Location:
Baltimore, MD, USA
How did you become a producer/sound engineer?
I grew up playing in bands, branched into experimental electronics improv, and later hit the academic side with a master’s in composition. Around the same time, I also got into sound design and music for live theater. All of those influences came together, and boom… I started producing music for TV/film. I learn constantly from any trustworthy source I come across.
What advice would you give students either going into school or just graduating about getting a job in this industry?
Two main things:
(1) Be kind and reliable. You might get your first gig by being great, but you’ll get every gig after that by being great to work with.
(2) Pay attention to what you enjoy most, what really sparks you, and see if you can work your way to a job doing that. You’ll need that juice to get through the tough days.
What are the major qualities required to be a good sound engineer in your opinion?
Beginner’s mind, to keep learning. Honesty with oneself – specifically, self-assessment, for which reference tracks are invaluable. Constantly check your work against commercial releases in the same style. To write it as music, ||: Get Better | Get Pickier :||
What is your recording/producing philosophy?
Same as my life philosophy these days: Fewer things, better things. Piling more and more stuff onto a production that you’re insecure about won’t hide its flawed foundation; it’ll just make your mix harder.
What producers/engineers inspire/inspired you?
Well… I think artists inspire me more than producers, and I love so many styles and genres — from Pretenders to Swardy, Radiohead to Taylor Swift. And think of all the songs that conjure magic, elicit goosebumps, or bring us to tears despite a comparatively modest studio and/or production!
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