Panel Description:
Join us for an in-depth, candid discussion with prominent NYC studio owners on the state recording industry of today and where it might go tomorrow. This panel will explore trends in studio bookings, predictions for the future, and the evolving landscape of recording studios. Our panelists will share their experiences of owning and managing studios, offering valuable insights for engineers on essential skills and best practices for success in today’s recording environment. We'll also discuss the importance of high-quality recording, and how these practices are crucial in maintaining the soul of music against the backdrop of AI and digital homogenization.
Topics also include:
What are studios looking for from aspiring engineers, and what does it take to work in a major market studio?
Studio best practices from deliverables to client relations
To Atmos or not to Atmos?
Proper crediting for engineers and staff
Working with record labels and film studios
Can recording and mix engineers find the same labor protections as the film industry?
Panelists (in alphabetical order)
Amon Drum, Owner / Engineer, The Bridge Studio (https://www.bridgerecordingstudio.com/)
Amon Drum is a recordist, producer, acoustic designer, owner, Chief Engineer, and designer of The Bridge Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He has an expertise in both analog and digital recording techniques. Amon specializes in the recording of non-western acoustic instruments, large ensembles, and live music for video. Amon is also a percussionist, having trained with master musicians including M’Bemba Bangora and Mamady Keita in Guinea West Africa, and brings this folkloric training to his recording & productions. Working with a wide variety of artists and genres from Jason Moran to Adi Oaisis, Run The Jewels, to Ill Divo as well as many Afro-Cuban ensembles from the diaspora.
Ben Kane, Owner, Electric Garden (https://electricgarden.com/)
Ben Kane is a Grammy Award winning recording and mix engineer, producer, and owner of Electric Garden, a prominent recording studio known for its focus on excellence in technical and engineering standards, and a unique handcrafted ambiance. Kane is known for his work with D'Angelo, Emily King, Chris Dave, and PJ Morton.
Shahzad Ismaily, Owner / Engineer, Figure 8 Recording (https://www.figure8recording.com/)
Shahzad Ismaily is a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, composer, owner and engineer at Figure 8 Recording in Brooklyn. Renowned for his collaborative spirit and eclectic musical range, Shahzad has contributed his unique sonic vision to projects spanning various genres and artists worldwide.
Zukye Ardella, Partner / Engineer, s5studio (https://www.s5studiony.com/)
Zukye is a New York City based certified gold audio engineer, music producer and commercial studio owner. In 2015, she began her professional career at the original s5studio located in Brooklyn, New York. Zukye teamed up with s5studio’s founder (Sonny Carson) to move s5studio to its current location in Chelsea, Manhattan. Over the years, Ardella has been an avid spokesperson for female empowerment organizations such as Women’s Audio Mission and She is the Music. Talents she’s worked with include NeYo, WizKid, Wale, Conway The Machine, A$AP Ferg, Lil Tecca, AZ, Dave East, Phillip Lawrence, Tay Keith, Lola Brooke, Princess Nokia, Vory, RMR, Yeat, DJ KaySlay, Kyrie Irving, Maliibu Mitch, Flipp Dinero, Fred The Godson, Jerry Wonda, ASAP 12vy and more.
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Moderator:
Mona Kayhan, Owner, The Bridge Studio (https://www.bridgerecordingstudio.com/)
Mona is a talent manager for Grammy award winning artists, and consults for music and media companies in marketing and operations. She has experience as a tour manager, an international festival producer, and got her start in NYC working at Putumayo World Music. As an owner of The Bridge Studio, Mona focuses on client relationships, studio operations, and strategic partnerships. She also has an insatiable drive to support and advocate for the recording arts industry.
