent my career bridging the gap between music theory and modern production.

I am a firm believer in embracing new technology to expand what’s possible, provided it never replaces the raw, human soul that makes music resonate. Outside of my role at Splash, I remain an active creative collaborator and educator, working directly with artists to turn their vision into professional reality. Whether directing projects or mentoring new talent, I am dedicated to the pursuit of a creative life that is both high-tech and deeply human.

WHO I WORK WITH

My studio is a collaborative space for creators who prioritise quality and intent. I typically partner with:

Developers: Creating bespoke sonic identities for apps, games, and digital experiences.
Filmmakers & Creators: Composing scores and soundscapes that elevate the visual narrative.
Songwriters: Transforming raw demos into polished, release-ready productions.
Independent Artists: Providing honest mentorship, career mapping, and professional production to help your project stand out in a crowded market.

Here's what some clients have to say...

“Dan has been an amazing collaborative artist and studio mentor. He has given me frank and empowering feedback about my musical, studio and vocal evolution. This has supported me to grow into an artist who has been Spotify playlisted, added to H&Ms global store playlist and written up about by top Australian music journalists with critical acclaim. Daniel was a producer on all of this music. I love sharing ideas and collaborating on creating new tracks with Dan, his bravery with sounds is important in today’s popular landscape and as a result of this I can’t wait to get my new songs out there and continue future collaborations”

— Maikee

“I’ve been working with Dan for a few years now and have come to trust his intuition, knowledge and opinion as much as my own. Our work together has been truly collaborative and it’s important to him that he delivers exactly what it is you are after, while never being afraid to help steer things in the right direction so that the end product is as good as it can be. He can take a raw idea and build it into a polished, professional, cohesive track that has all the production elements you could ask for, right through to the mix. I have even had other industry professionals comment on the quality of his mixing skills. His experience and expertise at this craft is what sets him apart from the rest. ”

— Colin Barrass

“This is amazing! Daniel consistantly, no matter what genre he brings me, makes my job easy. The mixes are some of the best I have ever worked on. He has mastered a plethora of styles and can make any track (pop, rock, hip hop... you name it) come to life. Be safe in the knowledge that putting your music in these hands will make you shout the same expletives I always do when I hear it for the first time.”

— Dominic McGlinn - DOMC Mastering

“Dan Newstead is a beast on the boards. Patient and engaging, Dan isn’t happy until each mix is not only right to his ears but also the clients. Undeniably gifted at his craft whilst bringing a unique and creative sound, he gives each project he works on its own character. Humble and humorous, Dan is always a pleasure to be in the studio with. From Rock to Hip hop, there is nothing that this guy can’t breathe his magic into taking a great idea to new levels of sonic enjoyment. A truly gifted engineer.”

— MulesMecca (Producer & Music Director, 5 Arrow Productions)

“Daniel is one of the best and most professional studio engineers I have ever worked with. Not only can his sick gear and acute ear deliver the sound you are looking for, but his skill set as a producer can add creative content to your mixes enhancing the overall final product. His personalized service and relentless dedication to bring each project to it’s fullest potential makes him standout from the rest. I look forward to working with him again soon.”

— Rupert Faust (Manager- Beanstalk Records)

SERVICES

PROJECT AVAILABILITY Due to my current role at Splash Music and ongoing studio commitments, I generally book projects several months in advance. To ensure your release stays on schedule, please reach out here to share your demos and start the conversation.

The Production & Development Suite

A comprehensive path from initial concept to global distribution.

I work with you to take your song from a basic demo to a finished master. My goal is to bridge the gap between your initial creative spark and a final product that is polished, professional, and ready for release.

1. Pre-Production & Structural Refinement

Before a single note is tracked, we ensure the foundation is flawless. I provide detailed feedback on your lyrics, hooks, and song structure. We’ll map out the session and finalize the arrangement to ensure the song has maximum impact before the production begins.

2. Sonic Direction & Curation

We define the aesthetic. By referencing current industry trends and your unique artistic DNA, we choose the textures, instruments, and influences that will define the track. This is where we bridge the gap between your creative message and a modern, professional sound.

3. Recording & Layered Production

Using a "vocals-first" mentality, we build the instrumentation—drums, bass, synths, and guitars—around the heart of the track. We iterate on the production until the arrangement feels cohesive, adding the necessary nuance to make the track breathe.

04. Mixing & The "Human" Polish

Mixing isn't just about balance; it’s about emotion. I provide a polished, high-end mix and offer a collaborative revision process. We tweak the fine details until the track hits exactly where it needs to, ensuring it resonates on any system.

05. Mastering for Every Environment

The final stage is about translation. I ensure your song is optimized for everything from high-end Hi-Fi systems to phone speakers. My combined mix-and-master workflow allows for a cohesive final sound that is loud, clear, and ready for streaming.

