Crafted as the brainchild of producer/engineer/musician Chad Helmonds,  Black Apple Productions was  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 have the
power to  invoke  emotions 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 the digital recording era, Black Apple Productions has built an advance digital, or "in the
box" style recording facility.  Black Apple Productions  also has the ability to be a completely mobile recording studio, being able to turn virtually any
environment  into a  professional recording  facility. Black Apple Productions  also provides  a  variety of services including editing, mixing, mastering,
songwriting, studio musicians, public relations consulting, and post production work. "This company is a one stop shop for everything audio!"                 

Chad Helmonds is the founder, CEO, and head producer/engineer for Black Apple Productions. At  an early age Chad began playing music starting with piano
and  eventually evolving in the  guitar, bass, and  drums as well. He quickly immersed himself in the local music scene playing for a wide variety of bands and
music groups ranging in styles including punk rock, gospel, alternative, folk, metal, and jazz.                                                                                                                          

Chad began his recording career mid-way through high school by recording band demos and running live sound at local venues and continued to refine his skills
throughout college.  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
for  this  graduating  class  while  attaininga  double  degree  in  both  Audio  Engineering  and  Music  Production.  In addition  to his  two degrees, Chad also became
professional user certified in both Pro Tools and Logic, two of the most widely used formats of digital recording worldwide.                                                                          

Though Chad possesses extraordinary all-around skills  in recording,  he excels  as a producer and in audio production. He comes from a strong musical background
playing multiple  instruments,  being a singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. Playing in bands since a young age, it is easy for Chad to relate to an artist both on
a personal  and professional level. Chad ahs the ability to recognize what does and doesn't work for a particular song. He knows what to add and what to take a way 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.                                                                                 

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.