Conversations with Kevin Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Smith.

Hi Kevin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started out as a musician in Massachusetts. My dad was in a band and they rehearsed at our house — so music was always around. They set up a recording studio in our basement and that’s when my fixation on recording music began. I started recording my dad’s band, my band and local bands I met.
I knew I wanted to try audio engineering as a career path after high school. I have an uncle who’s also a musician and lives in Southern California. He introduced me to some great people and helped me get an internship at a couple recording studios in Los Angeles. By summer of 2013, I started working at Shangri La Studios. It was a life changing opportunity. I learned a lot during my time there. In 2016 I began working at Jackson Browne’s studio, Groove Masters, and I still work there today. Jackson is one of the many mentors I’ve been lucky enough to have throughout my career in Los Angeles. When I’m not at Groove Masters, I’m working with other producers and artists around town. Shoutout to my friend and great producer Steve McCormick who recommended me for this interview. Sheldon Gomberg and I also do a lot of work together at his studio called The Carriage House. When it comes to mixing, I have a studio at home where I do the bulk of my mixing work.
It’s been a really exciting journey. I love the work I do and there’s been a demand for good engineers the past few years —so, thankfully it’s been busy.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but it’s the only road I’ve ever wanted to be on — so, it’s cool.
Early years of being a freelancer are tough financially. Eventually, you learn how to prepare for down time/ taxes/ emergencies. Over time, you build up a roster of clients and new ones sprinkle in each year. It takes dedication, but if you’re good at what you do…things steady themselves.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Primarily, I’m a freelance audio/mix engineer. Thats the bulk of the work I do.
I produce some records and I enjoy mastering as well.

I don’t know if I’m known for anything specific, but typically I get calls for sessions that involve recording a band or an artist that wants to use real instruments on their record. For example: drums, bass, guitar, piano, vocals, strings, etc. Studio time is expensive and I have experience getting everyone set up quickly and comfortably in the studio. Once you learn the secret to getting good sounds (spoiler: it’s getting good musicians), then it’s about making sure the workflow stays on track.

I am most proud of all the indie artists that continue to make great records — all while figuring out ways to fund the records themselves. There is very little money left for artists when their project reaches the finish line. I don’t know how it all works, but I imagine a large majority of artists don’t make back what they put into the album.
I keep that in mind a lot… I always do the best job I can because you never know how people are funding the project.

I don’t know what sets me apart from others. Everyone sort of goes about making music their own way. One person may like what another person doesn’t. It’s all pretty subjective. I try to keep things light, crack jokes from time to time and keep the ball rolling.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Moving across the country at age 20 with no formal training to pursue a job in a field that is very competitive was about as big of a risk as I’ve ever taken. It was super exciting and scary as hell. I made a bunch of mistakes along the way. I think risk is important for success, but it requires some form of planning. My parents made me draft an essay with my plans and goals for moving to Los Angeles. They made me wait 6 months to be extra sure this is what I wanted to do. There was/is nothing else I’d rather be doing to this day. I guess when you’re so sure of something, you do everything possible to make it work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kevinksmith.com
• Instagram: @kevin_k_smith

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