Our Team
AARON “ARDOUR” VINIK
Chief Engineer, Producer & Co-founder
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Aaron found his affection for music in classical piano as a child. At age 14, Aaron had started his journey in music production learning Ableton Live, focusing on his passion for Electronic, Hip Hop, and Alternative music. Graduating in recording technology in 2019, Aaron quickly went work within the NYC Recording Industry, working across both large-format commercial studios and private label run production houses. In 2020, Aaron turned his bedroom into a makeshift recording studio, at first only working with close friends and collaborators, yet soon expanding to serving artists all across Brooklyn, and shortly thereafter opening up what is now Studio 404.
Aaron is a versatile, passionate, and boundary-breaking engineer and producer, passionate about building a bespoke sonic aesthetic for every client that steps into our space. His strengths in composition, mixing, and creative direction can help bring any project to life. Whether it is a solo vocalist looking to experiment, a band looking to elevate their quality, or a production house looking to get award winning post-production, Aaron is always looking for a new challenge.
JOHN COTTON
Chief ENgineer, producer
John Cotton Calli is an audio engineer and producer from Miami, Florida with nearly a decade of experience within the field. John studied Music Technology at Northeastern University, graduating in 2021. Looking to build his resume, John sharpened his skills working at various studios in Boston and alongside artists within the local scene. He then moved to NYC to continue to work in the recording industry, and has worked with hundreds of artists across genres. With a specialization in Hip Hop and Electronic music, John brings his talents in mixing, production, and recording to take your project to the next level.
John has also worked extensively in the Pro Audio Industry, providing his talents in marketing and public relations for companies such as ProducerGrind and Slate Digital. He had also contributed to building sample libraries across several genres, bringing his capability in production and sound design to producers around the world. John has a lifetime of passion for music, and an unwavering dedication to making every project he works on the best it can possibly be.
Chris “Stressless” ynoa
Engineer, producer
Chris “Stressless” Ynoa is a producer and audio engineer from Hudson County, New Jersey. Finding his start training in classical ensembles, Chris began producing at the age of 17- focusing on his passion of ambient hip hop and alternative music. Chris graduated magnum cum laude with a Degree in Computer Science, and Sound Production & Engineering from Seton Hall University, where he worked as a DJ and Production intern for WSOU 89.5 FM. After graduating, he began work as a freelance Producer and Engineer across the Tri-state area before landing as an Audio Engineer for Studio 404.
With nearly a decade of production and engineering experience, Chris has built a reputation for his technical prowess, as well as his ability to adapt production styles to meet client visions.
4stro
ENgineer, songwriter
4stro (Pronounced Astro) is an audio engineer from Poughkeepsie, NY, with nearly half a decade in professional studio work and over a decade of personal recording and performance experience.
Their unique experience in both the live and studio space have influenced their sound and work ethic, having shared stages with popular artists like Destroy Lonely, Rich Amiri, Thouxanbanfauni, as well as alternative acts like Death Drive and Kid Moon. They specialize in mixing and songwriting, working across a diverse multitude of genres including rap, electronic, experimental trap, ambient, indie and alternative.
With a passion in discovering new sounds and bringing diverse worlds, genres, and stories to life, Astro sees every session as an opportunity to add to the soundtrack of their life and treats every track with the same passion and attention.
Clemente “Chino” Jackson
Engineer, producer, Guitarist
Clemente Jackson, producing under the name CHINOSPARKS, was born and raised in NYC. As a child, Chino discovered his love for music through classical Guitar, and by the age of 14, he began exploring music production. First utilizing Maschine, Chino not only developed a passion for Hip Hop and Boom Bap music, but for crafting it as well.
Chino is dedicated to crafting a unique sonic identity for every client. With a strong creative direction, he leverages his musical prowess against the needs and considerations of a client- bringing projects to life across genres and styles. From solo vocalists eager to experiment, to bands aiming to raise the bar, Chino embraces every new challenge with passion and creativity. Whether it’d be tracking guitar, sampling recordings, or engineering your new pop hit, Chino is sure to deliver on good vibes and even better music.
Albert “ayake” Akaya
Born and raised in Italy, Albert Akaya — known artistically as Ayake — began his musical journey at the age of 16, first through poetry and soon after with FL Studio. Teaching himself how to record, mix, and master, Albert laid the foundation for a multifaceted career as both an artist and engineer.
At 19, he moved to Atlanta, where he earned his degree in Music Production from the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media. He soon began working as a recording engineer in a commercial music studio, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. Later relocating to New York, Albert expanded his craft across various studios and collaborations, further refining his unique perspective as someone who is simultaneously a producer, artist, and engineer.
His strengths in production, mixing, and creative direction make him a versatile and forward-thinking collaborator, dedicated to building a tailored sonic identity for every project. Whether working with an independent artist searching for their sound, a collective pushing creative boundaries, or a label seeking polished production, Albert approaches each session with passion, precision, and innovation.
ENgineer, producer
Caleb Lodish
Engineer, producer
Caleb Lodish is a Billboard Charting producer from Burlington, Vermont, actively engineering since he was just 17. Quickly making himself a staple in the Burlington music scene, Caleb had become one of the most sought after engineers in the state. He has since exported his talents to NYC, seeking to perfect his craft and expand his influence while attending Hofstra University.
Caleb has been producing for over seven years, specializing in Underground Rap, R&B and Jazz. Now working at Studio 404, Caleb brings both sonically versatility and extreme passion across all his work, striving to attain the perfect sound for whoever he works with- as well as making hits and history.