06. Release Strategy & Mentorship

A great song is only the beginning. Once the master is delivered, I provide actionable advice on marketing, DIY strategies, and career mapping based on your specific goals and budget. I help you navigate the "what now?" so your release gets the attention it deserves.

COMMERCIAL COMPOSITION & SOUND DESIGN

Contact for Quote

I specialize in creating bespoke music tailored to specific briefs for media and advertising. I translate complex creative direction into impactful sonic identities, whether you need an original score or a composition that captures a specific stylistic energy. From brand-aligned soundscapes to high-end production, I deliver audio that supports your visual message and meets the rigorous standards of the modern media landscape.

MIXING & SONIC REFINEMENT

Contact for Quote

If you have tracked your project at home or in another studio, I provide professional mixing to bring clarity, depth, and impact to your sound. A great mix is where a recording becomes a record; I focus on balancing technical precision with the emotional energy of the song.

The Process:

Technical Specs: Please provide .wav files at their original sample rate (minimum 24-bit).
Seamless Handover: If you’re new to exporting stems, I can provide a guide to ensure the transition from your DAW to my studio is seamless.
Tailored Pricing: Every project is unique. Pricing is determined by the complexity and track count of the session—ensuring that whether it’s an intimate acoustic performance or a dense electronic production, the mix receives the specific attention it requires.

I HAVE worked with the following clients

COMPANIES

DY-MARK (Paint) - Voice over for instructional videos.

DOMINOES PIZZA - Composition for visual.

SOUL SOUND DESIGN - Collaboration.

SOUNDS LIKE BUTTER - Collaboration and composition.

SUZUKI - Composition for advertisement.

SPLASH MUSIC - Music Production for AI applications. SPLASH game on ROBLOX

ZOVA (iPHONE APP - APPLE DESIGN AWARD WINNER 2016) - Writing and production.

(Available on the App Store and Google Play.)

FILM MAKERS

DANNY MCSHANE (FILM MAKER) - Collaboration / Music for film

DISCOVER YOURSELF HERE (VIDEO) - Composition for video

NORTH STATE CINEMA (Film Company) - Music for Teaser.

MANNY JAMES COLE - Composition and production for films.

MUSICIANS

ADAM NIGRO - (ACOUSTIC) - Recording and mixing

ALEXA CURTIS - (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Recording, production, mixing and mastering

ALPHA PI - (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Recording, production and mixing

ANDY WARD (SONY MUSIC) - (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Live drums / keys

CHELSEA JANE (HIPHOP) - Mixing

COLIN BARRASS (POP) - Recording and production.

DALE HUBBARD (COMPOSER/Music for meditation) - Recording and mixing.

DEADSET (HIPHOP)- co-writing, recording, production and mixing.

DAVE LUKE (POP, SINGER/SONGWRITER) - Recording, production, mixing and mastering.

DEATHSTARS (HIPHOP)- Mixing

GLVES (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Recording, production and mixing.

GRIMMER (ALTERNATIVE/ELECTRONIC) - Recording, mixing and session drummer.

HEMINGWAY (DUB/REGGAE) - Mix and master

J-RADIATE (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Co-production and mixing

LORD BRISBANE IMPERIAL ORCHESTRA - Mixing

MARK J (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Recording, production and mixing.

MARINA JOZINOVIC (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Co-writing, recording production and mixing.

MAGNETS (ALTERNATIVE/ROCK) - Co-writing, production, recording and mixing

MIDNIGHT SHOW (ROCK) - Recording and mixing.

MAIKEE - (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Co-writing, production, recording and mixing.

MAY LYN - (POP/ELECTRONIC) - Vocal recording.

MORGAN McMANUS - Collaboration, recording, production and mixing.

MULES MECCA (Producer) - Mixing.

O' LITTLE SISTER (FOLK/ELECTRONIC) - Co-writing, recording, production and mixing.

PHI (ELECTRONIC/POP/EDM) - Co-writing, recording, production and mixing.

POST DUSK (ELECTRONIC/INDIE) - Mix and Master

RACHEL KOSTER (POP/MEDITATION) - Recording and mixing.

RAXFEN (ELECTRONIC) - Mix and master.

SAMUEL JAMES - (ALT, ELEC, RAP, HEAVY) - Co-write, produce, record, mix and master.

SCRIPTED DIALECTS (HIPHOP) - Mixing.

SERAYA YOUNG (POP/ELECTRONIC/EASY LISTENING/CLASSICAL) - Co-writing, production, recording and mixing

SLAUGHTERHOUSE (HIPHOP) - Assistant engineer for 3rd party promotion.

STONES CORNER CLUB (ALTERNATIVE/ROCK) - Mixing

SWITCHKICKER (After People Records) - (Electronic/Rock/Industrial) - Session drummer.

THONY REMY (HIPHOP/TRAP) - Vocal Recording

VAPORIZE (ROCK/INDIE)- Recording and mixing.

ZILCH (ALTERNATIVE/ROCK/RAP) - Recording, production and mixing.