SWITCHING GEARS – A night owl becomes and early riser.…

Chris lately introduced me to his new crew members at KIIS. Pat and Chris. Talented guys, for sure. What really peaked my interest is the very uncommon switch of Pat from producing the night show to creating magic for the biggest morning show on the planet – Kyle and Jackie O. How did Pat’s work life change, what is his new strategies in dealing with such high profile talent and what are his biggest learnings in the first weeks? Enter Pat!

1. How did your work life change? 

My work life changed immensely from being able to take the time to craft my ideas, to now juggling ‘walk-ins’ and tight deadlines.

2. How is it to work with such high profile talent? 

It’s incredibly honouring working with such high profile talent. Days never seem similar or the same, and interviews with big artists and guests allow me to make imaging that listeners are excited to hear. Also having the resources and VO’s that KIIS provide only enhance my production to the next level.

3. How did you feel when presented that opportunity? 

Completely baffled hahaha. Working in show production has always been my preference, and being presented with the role of one of the biggest shows in the world, is without question the biggest highlight of my career.

4.What is different, tougher than you expected? What is better than expected? 

The early mornings are challenging, and the standard of production very high. The role isn’t only hard on me but my partner too with the hours, and emails late at night. Though working with such an awesome team is so rewarding & exciting which I believe reflects in my work and makes it shine.

5.What have been the biggest learnings so far? 

Communication is key. Letting little things slip can be the biggest problem on a show with such magnitude. Also making things easier for yourself in the long run by doing mix-outs, correctly labelling and filing to make your job easier is such a big thing I’m currently knuckling down to finesse. I believe you should be able to find the SFX or BED (you’ve saved previously) you’re after within 15 seconds, if not you need to up your filing !

6.Guys, can you give me a bit background on yourself, your career, achievements, role at KIIS…       

Radio has been my life from such a young age.. My Mother was a Breakfast Announcer, Aunty was a Breakfast Announcer, Uncle a Content Director and has been an Image Producer, so I never had a chance to do anything else hahaha. My love for Production started at the age of 10 from being asked to do a little read for a Bank Commercial. Watching the “Buttons man” produce my read, and seeing what he could do with my voice amazed me. From 14 years old I sat in and watched before and after school, did my work experience, then worked for free & did some promotional work until I landed my first full time role at NOVA Central Coast (Star Fm). This step helped me grow and learn the skills I needed to land the nights role at KIIS a year later. Now 10 months down the track, and some very long nights, I couldn’t be happier to be part of The Kyle & Jackie O Show!

7.How is it to work for some of the biggest radio brands in the world? 

Challenging. I am always listening to other big networks to see how I can be different and better (I’m competitive). Being apart of the biggest radio brands is a blessing for growth if you allow it to be.

8.How are your days look like? Is there a blueprint? A routine ? 

Yes, I have a daily check list that ill print out. The key tasks stay the same, and other tasks that appear I sprinkle in. Also I actually now have a note pad on my desk specifically for walk-in tasks that ill cross of when completed. Show production is tricky to juggle with random things popping up all the time, so I’ve learnt to ‘Expect the Unexpected’ and have a pen and paper ready at all times.

9.What DAW do you guys use? 

I use ProTools Version 2019.5.0

10.What are your favourite plugins? 

MondoMod is a great one ! Playing around with the Waveform & multiplying the BPM by an even number in grid mode gives a great effect. MetaFlanger, Lo-Fi, Pitch ‘n’ Time Pro are the main plugins ill use daily. I enjoy (when I have the time) not using pre-settings though, and experimenting with my own sound and saving that. I find you learn more and find out how the powerful plugin can really be.

11. What are new learnings? Ideas you work on? Inspirations? 

I get a lot of my big promo sound ideas from movie trailers. I actually enjoy watching and listening to them more than the actual movie itself most of the time. For show promos there’s a lot of my personality. Music I like and listen to, comedic pauses I like to create, stuff like that. I listen to Music/SFX libraries and Soundcloud in the car wherever I go. Voicing my own random on the spot promo to go with the Cinematic EDM Music Bed playing through the speakers..

12. Any new tools you discovered lately? 

Shortcuts, Shortcuts, Shortcuts !! I love stumbling across a good one. Yesterday while ‘Panning’ a Mono track, accidently holding Shift + Control and dragging my Mouse Across and Down the audio file, its ZIG ZAGS ! I might be late to the party on that one but stuff like that I love finding. 

13.Your favorite piece of imaging / production ever? 

My favourite piece of imaging is a Launch Piece Produced by Brad Leask over at NOVA. I think the audio speaks for itself:

https://soundcloud.com/brad_leask/novas-red-room-with-the-black-eyes-peas-launch-piece

14.Who have been mentors of yours and how did they support you? 

I’ve had many mentors that have helped get me to this stage in my career. From my Uncle teaching me what he knows, to Chris Davis & Dan Hunt my fellow imagers at KIIS still telling me I’m putting too much into a promo and I need to let it breathe haha. I couldn’t thank everyone enough, and only hope I can inspire and help other imagers work their way up through the ranks !

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Some of Pat’s latest work: 

https://soundcloud.com/user-974653488/kyle-jackie-o-production-highlights-june-2019