Chad Helmonds is the founder, owner, and head producer/engineer for Black Apple Productions. Chad holds International, National, and local release credits along with collaborations with Grammy awards winning producers, engineers, and artists.
Chad began his recording career mid-way through high school by recording band demos and running live sound at local venues. After receiving a bachelor's degree in Journalism/Mass Communications and Public Relations from Humboldt State University in Northern California, Chad decided to further his musical education at The Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis, MN. Chad earned the honor of Valedictorian and was the Icon award recipient for his graduating class while attaining a double degree in both Audio Engineering and Music Production. In addition to his two degrees, Chad also holds professional certifications in both Pro Tools and Logic, two of the most widely used formats of digital recording worldwide. In recognition of his skills in the audio industry, Chad was asked back to the Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis MN. as an instructor for the next generation of audio engineers and music producers.
Chad possesses extraordinary all-around skills in recording, he excels as a producer, songwriter, arranger and in audio production. With years of experience playing the drums, piano, guitar, and bass for a wide variety of bands and music groups ranging in styles from punk rock, gospel, alternative, folk, metal, and jazz, Chad has the ability to recognize what does and doesn't work for a particular song. He knows what to add and what to take away to ensure the best possible outcome for the artist. With his strong musical background, musical awareness, and production values combined with his extensive engineering skills, unique tactical approaches and solutions cover every aspect necessary to produce professional work.
Black Apple Productions/Studios is built strongly on the "by musicians, for musicians" mentality. "Music is one of the most powerful entities in the world. It is one of the few things that has the power to invoke emotion within millions and millions of people. As a producer and engineer I am given the honor and responsibility of capturing and preserving an artists musical and emotional integrity, essentially for a lifetime. This is something I take to heart and never take lightly." By embracing and utilizing the advancements of digital and analog technology, Chad has formed Black Apple Productions into one of the premier recording facilities in Minneapolis capable of capturing any sonic element, texture, vibe, and feeling for any musician in any genre. In addition, Black Apple provides a variety of services including editing, mixing, mastering, songwriting, studio musicians, jingle writing, post production work and portable recording capabilities. "This company truly is your one stop shop for everything audio!"
Outside of the music industry, Chad enjoys keeping himself busy in many different and unique aspects of life. In college he was a competitive power lifter, still holding three collegiate weightlifting records. While in college, Chad was also part of an Improv Comedy team. He has worked several high-profile security jobs including a personal security position for producer/musician/American Idol judge Randy Jackson. In addition he made a quick stunt as a semi-pro wrestler and as a junior magician. Though not much of a hunter, he enjoys taking out his compound bow and shooting at various target practice courses.
