Recent projects

Vermilion Records

During 2023, Kakugan worked with Vermilion Records, a record label run by the Queensland University of Technology. Within this project, he assumed various roles in management and production for Brisbane-based Alt Pop artist Jorja B.

Initially, Kakugan served as a producer for Jorja B throughout the year, resulting in the official release of one track under the label titled “If I Had the Chance”. This position granted him access to top-notch studio spaces, enabling him to become well-acquainted with the necessary processes with the use of mixing desks, patchboards, and hardware. Moreover, it provided him with the invaluable experience of producing music for another artist, tailoring the tracks to align with the artist's unique vision. This allowed him to express his expertise in production as a means of artistic expression for a fellow musician.

In addition to his role as a producer, Kakugan also undertook the responsibilities of an audio engineer. This encompassed recording all instruments and vocals for the tracks, as well as overseeing the mixing and mastering processes. Kakugan aspires to continually further his skills in audio engineering, and this role gave him with the opportunity to work with female vocals and a range of instruments. Consequently, he gained a deeper understanding of the processes involved in vocal recording and mixing, ultimately advancing his skill in this field.

Kakugan also took on the position of social media and live events manager for Jorja B. Although this role fell outside his usual area of expertise, it provided him with valuable insights into the intricacies of social media promotion and live event coordination. This involved the creation of necessary documentation for various people, including the label's social media team and the booking agencies for the venues he secured for Jorja B's performances. Kakugan was responsible for developing social media plans, crafting press releases, and preparing technical specifications. Through this opportunity, he gained a heightened understanding of how to effectively manage his own social media pages and the importance of clear communication when booking venues for live performances.

VERMILION HIGH

Each year, Vermilion Records organises Vermilion High, a program specifically designed for high school students. This unique initiative provides these students with an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with final year university students, enabling them to gain essential mentoring and studio experience.

Kakugan embraced the role of co-producer for Year 12 EDM artist Sammy Smooth. This decision allowed him to put his skills as a producer to the test, as he not only had to co-produce a track but also act as a mentor for a younger student. Throughout the duration of the program, Kakugan and Sammy Smooth dedicated their efforts to the creation of an EDM track titled "Love of Yesterday." Initially, Sammy Smooth had brought in a work in progress, and it was Kakugan's responsibility to guide and mentor him on various aspects such as song structure, sound design, and audio engineering in order to complete and release the track. This collaboration proved instrumental in enhancing Sammy's understanding of EDM-specific techniques.

Participating in this program proved to be a transformative experience for Kakugan. It highlighted the significance of intention in the production process, as every decision he made had to be explained and justified to his mentee. Additionally, he had the privilege of collaborating with another producer, working together to develop a track for a talented vocalist. Overall, Vermilion High not only provided Kakugan with an opportunity to refine his own skills as a producer but also allowed him to make a meaningful impact on the development of a young artist.

Jan Smith Studios

Since the age of 10, Kakugan has been working with renowned vocal producer Jan "Mama Jan" Smith at Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Jan's extensive expertise encompasses various fields, including singing, songwriting, vocal coaching, and music production. She has worked with a multitude of esteemed artists such as Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, Usher, and Drake, further solidifying her impressive credentials as a Grammy-nominated music producer.

Under Jan's guidance, Kakugan receives vocal training aimed at improving his skills as a vocalist. In addition to the invaluable vocal lessons, Kakugan benefits from utilising Jan's state-of-the-art studio spaces, engaging in songwriting sessions, and collaborating with talented individuals like Jesse Owen Astin. This partnership has not only provided Kakugan with real-world experience as an artist and producer but has also facilitated introductions to prominent Atlanta-based musicians such as Justin Bieber, Lil Yachty, The Migos, and MattyB Raps.

Jan’s statement on her work with Kakugan:

"I've worked with Will McFarlane since he was approximately 10 years old. Hailing from Australia, Will was introduced by a mutual friend in Atlanta, and came in for a vocal consultation. As a boy, Will already exemplified the talents and skills of a young prodigy, so I agreed to keep in touch and re-evaluate him as he visited stateside. Since that time, I have witnessed Will's growth as a musician, artist, producer, and songwriter. It has been particularly rewarding to help steward his talents through puberty and watch him mature into a progressive artist who I believe to be a viable voice for today's music industry. As Kakugan, Will McFarlane continues to push the envelope of current pop fusion music, adding his own vocal thumbprint to the mix of what the world has to offer from his own unique and cutting-edge perspective. It is my honor and privilege to be part of Will's artist acumen for the masses to embrace for years to come." 

-Jan “Mama Jan” Smith