Over Worked And Under Paid: 48 Hour Song Insanity With Cage Willis
Setting The Stage:
Cage Willis’s latest releases, Wonderin’ Why and Overworked & Underpaid, showcase his raw energy and songwriting prowess in a way few artists can match. Produced by Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), with the Westfall Audio Team on board, these tracks were crafted from the ground up in less than two days each — an insane creative sprint that captures Cage’s spontaneous fire and unfiltered vibe.
The process? Cage and Chris start from absolutely nothing. No pre-written demos, no pre-planned arrangements or lyrics. Just pure inspiration — maybe Cage saw something cool on his way to the studio that day, or maybe he came in feeling a little overworked while hammering out songs, tracking them, and refining every part within a 48-hour window. That immediacy translates into a sound that’s both urgent and authentic — a blend of alternative outlaw and southern rock that hits hard while remaining completely genuine.
Photo Credit: Josh Meredith
In the Studio: Capturing the Moment
Vocals were tracked through a killer chain — a Slate ML-1 mic into a classic Neve 1073 preamp, then through legendary compressors: an 1176 followed by an LA-2A. This setup helped Cage’s voice cut through with both grit and warmth, perfectly balancing his raw edge and melodic delivery.
Outside of vocals, there wasn’t a fixed signal chain—everything moved so quickly that we relied on pre-tested setups. The new material was mixed and mastered by Jordan in a hybrid style using Pro Tools, combining in-the-box flexibility with the richness of outboard gear.
“Much of the sonic character was nailed right there during tracking. The challenge in mixing these wasn’t building the sound from scratch, but making sure not to mess with a vision that was already crystal clear,” says Jordan Westfall (Mixer/Mastering Engineer), emphasizing the goal of preserving the live energy without over-polishing.
Photo Credit: Josh Meredith , Jordan Westfall
The Fast and the Focused
Pulling off such a quick turnaround requires more than just skill; it demands an intimate understanding of your tools. Years of experimenting and learning gear nuances beforehand mean when the clock’s ticking, you know exactly where to reach for the right sounds and effects — no time for trial and error. The goal is to be quick and efficient without draining the room’s energy. Being the bottleneck kills momentum, and with Cage and Chris pushing so hard, momentum is everything.
Typically, by mid-afternoon on day one, Cage, Chris, and myself have a full music bed tracked, ready for vocals. Day two is all about laying down vocals, ripping out killer guitar solos, and adding those last chorus lifts that take the songs from good to unforgettable.
Photo Credit: Ian Davis
Songs That Speak
Cage’s album Who I Am debuted in April 2023, sparking excitement for what was coming next. Wonderin’ Why was the first single from his newest collection of songs, setting the tone with heartfelt lyrics and a driving groove. His next single, Overworked & Underpaid, followed shortly after, digging deeper into the working-class grind and pairing honest storytelling with gritty riffs. Both tracks showcase Cage’s knack for capturing everyday struggles and transforming them into powerful anthems.
Behind the scenes, the chemistry between Cage and Chris, paired with our team’s ability to deliver any sonic at a moment’s notice, makes this rapid-fire process possible. Each brings a sharp ear and strong work ethic, pushing the music and each other forward without overthinking — letting the moment dictate the sound.
Stay tuned — Cage Willis is one artist to watch, with a creative engine that refuses to slow down, and we couldn’t be more proud to be the team involved!