After graduating RAC granted me an internship for having outstanding grades at Amp’d Mobile. We focused on giving their customers exclusive media content such as live concerts and music videos broadcasted straight to their phones. I found myself in a world class recording facility recording some of the hottest musical acts from Canada and abroad, giving me complete control over the audio mix. I currently work as an audio technician for Westbury National Show Systems Ltd. I have the opportunity to work at live events and concerts. I’m involved with setting up the equipment and mixing the audio during the show.
1.What was your background in music prior to enrolling at RAC?
I enrolled to the Ontario Conservatory of Music when I was 12 years old to learn how to play the guitar. Once I learned the fundamentals of music theory I then went on to teach myself how to play drums and piano. I had a pretty solid grasp on music before entering RAC which I would recommend to anyone thinking about pursuing a career in music production or sound design.
2. What kind of music projects did you do before and after graduating RAC?
Before I enrolled to RAC I had built a small studio operation in my parents basement in Niagara Falls. This was a blessing for me because it gave me the opportunity to not only record my music and collaborations, it gave me the opportunity to learn about production. I had a Pro Tools (audio software) rig for 3 years prior to going to RAC so I found I had a strong advantage over the rest of my classmates. After graduating RAC I have had the opportunity to work on many exciting musical projects. RAC granted me an internship for having outstanding grades at an up-and-coming telephone company called Amp’d Mobile. Amp’d Mobile focused on giving their customers exclusive media content such as live concerts and music videos broadcasted straight to their phones. I found myself in a world class recording facility recording some of the hottest musical acts from Canada and abroad, giving me complete control over the audio mix. Other musical projects I have worked on include recording local talent as well as recording song writing sessions for Canadian Idol hopefuls.
3. Describe your current job and how it came about?
I currently work as an audio technician for Westbury National Show Systems Ltd. I have the opportunity to work at live events and concerts. I’m involved with setting up the equipment and mixing the audio during the show. I enjoy the job because it gives me the opportunity to work at different locations as well as working with various types of performers and musicians. I got the job through a connection I made previously while working at Amp’d Mobile.
4. What is your role there?
Other than working as an audio technician I also have to deal with clients and plan the audio configurations for the shows.
5. What is the music scene like where you live?
I live in Toronto…the music scene is thriving! Being a musician in Canada hasn’t been this exciting in a long time. Toronto has been gaining recognition throughout the rest of the globe over the past few years and I feel it’s not slowing down any time soon.
6. What are your future goals and ambitions?
I plan to make a career for myself in audio post-production. I also have been educated in advertising so my future goal is to work full time with radio, television and web-based advertising. I do a lot of freelance audio work in my spare time so I already have a few adverts under my belt (I did the audio for the Juicy Fruit Squeeze ad currently featured on muchmusic.com).
7. Do you have any suggestions for people interested in starting a career in audio or music?
Prepare, prepare, prepare. You have to having a burning desire to do this because if the passion isn’t there you will not succeed in this competitive industry. I would recommend learning at least some basic music theory if you plan to work with music production. It would be hard to translate your ideas in the studio without and prior musical knowledge. Another thing I would do would be to get yourself Pro Tools software. Pro Tools is the industry standard digital audio workstation and will be found in almost all recording studios.
8. How was your experience at RAC?
Did anything particularly influential happen during your studies at RAC that shaped the decisions you’ve made since graduating? The most influential experience I had at RAC was the connections and friendships I made. The faculty were very helpful and inspiring. I looked up to the teaching staff because they all have had work experience in the industry I dreamed to be a part of.
9. What opinion of the recording industry would you share ?
The recording industry is thriving in music and especially in post-production for film. Many movies are filmed in Toronto so you are bound to come across many post productions facilities while searching for work. It is a competitive industry but if you’re confident in your work you should have no trouble landing the job you’ve been looking for.
10. Any recording session experience that was particularly memorable?
The most memorable recording experiences that I have had were all the sessions I did for Amp’d Mobile. One minute I was in school preparing myself for my career, the next minute I’m in a multi-million dollar recording facility tracking sessions for major label artists on a daily basis. This was a very exciting time for me.
11. Any person or group that has really impacted you or your work?
There are countless people that have impacted my work. I think the main attribute that inspires me is when I meet other people with the same creative passion that I have and to not be scared to push boundaries.
12. How do your friends and family view your job and career?
My friends and family are proud of me because after all the people that have ever doubted me and thought that I wouldn’t succeed, I persevered. I never stopped striving to achieve my goals and it has payed off for me. I always have interesting work-related stories to tell my friends and family so they seem to get a kick out of it. To put it simply, they are happy because I’m happy.
13. Any other comment or observation you wish to share?
Recording Arts Canada prepared me to enter a great industry. I plan to work in with audio for the rest of my life so RAC was definitely the first step on my long path.
