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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. [^]

Articles

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.

Articles

RC mentor Josquin Des Pres Hires from Within
Recording Connection mentor/music industry veteran Josquin des Pres chats about his musical journey and why he loves to hire his apprentices
Josquin Des Pres: Recording Connection Prepares You for the Real World

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

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.”

Articles

Recording Connection mentor Bernard ‘IQue’ Johnson Shares His Smarts & Hires from Within!
Recording Connection grad Goes to NAMM, Gets Hired, Gets Going in Audio!

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

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

Learn from Recording Connection mentors Parker Ament and Danny Howard or one of our mentors in the greater LA area.

Recording Connection mentors Parker Ament and Danny Howard are up to the minute music producers, audio engineers, and entrepreneurs who know how to navigate the music industry in the 21st Century. Besides working with artists like Omarion, Todrick Hall, and Lauren Chase, they create great sound design tutorials on their popular YouTube channel.

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: