Learn Hip Hop & Beat Making

Background

Shane Anderson is a seasoned music industry veteran. With over 20+ years in the music industry Shane has vast experience in production, recording, mixing and mastering as well as the ins and outs of the music business. Shane began his musical career in his early teens as a demo vocalist for labels and also as a sound engineer for the MUZAK corporation. At age 18 he opened his first studio location in Honolulu, HI called “Unique Studios” and oversaw the daily operations of the recording studio as well as landing several indie label deals and distribution agreements while in Hawaii working with local talent. In 2009 Shane released a solo album titled “Dangerous”. This album took off online primarily on MYSPACE and gained much success with over 2.5 Million plays worldwide landing him on BILLBOARD NEWSWIRE and ultimately landing him several placements on TV shows to include “The Kardashians” “MTV” “E- Networks” and Oxygen to name a few.

Shane moved down to Los Angeles 2010 where he formed with his long-time high school friend a production company called “The Go Gettas” where he continued to build on his credits and catalog working with artist who have been on American Idol, X Factor, Dancing with The Stars and Disney to name a few. After landing multiple placements in Film/TV Shane relocated to the Sacramento area in 2016 to build on Unique Recording Studios and help bridge the gap between artist and the industry.

Shane runs Unique Recording Studios as a production label, distribution company and recording studio for artist to create and focus on their art. Unique Recording Studios has also newly launched an exciting new venture at URS called “The Collective” which will allow producers, engineers, songwriters and artist to collaborate in house at Unique Recording Studios to work together to create music and promote building a large collaborative catalog of music to submit to labels, publishers, music supervisors and overall decision makers in the music industry. This will provide a great opportunity for students who complete their coursework at the recording connection.

Articles

Unique Recording Studios

Background

Recording Connection mentor Josh “Igloo” Monroy is proof-positive that getting in and showing your commitment to the craft, day-in and day-out, can launch your career to unprecedented heights. With more than a decade in the music industry, Monroy has worked with everyone from Justin Bieber to Quincy Jones, to The Notorious B.I.G.

Monroy is looking for the same kind of commitment from his externs. Whether it’s during the Recording Connection for Audio Engineering & Music Production program or using Ableton to lay down hip hop or electronic music tracks, Monroy is looking for inspiration, originality, and dedication.

“I do two-hour drills with my externs where they have two hours to make a track, and there has to be a full-on song, or music bed for a song anyway,” Monroy said. “That means intro, verse, chorus, the whole nine yards, Not just an 8-bar loop that’s looped over and over again for three minutes. I don’t want to hear that.”

The seasoned engineer/composer/producer is also known for his longtime work with iconic artist Ludacris. The ability to work with a wide range of acts – and create something extraordinary – is what makes someone a sought-after studio engineer.

“They walk in the room and there’s no expectation, and then they leave six to eight hours later, and there’s this whole freaking song made, and it’s special,” Monroy said. “It’s about them and it’s encompassing their influences and what they love. It’s not just this generic track…That’s what I show my externs, is how to get inside someone’s head in a short period of time [and] use your time wisely so that the artist walks away satisfied.”

Articles

RC mentor Josh Monroy Talks How He Got Hired by Ludacris and Doing JoJo’s “Mad Love”

Background

In 1996, Scotty became Production Manager for the powerhouse production team, The Characters. It was during this time that Scott worked on numerous Platinum and Gold albums, including releases by SWV, Johnny Gill, Tyrese, B2K, Brian McKnight, Petey Pablo, and Faith Evans. Scotty has been lending his expertise in Studio and Production Management at Engine Room Audio since 2006.

Background

A true music industry veteran, Recording Connection mentor Ira Parker is the owner and chief producer/engineer for Maximus Music Records, one of the top recording studios in Charlotte, NC, serving clients like Jadakiss, DMX and many others. As a Recording Connection mentor, Ira is passionate about training up new talent and always looks for opportunities to push his students to expand their skills.

Articles

NUGGETS OF TRUTH: Recording Connection mentor Ira Parker on pushing the limits
Wes Hagy: From Mechanical Engineering to Audio Engineering

Background

Columbus Smith III, better known by his stage name Rahki (sometimes Rahk or Rahki Beats), is an American record producer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. He is known for his work with mentor DJ Khalil and acts such as Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Currensy, Evidence, Schoolboy Q, 50 Cent, Domo Genesis, Lecrae, Aloe Blacc, and more.

