Hear Their Career
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
How did you become a producer/sound engineer?
As an artist I had a difficult time explaining what I wanted to accomplish in the studio, so I started making demos. Ableton felt like a very natural fit with my work on loop pedals. This lead to online classes and then private production lessons. I’ve improved a lot with mixing by sharing mixes and receiving feedback in mixing forums like Mix Me and Mixing Is Cake.
What advice would you give students either going into school or just graduating about getting a job in this industry?
Don’t just network, volunteer. It’s the best way I’ve found to build trust with community leaders/organizers and rise above the crowd in this industry. Treat people like they’re your best customer. You never know who will be a life-long ally. Be curious about people. Ask questions. Ask for advice. Politely share what you want and need, and ask others what they need and how you can help them. Set goals, break them down into measurable steps, and review regularly.
What are the major qualities required to be a good sound engineer in your opinion?
Curiosity, humility, determination. You have to be willing to be a beginner (aka suck at something new) and then constantly get better by asking questions, receiving critique, learning.
What is your recording/producing philosophy?
Make it yourself. Perfect is boring.
What producers/engineers inspire/inspired you?
Bad Snacks, Wendy & Lisa, Imogen Heap, Bink Beats, Bjork, Sevdaliza, Karrie Keyes, Barbara Adams, Kemana Otosi
