Isha “The Mad Scientist” builds tracks that hit with precision and purpose. For over 20 years, Isha has brought songs to life with passion, musicality, and a producer’s ear for what truly resonates.
After getting kicked out of the high school band for being held back a grade, Isha picked up the guitar and started a punk rock band. Wanting to record his first songs, he went to Radio Shack to buy the finest conference room mics, plugged them into a boombox, and began his recording adventures live to cassette tape.
Isha dropped out of high school early to pursue music composition at the local college and an Internship at a world-class recording facility, Prairie Sun Studios, at the end of the analog tape era. Wanting more formal training, Isha studied at the Conservatory of Recording Arts in Arizona.
One school was complete; Isha began his Journey working up through the ranks in Los Angeles. Starting as an Intern for Rob Cavallo, producing My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade album, diligently working his way up the ladder from getting coffee and scrubbing toilets to working with top artists such as Fall Out Boy and the Black Eyed Peas.
One of his biggest “aha” moments was assisting the Legendary Mike Shipley (Def Leppard, The Cars, Green Day) in mixing Maroon 5’s album. He learned not to be afraid to make huge EQ moves to sculpt sounds larger than life. When Adam Levine wanted to re-record one of the songs, Isha stepped up to engineer and earned one of his many Platinum Records.
Years later, after returning to his hometown to start a family, Isha returned to LA to do Ziggy Marley's Fly Rasta album. He describes the process as a dream come true, working with amazing musicians in some of the best studios in the world, and earning a Grammy award.
Isha Erskine believes the best music connects emotionally and authentically—he only takes on projects he believes in, ensuring every track resonates with real feeling. With a fearless, creative approach and a sharp ear for what cuts through, he collaborates with artists to craft powerful, release-ready songs that stand out and stick.
In 2020, when the world shut down due to COVID, Isha built The Mad Scientist Studio. When not producing artists, writes sync music for TV, skateboards with his two boys, and grows food on a diversified no-till farm with his wife in Sebastopol, California.
Nick is nicknamed “The Mad Scientist” for his speed and attention to detail. Isha brings major-label polish to independent artists ready to level up. He’s worked with acts like Maroon 5, Ziggy Marley, and Jeff Beck—and now helps rising artists craft release-ready tracks that cut through the noise. You're in the right hands if you're serious about your sound.