What is your current position on Tours/ Events?

Monitor Engineer for Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold

How long have you been in the industry? What was your first job in the industry?

I’ve been touring since 2009. I first began working in studios and live sound in 1998. My first job was as an installation technician for a recording studio designer in Santa Barbara, CA

What inspired you to pursue a career in production, and how did you get started in your specific field?

I played in bands from the age of 15. I built my own recording studio to record my band. My bands never did well but my engineering [skills] caught on so I continued with that. I worked in mental health for about 9 years in my early 20s but I was working in my studio and other studios on the the side and that was more fun. From 2007-2009, I was designing and installing commercial sound systems in churches, school, hotels, etc. The economy had massive troubles in 2008 so I had to find different income and I had a friend who helped me get in with Clair Global.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face on a day-to-day basis, and how do you navigate these challenges effectively?

The biggest challenge is the lack of sleep and the toll that it takes on my mental health. I am much less social on tour than other people. I generally keep to myself on days off. I try to keep a yoga and exercise practice on the road. I often go to sleep before everyone else on the bus. I keep my drinking to a minimum on tour. I know that I am a light sleeper so I have to take extra steps to get as much sleep as possible whenever I can.

How do you handle the demands of touring with the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what strategies do you use to manage the stress of the job?

In my 9 years of working in mental health, I learned a lot about communication and self reflection. I have a healty marriage so keeping things fun with her even when we are apart is the most important aspect. I also generally eat healthy and keep my drinking to a minimum. I have been fortunate to work for a specific few artist over the last few years and it allows me to take enough time off to be at home and do things that I enjoy away from work. I won’t tour more than 8 months in a year anymore and ideally I keep it closer to 6 months. I keep my personal finances under control so I don’t have to work all year.

What role does technology and innovation play in your specific role, and how have these elements evolved?

Technology and innovation are crucial to what I do. I began working when most things were still analog. Digital technology has obviously taken over. Almost everyone mixes on digital consoles and I don’t think the shows that we’re using could happen these days without them and what they can do. Automation is essential to the workflow of many of these shows. Additionally, innovation in wireless has to happen now that so much of our air space is being taken up by 5G phone service. Keeping up with technology is how you keep a job.

In your opinion, how will technology and innovation shape the industry in the future?

It’s only going to become more computer driven. Some jobs might even be replaced by computers. Future sound systems will tune themselves and make their own angles to cover the room. Video screens will calibrate themselves. Lights could eventually focus themselves. The trucks will be self-driving. The future is going to be interesting.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in Live Entertainment, and what qualities do you think are essential for success in the industry?

Its not for everyone, but it is a great industry to work in. Be prepared to stand up for yourself. Be prepared to work long hours. Try out some different jobs [in the industry] to see what you like.

What advice would you give to someone looking to advance in their career?

Always stay focused on building and maintaining positive relationships with people. The companies, owners, and even the artists don’t matter as much as the relationships that you build. Treat everyone well because you never know who will be hiring you some day. Stay focused on networking with people who work hard and who you enjoy working with.