INDUSTRY RESOURCES
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” – Prov 18:15
In any career, not just music, there is a never-ending ocean of knowledge, wisdom, experience, and skill to develop. There are seasons for broadly acquiring new skills, seasons for diving deep into one or two specialties, seasons for brainstorming and inventing, seasons for honing and reflecting, and seasons for sharing wisdom.
I am simply on this journey of learning the music business and developing in my profession as well. I look to resources both in and outside my field, inspiration from a multitude of places, and I always seek to be teachable. My journey is not the “the way” to do it but simply “a way”. You can glean from my story as I share some resources that I find helpful for anyone to develop in the music industry. Always feel free to reach out to me as well.
How do we begin to know where to start? Well – take heart! – everyone starts uninformed and we pick things up along the way. Start and continue with research. You don’t know what you don’t know, so start looking for relevant information and see where the rabbit hole takes you. These were once helpful to me, so maybe they can be helpful to you, whatever stage of your career you’re in.
Dive deep into interviews with people you trust. Pensado’s Place, Produce Like A Pro, and the Full Circle Music Show / Made It In Music Podcast have a vast wealth of interviews and industry wisdom. Also, just search on YouTube for interviews with your favorite artists, engineers, and professionals. Even look outside the music industry for solid wisdom about business, entrepreneurship, character, leadership, and inspiration.
Whether an interview or a techniques video or an article, something I started doing is keeping a spreadsheet of all the different gear, techniques, tricks, and wisdom different pros offered up. Pensado’s place Batter’s Box and Into The Layer are great for curating techniques. Keep track and try them in different scenarios; it may work for you too.
Some people I really trust, look up to, and share similar mix philosophies with are Sean Moffitt and Andrew Scheps. Guys who I trust to give good advice about mixing are Manny Marroquin, Gregg Wells, Vance Powell, Andy Wallace, Joe Chiccarelli, Michael Brauer, and Dave Pensado. Guys that I think are good at what they do but should be taken with a grain of salt are Chris Lord Alge, Tom Lord Alge, Jack Joseph Puig, and Steven Slate. My intent is not to slam anyone, there are just guys I align with more than others. Here are some resources in particular that I find helpful.
Go search for these topics on recording and mixing and follow the rabbit hole to discover more. Find ways to test out these techniques and get some hands on experience. These are just a few of the things you can look into, but this will get you started.
RECORDING & MIXING
VOCALS
DRUMS
Mentorships and apprenticeships are, in my opinion, the best way to grow in business. The opportunity to glean from the wisdom and knowledge of someone who is farther down the path from you is irreplaceable. You get personal interaction, dedicated instruction, specific inquisition, and the benefits of first and second hand experience.
I’m not as big of a fan of this option because it’s a less personalized learning approach and some schools are more interested in receiving tuition than pumping out graduates who are qualified, well-rounded, and equipped to start working. There are definite benefits to college, beyond the degree, that are invaluable. Audio Engineering and Music Business programs are helpful in providing knowledge and some experienced, but there are also so many free resources out there that can help you get almost the same result. On top of that, many graduates develop a sense of entitlement yet still have to humble themselves into an internship or apprenticeship.
So my advice is: don’t got to college or enter a program because you think it elevates you to be ready to get a job in this industry right out of graduation; rather, consider college for all the benefits of being a student, for learning, for transitioning and preparation, and for time spent developing. Then, after graduation, dive deep into an internship or apprenticeship with some professionals. In this industry (take this with a grain of salt), the value of relationships, work ethic, character, and ability are much greater than a completed degree from a program.
Here are some schools and programs I would recommend looking into. One of these might be the right fit for you, or none of them might be.
So much art, instruction, and history has been captured in films, articles, books, and music albums. These have been helpful in shaping my understanding of the industry and inspiring me to continue on in my career.