Background

Noel “Detail” Fisher has been behind the scenes crafting the biggest hits for Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jennifer Lopez and more. Producing songs like the Grammy Award winning hit, “Drunk in Love” as well as, “7/11” for Beyonce’. Are just mere pieces of the eclectic producer of Detail+Music Studio whom gave us the heart felt “How to Love” by Lil Wayne, and the melodic “We Dem Boys” by Wiz Khalifa.

He connected regions through Drake’s “305 to My City”, and sent good vibes through the globe on Lil Wayne’s “No Worries”. These sonic historic landmarks established Detail as an artist who can do more than just create a hot beat. His songwriting and hookcraft abilities have helped him emerge as one of the biggest and most well-rounded talents in hip-hop today.

Detail was first known for being a co-executive on Ray J’s Raydiation, which was his first major contributions on an album. However, times have changed for the Detroit, MI native, “When you’re in Detroit there’s nothin’ to do. There’s no opportunity” Detail explains.

“All of the record labels left, and it’s just been a desert. All I could do was ,sing, play the piano and write. I came up from that era of just tapping into all genres of music. It’s not different than having a house and pulling in the person that does the air conditioner and the person that does the plumbing;’ that’s what I’m doing with my music. It’s a household and I’m connecting with the best people to make that happen.”

With production in the works for Big Sean and more, Detail is slated to not only be one of the most talked about names in music, but will be defining the sound of our modern generation.

Articles

ecording Connection mentor Ric Web and students collaborate to change the Nashville music scene!
Interview with Nashville Recording Connection Mentor Ric Web

Background

Scarlet War is a rapper, music producer, song writer, and actor. Along with being the president of NxtUp Media, Scarlet War teamed up with business partner Jay Sangz to form Sky9 Productions and the two have been hard at work crafting sounds for some of the industries hottest talent. Scarlet War has been featured in numerous magazines & publications and his current record “Twerkin It” is being played across the country on such stations as 103.3 FM WGIV Charlotte, 99.5 FM Milwaukee, 91.3 FM KPVU Houston, K-100 Radio Atlanta, 94.3 FM & 102.5 FM KDUC High Desert, CA and also has his a video “Bet Big Win Big” being featured in Shiekh Shoe Stores Nation Wide.

Background

Owner and founder of Undercaste Studios, has been producing, engineering and playing music for the majority of his life. With years of dedication and schooling, he has given life to a “diamond in the rough” recording studio focused on hip hop/rap and surrounding music genres. His approach to the studio as an engineer/producer is dedicated to improving and preparing the artist for the music industry. He believes an artist should have a life changing experience at Undercaste and be welcomed into it’s large family. Attention to detail and experience has made his artist development and final mixdown sought out by many recording artists. His business instinct and creativity insures future growth for Undercaste.

Background

My name is Mike Hemberger, also known as Jive The Universal or JiveDig. I was born and bred in NJ and have spent over a decade in various roles throughout the music scene. I began my music career as a teenager playing guitar, bass, singing and playing in several bands, all the while pushing myself as a solo hip-hop artist. I went to a local college and earned a degree in Music Theory and Music Technology. Right out of school I purchased Pro Tools, a Mac and a bunch of studio gear. I haven’t looked back since.

Background

I am owner founder of WiseGuy Records, Audio Engineer / Producer

Background

Award Winning Recording Engineer, Record Producer, Recording Studio Owner Pete deBoer is dedicated to bringing artistry and technology together to create the ultimate recording experience for his clients.

A Musician from the age of 6, Pete moved to New York City in 1998 to attend the Institute of Audio Research. Pete started his career working at several prominent NYC recording studios (The Magic Shop, Electric Lady, The Hit Factory, Avatar, Sear Sound, etc.). He learned hands-on from some of the best producers and engineers in the business including mentor Ron Saint Germain (Tool, Soundgarden, 311, Jimi Hendrix, Creed, Whitney Houston, Mick Jagger)

Over 20 years experience and a masters understanding of analog and digital recording technology have led to an eclectic catalogue of credits spanning across all genres. Pete deBoer is an expert in his field and pursues excellence in whatever part he plays in the creative process of music production, engineering and mixing.

