From spinning records to creating Imaging for the biggest Urban…

I met Andrew a few years ago while he was shadowing one of the biggest imaging talents in US radio, Dom Nero from HOT97 in NY. I was impressed with the skill set he developed in a short amount of time, but sadly he took another job and I lost track a bit. When he was announced the new head of Imaging for Power in LA, we reconnected and recently hung out at WWRS in LA.
I took the chance to get my question in front go him and think his take on thing is a real inspiration for all the young guys, who want to enter the business and of course his technical tipps and audio are far beyond!
Enter Andrew


 

Which production system do you use and why?

ProTools is my go to! I always wanted to learn what everyone, (especially at the time) was using. Fast-forward a few years, I saw my buddy Dom at Hot 97 use it and couldn’t believe how quickly he maneuvered through the program. I bought it the next day. 

 

What are your favourite plugIns? What is the perfect VO chain?

Honestly, I’m using all things stock at Power. I don’t have any crazy Waves packages. The standard EQ-7 Band, D3 CompressorLimiter, D3 De-Esser, and Maxim are my favourites.
I’m constantly changing what I use for VO to get a different sound. The plugins mentioned are my most used in Pro Tools. An EQ will work wonders! 

 

 

How do you schedule your work?

I’m always collecting samples and trying to come up with new ideas all the time. That never stops. I try to do my writing, and refresh of sweepers in the earlier part of the week, then finish up the week with promos.
I also work outside of the average 9 to 5, that helps me stay organized and get down to the nitty-gritty in the office. 

 

What do you love about being the head of imaging for POWER? What is special about LA and the Imaging / Radio community?

There’s so much to love. First off, I always dreamed about having a job either at Hot 97 or Power 106. Being responsible for the sound for one of the most legendary radio brands is a blessing!
LA, obviously, the weather. So much to see and do and always a lot going on, just like NYC.
Some of the best imaging guys in the world are in, or have come from this market. It makes for a fun and competitive environment. And everyone has been super welcoming! 

 

What is the best Pro Tools or production trick anybody should know?

Not considered a trick, but useful. David Konsky, years ago mentioned: learn to use the grid mode. I was scared of it until I started to try it more often and got hooked. It’s going to make you that much cleaner. Now, I can’t get off the grid or I feel lost.

 

How do you get inspired and what do you use as source of creativity? What means the term “creative Imaging” to you?

Listening to the work of my peers. Some of these guys are brilliant!!! Keeping up with the listener’s interests is key, and knowing what’s going on in my respective format. Creative imaging can be anything from great writing to doing something cool in a piece!

 

Who were your radio production idols, who influenced your work as a  producer?

For those that know me, I will sound like a broken record, obviously, Dom Nero, Staxx Williams, Ron Tarrant, Dave Foxx, John Frost, David Konsky, Andy Jackson, Steve Dubbz, Justin Case, the Imaging Blueprint guys. (Tom, Adam and Paul.) There’s many to name, but anyone who’s trying to further the art, I’m a fan of!

 


 

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