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James Michael Nugent

James Nugent, author and contributor at Higher Hz

James is a writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, sound designer, and synth enthusiast. From bebop to hip-hop, he has a diverse passion for music that blends modern and traditional concepts.

After studying as a pianist and composer, James developed a keen interest in music production and sound design. Pursuing these interests at the SAE Institute, he discovered just how expansive the world of music production truly is.

A massive jazz fan, James was drawn to the production and engineering styles of pioneers like Rudy Van Gelder and Attilio Joseph "Teo" Macero. He then studied the works of seminal engineers and producers from each era, drawing influence from figures like Quincy Jones and Joe Meek to Dr. Dre and Ryan Tedder.

Over the past 20 years, James has gained vast experience as a performer, educator, composer, and content creator. He has worked on various educational projects to highlight the many benefits of music.

Through collaborations with organizations like Youth Music UK and brands like JBL, he has led campaigns encouraging young people to get involved in music. He has also composed music for campaigns promoting mental health awareness.

As a writer, James covers major music industry trade shows (especially synth-focused events like Superbooth), creating content that showcases the latest releases from manufacturers and developers.

He has produced demo and tutorial content for brands like Akai, iZotope, and Plugin Boutique, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views. His writing has also appeared on platforms such as Bedroom Producers Blog, Pianist's Compass, and Music Critic.

As a musician and producer, his goal is never to close doors but to take influence from everywhere - never be defined by a single genre, just make music.

The 9 best synth VST plugins for every budget and taste

Synth VST plugins are so good these days that they convert even the most ardent hardware purists to software enthusiasts.

I’ve tested a wide selection of plugins, including some familiar classics and some recent releases, to find the best synth VSTs available in 2025.

The 6 best budget MIDI controllers under $100 and $200 for beginners

A good MIDI controller is often one of the most powerful tools a musician/producer can buy, and you don’t have to pay a small fortune.

I’ve tested a range of budget controllers to find the best options available between $100 and $200. These MIDI controllers are ideal for beginners on a tight budget but are good enough for advanced musicians.

The 5 best piano VST plugins in 2025: Free, budget, and premium

Piano VSTs are so good these days that the idea of carrying a concert grand piano in your backpack is no longer absurd. OK, not an actual grand piano, but you can take that unmistakable sound anywhere you can fit a laptop.

I’ve been testing the best piano VST plugins available in 2025 to give you my top picks. My list will feature some of the most popular VSTs, lesser-known gems, and something for every budget (even free).

The 4 best 88-key weighted MIDI keyboard controllers in 2025

When choosing a MIDI keyboard, we often focus on production tools, features, and the number of assignable controls, and that’s usually the right approach. But, sometimes, what we need most is the perfect keyboard action for the type of work we do.

I’ve tested a wide range of 88-key MIDI controllers to find the best fully-weighted and semi-weighted options on the market.