EMGWORLD CHATS WITH STUDIO ENGINEER ANTHONY NAVARRO ON THE BASICS TO SUCCEEDING IN THE RECORDING INDUSTRY
From a student at Full Sail University to working alongside one of music’s most talented producers, Anthony Navarro has paid his dues in the recording industry. His talent and work ethic has awarded him the opportunity to work with some of music’s most recognizable figures. The experienced recording professional takes a moment to discuss the character and attitude needed to make it in the recording industry.
EMGWorld: How challenging is it put together a great product when you're dealing with so many personalities and be able to put something together without their being tension.
Anthony Navarro: Dealing with different personalities can be challenging. You have to know how to suggest things without hurting people's egos. You have to be subtle. It all comes down to people skills and matching people's pace.
EMGWorld: What's been the best experience you've had as a studio engineer?
AN: To work on a session one night and hear the song on the radio the next day has been one of my best experiences. That's one of the biggest 'Wow' factors.
EMGWorld: Would you say Full Sail had a major impact on what you're doing now and where you are today?
AN: I would say yes because Full Sail allowed me to meet a bunch of people. The contacts I developed at Full Sail helped me get where I am today. Those people help get me connected to where I am now.
EMGWorld: Would you say the biggest benefit of attending Full Sail is not the training but making good connections?
AN: Absolutely. The connections were the biggest piece of gold I took away. The training was good, but I didn't actually learn until I started doing the work. I really learned the craft of engineering and production once I got into the studio and started working.
“This industry is people-based. Being humble makes you a LIKEABLE person.” – Anthony Navarro, Blogboard Spotlight
EMGWorld: What would you recommend to those people out there who want to get started in the industry but can’t afford to attend a school like Full Sail?
AN: Full Sail is a good way to get yourself started, but it’s not the only way. That school is pretty expensive. For those who don't have the money you can still do the same thing for free. You just have to NETWORK and get to know people. I would suggest you go find someone that's already doing it and go work under them. Figure out the tricks of the trade and learn. That's the best way to start.
EMGWorld: How challenging is it to be in a situation where you have skills and you're ready to perform, but instead you're being asked to do mediocre things like make coffee and run errands?
AN: I call that "trench work." You have to start somewhere. That's not just the entertainment industry but every industry. You have to start at the bottom and prove yourself. The people that complain are the ones who get washed out. In the entertainment industry, people just want to make sure you're not going to f**k stuff up. When you're dealing with multi-million dollar projects and deadlines the last thing people want is someone who isn't competent. If you can't make a cup of coffee or sweep a floor right then you're not going to make it anywhere.
EMGWorld: In other words, just how humble do you have to be to make it in the industry?
AN: This industry is people-based. Being humble makes you a LIKEABLE person. When people like you they'll give you more stuff to do. Your boss will eventually give you some more important tasks.
EMGWorld: What's been the most challenging situation you've faced since you pursued a career in the music industry?
AN: I'd say making the right decision and following your gut instinct. You have to read situations and take it for what it is. Following your gut instinct is the hardest part. I've been in those situations that had me thinking maybe I should just QUIT or do something else. You have to read each situation and move forward to hit your goals. That's the most challenging thing I've come across.
EMGWorld: You spent time in Chicago working with legendary music producer R. Kelly. What did you learn from working under R. Kelly as an assistant?
AN: The greatest thing I took away from that was the skill of being FOCUSED. That dude was focused as hell. Even with all the antics and shenanigans he was involved in, R. Kelly's work ethic was far superior than what I've seen from other artists in general. He had a strong work ethic and was relentlessly focused. I learned studio flow, client management and all the ins and outs of working in a recording studio. He taught me how to run things smooth and not piss people off.
EMGWorld: As far as being focused, what were certain things you took away from R. Kelly's work ethic?
AN: It's kinda cliche to say, but I'd say I took away 'work hard and play hard.' When you're working hard on a goal or project you have to reward yourself. It kinda keeps you in check and humble. You also have to be relentlessly focused. You can't have multiple things going on at once. It's better to do ONE project really good instead of 10 mediocre projects. Doing one thing at a time and staying focused is what I took away.
EMGWorld: Are you able to discuss the lawsuit you filed against Chocolate Studios and R. Kelly?
AN: I can't really get into details because of all the legal mumbo jumbo. I can say it's been resolved.
EMGWorld: Would you say working with R. Kelly put you in a position to work with more artists of his caliber?
AN: Yea. It definitely gave me credibility. It let other people know I knew what I was doing. I've been able to use that to get some jobs recently.
EMGWorld: Is there any particular artist that stands out to you the most as being one of the best working experiences?
AN: I'd say Taylor Swift. I did some work at her concert. She had a sold out concert and watching the way she worked the audience was crazy. The arena was going CRAZY.
AN: To work with two of the BIGGEST hip-hop icons of today's time was pretty exciting. To see how much thought and energy goes into putting the productions together was inspiring. Kanye is a creative genius and to see his creativity manifest into a production is inspiring.
EMGWorld: What can fans expect from you and Backpack Music in the near future?
AN: We're working with a few artists here in Atlanta. Glen Gretsky is a producer from Ohio and he just moved down here recently. He is a BEAST. He's working with alot of artists out here. John Average is another up and coming artist. There's alot of stuff we're working on with these new artists. Once they get some traction they’ll make an impact in the industry so be on the lookout for that.
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