SoundGym Hero: Jose Ledezma

From Venezuelan prog-metal stages to crafting mixes in Spain, Jose Ledezma blends precision, creativity & SoundGym discipline in every track. Jose is this month’s SoundGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

I began my musical journey at the age of 8, when my parents signed me up for Cuatro lessons, a traditional string instrument from Venezuela, the country where I was born. Later on, as a teenager, I picked up the guitar, and around the age of 15, my older brother invited me to play bass in a band with some friends.

Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to the bass, playing in various bands and projects, including Allegro Andantino, a progressive metal band with which I toured several cities in Venezuela and released an album in
2010. I’ve always felt driven to create progressive music with the mindset of “thinking outside the box” and experimenting.

Now I live in Spain, where I’ve specialized in mixing and mastering. Since 2020, I’ve been producing music from home for different artists. Over these past five years, I’ve grown and sharpened my listening skills significantly, thanks to consistent practice and the use of SoundGym.

Aside from music, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I’m just an amateur, but I regularly play chess online. I guess it’s a way to step away from the daily grind and focus on something else. I also follow a lot of sports, Formula 1 is my biggest passion, and I try to catch every
race.

I also follow football and tennis, though a bit more casually Lately, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy cooking, and I’m pretty good at it! I’ve been experimenting with Asian and oriental cuisine, and the results have been delicious (or at least that’s what my wife says ).

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

I’m not sure if I’m “surprisingly good,” but I’m a Civil Engineer, graduated from the University of Carabobo in Venezuela. Before moving to Spain and choosing to focus on music production, I worked in construction and
genuinely enjoyed it. I’ve always been interested in physics and mathematics, not that I’m an expert, but I do have the ability to understand and appreciate them.

If you could play or create with any artist, who would it be and why?

There are a couple of bands that have been foundational and deeply inspiring to me over the years, and I’d love to collaborate with them. First, Dream Theater, this band introduced me to the world of prog and completely shifted my perspective on what music could be. The depth of their compositions and the virtuosity of each member still amaze me decades later.

I grew up listening to their albums over and over, and struggling to emulate John Myung. The second would be Rush, pioneers of prog rock. It’s hard to think of a more complete drummer than Neil Peart, not only could he play things mere mortals couldn’t dream of, but he never stopped innovating, adding layers and nuances to his percussion, and even writing lyrics. He’s an absolute legend. Then there’s Geddy Lee, a relentless bassist with monstrous stage presence and power.

I’d say my approach to bass is 90% inspired by Geddy Lee and John Myung, my two biggest influences when it comes to the instrument. If I had to name more contemporary artists, I’d love to collaborate with Leprous. They’re bold, rhythmically intense, and always bring a fresh twist to every song.

And Plini, his music reignited my desire to create instrumental pieces that truly convey emotion and imagery. His level of composition is something to study, and he’s undoubtedly ahead of his time. He’s already inspiring a new generation of guitarists.

What piece of music gear do you love the most, and what makes it irreplaceable in your creative process?

Without a doubt, my guitar. It’s where all my compositions begin and end. Even before opening my DAW, I usually have the song’s structure, harmonic base, and main melodies worked out and approved on the guitar. That’s where my creative process is born, and I’d find it incredibly hard to start or create anything without it.

What daily or weekly habits do you have in place to keep you creating?

My main habit to stay creative is reading every day, regardless of the genre. It’s important to let your mind explore new worlds and learn new things, because that always brings fresh musical ideas. You start seeing things from a different perspective. I keep a minimum daily reading routine of at least 15 minutes to maintain the habit.

Since I mostly produce songs for other artists, I make sure to listen repeatedly to the core idea or demo of the track, so it stays in my subconscious. That way, I’m alert throughout the day to any ideas that pop up during relaxed moments, like showering, walking, or taking a break. 

We all know inspiration doesn’t show up when you need it most, but it does come eventually, and you need a system to capture it, whether it’s jotting it down on your phone, recording a voice memo, or jumping straight into the DAW.

Daily walks with my wife or hanging out with friends also help me disconnect and ease the mental pressure musicians often feel to be constantly creative.

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

There’s a quote I love: “What you could have done and didn’t, will remain undone forever.” God gave me the gift of creating and helping others create music. The music I can make, no one else will make it for me, and it will never exist unless I do it. A song can change the world, save a life, or simply turn a bad day into a good one.

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

I’d choose “The Garden” by Rush, not just because it’s the final track on their last studio album, but because of the calm and the message it conveys about what life should be for everyone. I deeply resonate with the line: “The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect.”

What's your favorite feature on SoundGym, and how has it helped you in your musical journey?

The variety of games and workouts on SoundGym has definitely helped me grow as a producer over the years. But the section I’ve always enjoyed the most is the Olympics, not for competing or comparing myself to others, but because it pushes me to do better each time.

Over the years, I’ve noticed how much faster and more precise I’ve become in my productions, especially when it comes to EQ. And I can’t forget the community you share these games with, whether it’s the Olympics or BeatRace, you know you’re not alone and can celebrate your progress with others.

What’s something exciting you're working on or looking forward to?

Right now, I’m gradually improving my workspace and aiming to have a properly treated room to record artists who come to my home. On a personal level, I’m hoping to start composing and recording my own prog rock album next year. I don’t have a set release date yet, but I’m aiming to have a solid batch of songs ready to start releasing in 2027.

You can follow Jose on their Instagram.