Our Team
Benjamin Emerson
Benjamin Emerson is the driving force behind Alley Cat Recordings’ sound and creative direction. As founder and technical director, he oversees the studio’s mixing and mastering operations and leads creative sessions, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of fidelity and musicality.
Benjamin’s approach balances strategic vision with exacting craftsmanship. He’s as comfortable shaping an overarching sonic identity as he is solving technical challenges at the smallest scale—so detail-oriented that he personally built the studio’s cables by hand to guarantee signal integrity. That combination of big-picture thinking and hands-on expertise sets the tone for everything we do.
“I strive for records that are sonically rich, emotionally direct, and meticulously constructed.”
Founder & Technical Director
Daniel Kam
As Co-Founder and Head of Studio Operations, Daniel Kam is the operational backbone of Alley Cat Recordings. A master of rhythm and percussion by trade, Daniel understands that a great record requires more than just talent—it requires an elite, finely tuned environment. This philosophy drove him to help build Alley Cat Recordings from the ground up, designing a space where artists, producers, and engineers can collaborate without boundaries.
In his role as Head of Operations, Daniel commands the studio’s business logistics, facility management, and strategic infrastructure. His background as a musician gives him an intuitive understanding of what creators need, allowing him to curate a premium, high-functioning sanctuary for the modern artist. Daniel’s dedication to keeping the studio running at the highest caliber makes him an indispensable pillar of the founding leadership team.
Founder & Head of Studio Operations
Chief Recording EngineerMateo Baxley
Mateo Baxley is the Chief Recording Engineer at Alley Cat Recordings, bringing more than 5 years of professional studio experience and a precision-focused approach to every project. A graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Mateo combines formal training with deep practical expertise learned from working under Grammy-winning engineers.
Mateo is known for exceptional speed and technical acuity in Pro Tools, routinely handling complex sessions, high-track counts, and tight turnarounds without sacrificing sonic quality. He keeps projects moving and artists focused.
“When I’m recording, I make sure the artist doesn’t worry about anything but their performance”
Resident Artist & ProducerIsaiah Merced
As the Resident Producer & Artist at Alley Cat Recordings, Isaiah Merced thrives on collaboration and connection with an artist, helping them achieve their personal vision and curate a sound that is undeniably infectious.
Merced wears many hats: self taught multi-instrumentalist, producer, beat-maker, songwriter, sound designer, and engineer. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music within a track encourages artists to reach out of their comfort zone, while maintaining the original vision for the project. This own unique style is what has made him such a valuable asset here at Alley Cat Recordings.
"Music is the great bridge in a world defined by division. I wanna do whatever I can to be the best architect of that bridge."