By: Aries Deng
EDM producers differ from traditional music producers in few ways. EDM producers usually create their own tracks and some even do their own mixing and mastering. While a traditional music producer works with the musicians on arrangements, instructing them on how or what to play to achieve his or her vision of the song. The traditional producers aren’t necessarily the ones who program the music or play the instruments. Usually, when the song is finished it is mixed (by an engineer, and sometimes the producer) and then sent to a mastering studio. Traditional producers usually work with instruments and musicians vs EDM producers. (more…)
Part Seven – How has the Industry Changed in the Last Twenty Years
I have noticed that a lot of things have changed in the industry in the last twenty years. (more…)
Part Six: Can you be too old for this?
Within the last year, I have asked myself many times if I’m too old for this. Sure, I’m not 21 years old any more but am I too old? Should I be concerned about my age? Should I be bothered if others think I’m too old?! Well, many of my co-workers who were around when I started out 20 years ago are still touring and still dedicated and enthusiastic about their job as a sound engineer. I even know of some that are close to sixty and still touring.
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Japan is Mr Big’s home away from home. They are adored by their fans here and consider them lifelong friends. They have always had a huge fan base in Japan and even when the band broke up in 2002 the Japanese never gave up hope and never stopped pleading for a reunion. That reunion happened in 2009 and the band, with all four original members, has done three world tours and made two new records since. (more…)
Electric Zoo Part Two – The Show
For the two-day EDM festival, I was assigned to work the stage of Main West. We would get the DJs set up and hang out in the wings until the next set change. I found myself doing more odd jobs than audio-related ones. A lot of them related to power with running power to certain parts of the backstage area to hang lights. I had to pack up quad boxes at the monitor position, as I was tired of everyone trying to use our power. (more…)
Two Shows, Two Weekends, One Festival – Part Two
The week between ACL we traveled to Tulsa, OK, and Lincoln, NE. We had two days off in Tulsa, right in downtown – let’s say it leaves a bit to be desired and with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees walking around was out. I did make a trip to the Greenwood Historic District, which was once known as the Black Wall Street. (more…)
Part Five: Did I Make the Right Choice?
Did I make the right choice to return live sound?! I have contemplated for a very long time. Did I still had the energy that it takes? Was I strong enough, mentally and physically? Could I deal with my insecurity? Would anybody give me a job? I knew this would turn my life upside down. (more…)
Mr. SoundLady – Rachel Ryan
Rachel Ryan has been working as an independent audio engineer for the last eleven years. She has worked as a FOH and TM for School of Seven Bells, Phosphorescent, Little Boots, Nightbox and Honeyblood. FOH for Albert Hammond JR, MNDR, Streets of Laredo, and as ME for Silversun Pickups, The Strokes, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. She is currently doing monitors for The Strokes and FOH for PHOX. When she is not touring she works at the Brooklyn Bowl as both a FOH and Monitor Engineer. (more…)
I have learned a few things about opening a new venue.
What you imagine it will be like:
You will be preparing your prized show horse for his debut. You will feed him the tastiest carrots, brush his flowing mane, give him the best shoes, talk to him sweetly and train him for impeccable behavior suitable for the kind of people who wear multi-level hats and monocles and have other people do their grocery shopping for them. (more…)
