defyrecordings

[defyrecordings]

38 years. I moved to NYC on this day in 1986. I knew no one here, but knew that I wanted to make records. So that is what I set out to do, and did. No regrets, and a few million mistakes later, I’m still here. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m not done yet. What an honor and privilege to be part of so many records, and call the best artists and musicians in the world, friends. #grateful #music #art

[defyrecordings]

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[defyrecordings]

Always cool recording with the best players. Today was percussionist Franco Pinna, with a project for composer Aaron Berkson at Reservoir Studios in New York. #music #engineer #composer #film #studiolife

[defyrecordings]

I’ve always thought the phrase “flying by instruments only” can pertain to recording sessions too. Instrument flying is the ability to fly an aircraft using only the instruments of the cockpit, rather than relying on visual cues outside the aircraft. It is an important skill for pilots because it allows them to fly in conditions where visibility is limited, such as in clouds or at night. There are times where you can work in a room you may not know and you don’t have time to learn. In those cases I’ll do what I always do and every time it all works out fine. This only works of course if you know the tools you’re working with. How many times have you walked into a studio where you quickly realize that there some issues in the space that you just have to work around to get the job done? #engineer #music #work #studiolife

[defyrecordings]

Conversations this week have been interesting. For all the resources available these days, it can be tricky to navigate what information is the real deal. One example, someone wanted to hire me as a producer, yet they aren’t even an artist yet. Artist development is one thing, but how do you know you even want to be one? There’s no right time to start. You just have to get to it. Will you succeed? You won’t know until you put in the work. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission first, just start doing it. That’s what I did all those years ago #artist #career #music

[defyrecordings]

I never take for granted the privilege of working with legendary artists and future legends. Being part of their creative process means you’re in the right place at the right time. Recognizing this is the best way to step your game up, and using these lessons in all that you do means everybody wins. Who are you working with this week? #artist #music #producer #engineer #studiolife

[defyrecordings]

May seems to be mostly mixing and mastering here so far. I’m always up for recording sessions. The bigger the better! Are you recording anything cool this week? #recording #mixing #mastering #studiolife

[defyrecordings]

40 years ago I watched a documentary that would change my life. As much as I knew what I wanted to do, I had no idea what that even looked like. In the early 80’s you could read album liner notes or interviews about people talking about recording sessions, that was about it. In 1984 U2 released “The Unforgettable Fire”. As a fan, the album was an instant favorite, but this documentary was IT. Finally, I had a reference, a motivation, a purpose and a reason to leave home. 40 years later, I’m grateful to do what I love with artists from all over the world. And yes, I still have a VCR

[defyrecordings]

It’s a new week. What kind of songs are you working on? #producer #engineer #music #studiolife

[defyrecordings]

I’m grateful that I started my career before we needed to be camera ready at all times for social media. To think of all the times we made mistakes when no one was watching and we weren’t being filmed 24/7. What a relief to know we got through it and came out the other side a bit wiser and with some dignity intact. I feel for those starting out now. Be easy on yourself. You won’t be perfect every time. You’re going to get it wrong. That’s okay. We’ve all been where you are. The trick is to get it right the next time. Don’t be sorry, be better.

[defyrecordings]

Wow! A video from Fur! 90’s NYC, in a good way https://youtu.be/appRaUHYn6c?si=lKjHWZxortdBCcls

[defyrecordings]

We just mastered our 499th album today. Who wants to be the 500th? defyrecordings.com/shop/

#mastering #music

[defyrecordings]

This month Defy turns 17. Thank you to every artist, label and company that has been part of the journey. We appreciate you all. Let’s work! #grateful #anniversary #production #recording #mixing #mastering #coaching www.defyrecordings.com

http://www.defyrecordings.com

[defyrecordings]

@tech21nyc never disappoints! Picked this one up for an upcoming project. #guitar #sansamp #recording #engineer