This is your Real San Diego In-Studio Education

Background

Axenzo had recently graduated San Diego State University with a degree in mechanical engineering when he found that having achieved a major life goal, namely getting a degree to make his parents happy, had quite an interesting effect on him. Now that he’d achieved that, what else was possible? What could he achieve if he pursued something he was downright passionate about—music.

While an engineering student, Axenzo had tried to double in music but the classes weren’t stimulating and were “very theoretical” with nothing practical or new to offer. Brewing at the back of his mind for years been the idea of learning how to produce EDM. While it wasn’t a choice his mother would consider practical, to him it was the natural conclusion. Axenzo was an active EDM explorer who attended shows regularly, a lifelong musician who played guitar and piano, and even wrote melodies on a whim. Music was just the thing going on in his mind.

After completing his college degree with high marks, Axenzo spent a number of months training with a professional EDM music mentor who taught him Pro Tools and Logic with direct, one-on-one lessons. Although he already knew how to play a couple instruments he’d never set his hands on a DAW. Nevertheless he excelled fast, and consistently challenged himself while getting hands-on training and tips from his music mentor, a longtime engineer and EDM producer himself. During his time in the program Axenzo was able to create his own EDM songs, first starting on MIDI, then composing from within a digital environment. Crossing the bridge from having to play and record, to creating digitally “opened a door” for the EDM creator and DJ.

In the two years since graduating the program, Axenzo has built a promising career in EDM as a DJ who has opened for Bob Sinclar, Robin Schulz, Steve Aoki, Marshmello, Borgeous, Nicky Romero, among others. Nevertheless, for him DJing and especially composing new material as a producer is a never ending journey. The great unifier isn’t by genre or culture for the rising talent. Regularly dipping into multiple genres and researching far and wide, Axenzo is in quest of something singularly specific: “I’m trying to create something that every time people listen to my tracks they’ll know it’s me. That’s my focus right now. I’m working on it every day.”

Now, the melodies and musical ideas Axenzo used to write on a whim are being put to use professionally as he divides his workdays between producing new material and performing at venues. He says, he’s even got a surefire way of capturing the music when it hits: “I open the recorder on my phone and just sing the melody to myself. Even if I’m in the shower, I’ll get out and record it.”

Now versed in Ableton as well as Logic and Pro Tools, Axenzo is fluent in the various DAWS and he’s confident in his capacity to continually explore and grow as an artist. And as for future goals, he’s got a few: “I definitely would like to play in big festivals. Hopefully at Ultra Miami, EDC Las Vegas, and I would like to go worldwide. I’m working on it. I know there’s lots of competition, but I think nothing is impossible.”

As for the time he spent as an extern in the program, Axenzo says, “It was an amazing journey. I am extremely thankful.”

Axenzo currently performs weeklies at The Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas, Nevada, and The Pool House and Sunset Vibes in San Diego, California.

Background

Asaf Fulks is a record artist, songwriter, music producer, sound engineer, videographer, graphic designer, educator, author, inventor and founder of OC Recording in 2005. He discovered his passion for music production during his college years. While studying Computer Science and Economics at Denison University in Ohio, he also spent time recording and producing in his dorm room. After graduating in 2004, he moved to his family in Hollywood and eventually relocated to Orange County to work for a book publisher. His boss recognized his passion for music and encouraged him to set up a studio in his unused office space. With minimal gear and few contacts Asaf set up shop and The OC Recording Company opened its doors in 2005. [^]

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Recording Connection Grads find work at The OC Recording Company Inc!

Background

Led by producer-songwriter Josquin des Pres, the Track Star Studios team is comprised of some of the best studio musicians and vocalists in the industry. Over the years, Josquin has earned the respect of his peers in various areas of the music industry. His credits include multiple songwriting collaborations with Bernie Taupin (of Elton John fame), as well as hundreds of song placements in film, TV and publishing. His production credits surpass 150 albums and CDs for various major and indie labels.

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Background

Signature Sound recording studio in San Diego has been in business for over 25 years servicing artists/bands such as U2, Blink 182, The Used, Unwritten Law, Switchfoot, Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Florence + The Machine, and T-Pain just to name a few. We’ve dedicated ourselves to the art of recording, mixing and mastering so we can make your music sound the way you want it to sound.

Our facility showcases two world-class studios with an intimate working environment that allows artists/bands to focus on their creative and artistic processes. Each studio features expert acoustic design, vintage gear, and the latest in digital audio technology. You can rest assure to receive professional quality from high end manufacturers. Our most recent upgrade is in Studio-A with a hybrid console comprised of an API 1608 32-channel board, a Vintage Neve Sidecar with 1073 and 1081 pre amplifiers and an Avid D-Command control surface with 8 faders.

From grammy award winning recordings, to local rock and rap artists, our studios are equipped for all types of projects. We’re confident in saying we’re a top recording studio in San Diego and all of Southern California. If you have any questions about our facility or services don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re located in San Diego, California just a few miles away from the beautiful beaches of La Jolla, historic Downtown Gaslamp, Balboa Park and Airpot.

Background

Recording Connection mentor Jason Phelps is an audio engineer, producer, and musician who’s been involved in music all his life. He’s downright passionate about recording, producing, and teaching the next generation of music industry professionals. He expects the externs he trains to bring their A-game, and to listen and learn in a proactive manner.

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Ross Vanderslice or one of our mentors in the St. Louis area.

An engineer since 2001, Ross Vanderslice has worked with some of the biggest names in the recording industry. The experience he’s gained works perfectly with what we do at Recording Connection: pairing externs with seasoned professionals for invaluable one-on-one time with a mentor.

