Incredible Closeup this week with recording and mixing engineer Orlando Gomez of Beacon Hill Recording studio! Orlando gives us a great insight to the world of producing multi-platinum level musical projects, working with local talent to superstar artists and the teamwork behind the scenes it takes to make it all come together. Orlando discusses his own personal experiences in the industry as well as his recommendations for success in his field. Not surprisingly, his advice will help you succeed in any field.
Time Line:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Role of audio engineer
02:17 The many roles in the production of a song
06:11 At what point did you decide to pursue a career in music?
07:29 How were you able to succeed in both your degree in electrical engineering and still
pursue your role in the music industry?
08:58 Where do you see the music industry going with the emergence of
sites like Soundcloud, youTube and iTunes?
10:53 What advice do you have for people trying to make it as musicians
or producers at these sites?
13:27 What are some of the things you feel have had the most impact on your success as you were going through high school, college, or
Apprenticeship?
14:13 Could you share with us some of the resources out there that
someone in high school or college could use to help them further
their music production knowledge?
15:32 Could you describe an average day of what it is like working as a music producer?
17:52 Are there any eclectic or offbeat ways you tap into your creativity?
19:22 Did you estimate the degree of success Khalid would have as you were working on his music? How did you feel about Grammy
nomination?
21:16 Looking back at your success, what advice would you have for
yourself when you were starting out?
22:41 What would you like to see happen in El Paso to keep the
momentum going in terms of the music scene?
25:55 Working long hours as you mentioned, can you tell us about the
challenges you come across in the process? Challenges with an artist, interpersonal challenges, creative challenges?
27:40 Is there anything else you want anyone to know who is interested in the music or production industry?
28:34 Summary
Related Links:
Beacon Hill Recording Studio El Paso, TX- See the team at this studio, the artist they work with and links to their social media.
Recording Connection - Real studio education, real studio connections. They offer many certifications in many cities all across the United States.
Beacon Hill Recording Studio's Soundcloud link
Audio Engineering Society - for more information on this field.
Sokanu - What does an Audio Engineer do?
Audio Engineer - career information from TheBalance.com
Shandi Keller is someone we knew we wanted to speak to due to her accomplishments as a helicopter pilot in the Army and as an instructor for other pilots. We were fortunate she was able to stop by the day before moving to a new training station so we could record this interview. In this episode, she discusses how she decided to enlist in the Army, what she did to prepare, and what she did to move up through ranks during her time in the Army. She also discusses ways to enter the military with a higher rank, different pathways to becoming a pilot in the military, and some misconceptions people may have regarding those in the military. One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of networking at every level, from sitting down with people who do the job that interests you, to making sure those who evaluate or rank you know who you are. It is important not only to make a name for yourself by doing your best, but to maintain your integrity in a small community where your reputation will most likely precede you.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
1:48 High school, decision to join Army and preparation to enlist
6:10 How long were you a Medevac pilot and how did you transition out of active duty?
8:55 Typical day as Instructor
10:00 Favorite part and challenges of job
12:32 Most memorable moments
19:55 Advice for someone wanting to be a pilot in the military?
27:00 What does she know now that she wishes she would have known earlier?
30:34 Any misconceptions about the military she would like to address?
Related Links:
FAA - Becoming a Pilot
US Army - UH60 Repairer (15T) ,
US Army - High School to Flight School (Street to Seat)
US Army - Aircraft, Helicopters and UAV
Book - Shoot Like a Girl Story of Medevac pilot Air National Guard major Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar
Book - Danger Close Story of Kiowa pilot Amber Smith