The beat goes onward and upward for Television’s brightest and youngest music producer. It’s hard to believe that at 28 years of age Nicholas “Aqua” McCarrell has managed to turn his passion for music into a successful music producing gig for some of TVs hottest hit shows. From his weekly music compositions for Entourage to Beverly Hills 90210 and The George Lopez sitcom, this New York born city kid turned L.A. music mover and shaker has become a major music force in Hollywood. With his rise of television music production success, life is good and getting better for McCarrell who works and lives on both East and West coast.
“I grew up in a music lovers environment at home with my parents. I was exposed to different kinds of music from an early age.; it was a part of our lives. Although my music has changed over the years, I look back on every phase including hip hop as helping shape how I relate to music today. Many people have guided and supported my work helping me to get where I am. I was in New York, working on a hip hop project, when a friend played some of my original music for TV producer Bruce Helford. He called and told me he was creating a new television program, The George Lopez Show, and wanted me to do the music. He believed in me at an early age (21); I don’t think many would have. The show ran for six seasons and continues to air in active syndication.”
McCarrell’s early successes were in hip hop—he is a multi-platinum hip hop producer who has worked with such artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West —who he says was pivotal in introducing him to the world of hip hop production. These days McCarrell has turned his eye or rather his ear more toward the mainstream and emerged a considerable talent as a music composer for weekly top rated televison shows; a place he enjoys and plans on staying and expanding.
“I think the key to my success begins with my musical diversity. From playing the guitar (which began at age 13) to playing the drums (in his high school marching band) I’m able to be a one-man band. When I’m given a theme I can do aggressive rap and hip hop to dramatic scoring; from a rock feel or world music vibe—I am always able to capture the feeling.”
A partner in Wonder land Outpost Music with lifelong friend Asher “AP” Hardt —a producer, avid record collector, and manager of multiple producers and composers— the two started their company with a debut release in 2008 of Baton Rouge native Shawn Anthony’s “Beautiful Life-EP” and it very quickly grabbed the attention of thousands of fans world wide.
“Deadlines for weekly television shows can be tough. But I also have days when there are no deadlines. I am a workaholic and I love what I do, so a coffee run at 4AM when it’s crunch time works just fine for me. It’s a huge blessing to be able to do what you love.”
From a local DJ with turntables playing parties, to network television music producer, McCarrell is living his dream and is carving out a future in a very competitive business.
Nicholas Aqua McCarrell
Asher Hardt
Wonderland Outpost Music
aquamusicgroup@mac.com
asherhardt@mac.com
(310) 975-5073
Photo Credit: Jonathan Kofahl