Background

After working in some of the biggest studios in Los Angeles, under some of the biggest names in music, Doug Boulware partnered with visionary Jason Ries to bring you The Abstract LA. Doug’s start in music began as a child vocalist in music theater. His influences range from the big band and jazz present in the household to Motown and oldies his mother insisted on! Doug’s obsession for music took a more contemporary turn in his formidable years in the early electronic music scene in LA. Doug has been an underground house music DJ since the 90’s which led to him to his true passion, music production and songwriting. The Abstract LA represents the culmination of a lifelong dream based of a lifelong love of music!

Articles

Recording Connection Mentor Doug Boulware Opens his Own Studio
Recording Connection mentor Doug Boulware: What it Means to Hustle

Background

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to build a studio that attracted and ignited great musicians. A place that offered a Sound & Vibe that couldn’t be found anywhere else and would become responsible for exceptional music and memories.

I started DJ’ing in 1995, shortly after moving to Detroit metro from Orange County, CA. A young skateboard and snowboard punk-rocker that fell in love with hip-hop in a graffiti filled basement in Novi, MI and in the streets of Detroit, Chicago, New York and Philly.

I started making beats in the late 90’s on Pro Tools with my partner in crime, Bill. Before we understood sampling, we used to download one note of an instrument at a time from Limewire, pitch-shift it up and down and write melodies. Considering my love affair with vinyl was already deep in the sheets, getting into sampling records opened me to music I had never explored before. Until today, vinyl is my main gateway to musical education, inspiration and sensation. For the next 7+ years I made beats, collaborated with artists I admired and even managed to put out a single project, THE GREEN ALBUM.

After a few year hiatus, I was introduced to a friend with whom I started producing music with live musicians. Since then, I am more interested in working with the human element and brilliance of great musicians than anything else.

Now, after virtually a lifetime of living and loving music, I am proud to bring all my knowledge, skills, experiences, resources and relationships together in the name of a dream.

So, I cashed out my life savings and went all in. Sound & Vibe Recording Studio is the dream. The music, people and memories being made here already have been a direct reflection of the dream and I’m overwhelmed by the people and opportunities that present themselves virtually every day.

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Joey Heier or one of our mentors in the New Brunswick area.

Audio engineer and studio owner Joey Heier has been in the business of making music for decades. With a client list that includes names like Christina Aguilera, B.o.B., Jill Scott, and Dru Hill, Joey knows what it takes to work in music. Furthermore, he has a zeal for sharing his passion for audio with newcomers.

So much so, that he’s gotten the nickname “Uncle Joey” from our students. He maintains contact with literally dozens of our graduates, many of whom have gone on to build great careers in the music industry.

We recently asked Joey Heier why he loves mentoring for Recording Connection. Here’s what he said:

“It’s a tremendous passion for me. I enjoy doing this so much. I have a style that I believe in. I talk with my students about a textbook answer that they’re probably going to forget immediately, and then give them an ‘Uncle Joe’ definition that’s two or three words that they’re going to remember immediately. Then they’re going to understand what the textbook definition is by hearing it in a simpler fashion.

“I have great kids that come in and really, really want to do this… I have an outstanding job, and there’s no reason why I shouldn’t do it with a smile. And that doesn’t happen with every kid, naturally—it really depends if they want to do it. But if they want to do it, I am so honored to have the opportunity to teach, and I think that’s why it works well for me.”

Articles

NUGGETS OF TRUTH: Recording Connection mentor Joey (“Uncle Joe”) Heier talks about the importance of hands-on training and his passion for teaching

Background

RENEGADE EL REY, an audio engineer/producer with Stankonia Studios, the legendary studio started by Outkast, has been a Recording Connection mentor for a few years now. He has hired past externs and regularly keeps in touch with other students who are busy making a name for themselves in the business.

Like many of our mentors, he is more interested in working with externs that have the drive and determination to succeed rather than any particular technical skill. Digital Audio Workstations can be taught – having the right attitude can’t.

Making yourself necessary during the Audio Engineering and Music Production Program is a great way to get in the good graces of your mentor. Yes, you’re there to learn, and your mentors are there to teach. But they’re also there to work.

By taking cues from the mentor, and the artists they work with, you’ll learn more about the industry than you will from almost any book. When RENEGADE EL REY was coming up, he made himself necessary in the studio. Engineers, producers, and studio chiefs remember that.

