Hi Laura and Oli
Are there specific attributes, experiences, and skills you have that you think have helped to set you apart? Are there strengths you have that you feel are perhaps unique to you and have helped contribute to your success?
Thank you , this was my favourite album of the year.
Hi Jinting, that’s really kind of you to say - thank you!
They aren’t specific to me, but there are a few things I think I can pinpoint that have helped me advance in my career.
When I was working at Real World I tried to broaden my abilities in areas that interested me outside of the studio. Lots of people know how Pro Tools works, but it makes you more appealing as an engineer if you know how to do some other useful tasks too. I was never great with a soldering iron but I learned how to build basic websites (the RW website is still my design), how Dante and networking worked and I learned every feature of their SSL console - not just the commonly used ones.
I think in order to have a successful career you have to not only be good at what you do in the studio, but also understand studio etiquette. I learnt early on that there’s no room for ego (especially from engineers). Keep your head down, work hard, notice/take the opportunities when they inevitably come - try to be keen but not pushy.
The ability to stay calm when things get challenging, and the desire go above and beyond to make sure the team you’re working with feel comfortable is so important.
The people you work with are everything. If you’re working with people that have mutual respect and love for each other then you’re already winning.
Thanks so much, Jinting! At the beginning of my career, I had a lot of interesting challenges. One of many examples - I had one week’s notice to learn a new DAW for an album I was about to record. I think after going through lots of challenges like this, which you may fumble through sometimes, you’ll learn to trust that you can handle anything that comes your way and remain zen during high stress situations.
I also think one of the most important things I’ve been able to offer people is caring deeply about quality until the very end of any project. It’s never too late to tweak something as mixes get finalized, new elements get exposed or highlighted differently, instruments interact differently as they go through more layers of compression and I think not being afraid to adjust stuff through the end of a project is a really important part of the process.
Thank you both for the thoughtful responses. If either of you will be going to the NAMM Show in January, me and my group would love the opportunity to connect and say hello!
Jinting
I’m not sure if either of us will make it this year, but we’d definitely be stopping by the MWTM booth to say hello if we are! <3