With multiple studios and state-of-the-art equipment, Vanderslice has worked with several Recording Connection externs. Doing it right is about so much more than having the right gear, software, or equipment. Because of his experience working with internationally-known acts, Vanderslice knows how to work with artists, how to make them feel comfortable and safe within the studio environment.

Here are some of the clients with whom Vanderslice and/or the professional audio engineers at his studio have worked:

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.

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Unique Recording Studios

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Zack Phillips or one of our mentors in the Bay Area.

Discovering his love of music while growing up in New York City in the ‘80s, Zack Phillips’ approach to music is “part science, part mysticism.” Gaining experience as a DJ and live sound engineer, Phillips received a formal education in audio engineering.

From there, Phillips honed his craft working at several studios before finally establishing his own studio: FreqLab Recording. In addition to recording, editing, mixing, and production, Phillips also works on developing the artists he works with, exploring innovative and inventive ways of engineering audio. Phillips has worked with a wide range of artists, including Talib Kweli, The Kooks, and Blue Hawaii.

You’ll be working in a state-of-the-art facility renovated by Phillips himself. While he made sure to design the studio to get the most out of the space, he also wanted to make it as comfortable as possible for engineers and artists alike.

If you study at the San Francisco Recording Connection, you’ll be working with people as passionate about music as you are. Up and comers, established stars, and other entertainment entities such as Comedy Central or Electronic Arts. But you won’t be watching TV or playing video games – you’ll be coming to work hard every day.

Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Donny Baker or one of our mentors in the greater LA area.

Donny Baker, Studio Manager and Lead Tech at ES Studios in Burbank, is able to summarize his job as the Recording Connection Burbank, CA, mentor in a single sentence:

“We help with the weaknesses and push towards the strengths.”

It’s a simple concept, but takes a lot of work to see through to the end. Baker has spent most of his adult life in the music business, touring as an engineer for nearly 13 years before finding a home in the studio.

Baker has been with ES Studios since 2003, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Recording Connection program. He believes in the proven time-tested approach of learning hands-on within the studio environment. Sure there are books (an eBook, actually), quizzes, exercises, and tests. Oftentimes though, Baker likes to start with the student, see where their curiosity is leading them.

Sometimes Baker just wants to see what the student has to offer.

“It’s a guideline,” Baker said of the Burbank audio engineering Recording Connection course. “It’s used as a way to get from point A to Point Z. We can take a student who knows nothing about recording or doesn’t know much about computers and we can make that person an engineer.”

The one-on-one mentoring, the hanging out and talking, and the personal attention Baker gives to his students are why he has been such a successful mentor for us. He finds out where the student wants to go and he guides the program in that direction.

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Video: What to expect with Donny Baker
Helping students find their place
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Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Steve Catizone or one of our mentors in the greater Boston area.

Steve Catizone at Infinite Recording has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry across several genres. U2 and Justin Bieber, Billy Crystal and Bob Saget, and Disney and M-Audio. And while he knows his way around a studio, knowing your way around a client is just as important.

Every recording professional had their first gig at some point. The adrenaline gets pumping, you could be working with a star, and you might start overcompensating.

Chill.

“Don’t be too opinionated when you’re talking to the clients,” Catizone said. “Just sort of listen and absorb. See what the climate in the room is, and make sure that if you do say something, it’s tactful.”

And relax. You could be a master of your craft, but if you don’t have a good repertoire with your clients, no one will want to work with you. Learn how to read the room, develop solid relationships, and remember it’s a collaborative effort. The “hang-ability” will follow.

“If people enjoy having you in the room, it’s a big thing,” Catizone said. “A lot of that comes down to personality and basically just being a positive force in the room, and being creative, and knowing when to offer up ideas and how to tactfully do so, and knowing when to not be the guy ‘doing your job’ but just being cool to hang around with.”

This is the advantage of the Charlestown Recording Connection programs. Yes, you’ll learn the technical side of the recording industry, but you’ll also learn how to handle yourself while in the studio. We believe the one-on-one time with a professional mentor gives you a complete picture of the business.

That’s what sets us apart from the traditional method of learning. The sights, smells, and sounds of a real studio can’t be matched in a classroom.

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Background

Learn from Recording Connection mentor Bernard Johnson or one of our mentors in the greater San Diego area.

Bernard Johnson didn’t follow the usual path to becoming a Recording Connection mentor in El Cajon, Ca. He discovered a love of mass media as a 14-year-old, entering a certification program to find out how it all came together.

After finishing the program, he began co-producing a top-ten music show in Detroit and received an award for exemplary airwave checks from the Michigan Broadcast Association. Then his career took a turn: Johnson entered the military.

After a 20-year career in the military, often leading departments with 90 people, Johnson returned to what he loved as a teenager, earning a masters in audio production. While the military can be quite regimented, Johnson was attracted to the freeform method of instruction that Recording Connection offered students. As he knows better than most, the standard course isn’t always the best course.

“When I saw (Recording Connection) model, I was like, ‘Wow, this is it. I love it.’” Johnson said. “And it allows students to have the opportunity not to feel cemented to something like, ‘This is what you need to do, this is the direction and the route you need to do it.’”

The Recording Connection Program gives you access to a professional engineer, fully-functioning studio, and hands-on education, it could also earn you a career. The Noize Factory is a perfect example of that: Johnson hired one of his former students (Efrain Matias) as a staff engineer.

But you have to work for it. Recording Connection students must be willing to put in the time, effort, and focus to get the most out of it. Johnson expects nothing less.

“I do want to say commitment, passion, perseverance, and finishing until the end,” Johnson said. “They’re not just doing something for money or just doing it ‘just because.’ They’re literally passionate about it.”

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