“As far as the actual, physical work that was done, I made myself valuable,” RENEGADE EL REY SAID. “And that was one thing that my professors always told us was to always make yourselves valuable, make people want to need you for whatever the case may be, and that’s exactly what I did.”

The Recording Connection offers one thing most traditional universities or trade schools just can’t: Opportunity. By making yourself available, your mentor, other staff, and their clients will remember you as the one they can rely on for anything.

“I learned how to do several things, and that was just something that I always did,” RENEGADE EL REY said. “I don’t write my rhymes, my lyrics, but I keep pens and pencils, just different things that people need. So whenever they need something, they think to call you. I just made myself that guy, and it just took off from there.”

Make Your Own Name

That’s how he made his connections and earned his shot at Stankonia. But it’s more than just making sure everybody else has what they need. The Recording Connection program wants to help you get what you need: a job making music in the industry.

We can give you the tools, but you have to put in the work. Both in the studio with your mentor and on your own. If you wait for things to happen for you, you’ll be waiting a long time.

“Oh yeah, definitely,” RENEGADE EL REY said. “I’ve always been the type to look ahead and try to say, ‘Okay, what’s going on next and where do I need to be?’ Because things don’t happen overnight. I’m always trying to reach out to the type of people that I need to reach out to ahead of time. You’ve got to get the ball rolling one way or the other.”

The Recording Connection will place you in a one-on-one situation with music producers like RENEGADE EL REY, but what you do during that time will determine how far you go in the industry. Our most successful graduates go on to find work in the studios where they externed, other studios, and even starting their own studios.

Will you make yourself available, invaluable, and teachable? That’s what our mentors are looking for. If you’re ready to Amplify Your Life, apply today.

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Aaron R. Reppert or one of our mentors in the greater St. Louis area.

Originally founded in 2000 by Recording Connection mentor Aaron R. Reppert, TravSonic Sound & Media has grown a lot since its early, humble beginnings. TravSonic Mobile, established in 2009, caters to a number of high profile clients in music, technology, the arts, and the corporate world. The thriving company offers a range of remote recording technologies and services for seminar, concerts, festivals, and events.

Today, TravSonic Sound & Media is an award-winning, full-service media production company serving clients from its Nashville and Overland offices.

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Rick Carson or one of our mentors in the greater Lincoln area.

Recording Connection mentor engineer/producer Rick Carson has a passion for teaching today’s rising talents in the world of audio. Designed by famous recording studio designer, Rod Gervais, his studio features three control rooms, world-class equipment, and has the distinction of having Nebraska’s only large format SSL mixing console.

Articles

A Day in the Life of Our Students
A Day in the Life of Our Students

Background

Powerhouse mentors Parker Ament and Danny Ferrare of XLNT Studios (Timbaland, Borgore, Brillz, Dan Farber, Kelly Price, Larrance Dopson of 1500 or Nothin) are the ultimate example of agile, entrepreneurial music producers who’ve got their fingers on the pulse of what’s going on in electronic music production right now. The XLNT team are host of the popular YouTube web series XLNTSOUND, a must watch for those looking to capture today’s hottest sounds via plugins and specific production techniques.

Despite their easy going vibe they expect students to be receptive to learning and to take on a
“fly on the wall” posture when artists are in session in the studio. Parker says, “The first rule is: you don’t say anything unless somebody asks you. And even when they ask you, you should keep it short and sweet. You can’t kind of go on tangents, because then that might drive the session in a certain way.” In order to absorb the information that’s coming your way, he suggests “Take notes, if that’s your thing, or sit as close as you can to the screen, out of the way of the client and engineer, while really watching. Because, with every little note or trick, you’re going to be learning something new every second. Even if you think that you know everything, there’s going to be something that you didn’t know when you’re watching us or a particular engineer.”

So what do Parker and Danny look for in the Recording Connection students they train? It usually comes down to one word—passion.

“Right when they walk through the door, we can see who is passionate about what they’re doing. Even if they’re shy, we can sense the passion. And I feel like that is the most important thing. If somebody is socially awkward or they don’t really know what to say during the interview or something like that, we don’t base any of that on what we’re looking for. We’re looking for passion, we’re looking for dedication, and we’re looking for somebody that is going to create their own path. So if somebody has the opportunity to extern with us, we want them to make their own path with the opportunities that we’re showing them.”