Daily Inspiration: Meet Adrian Rice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Rice.

Hi Adrian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my first taste of engineering in High School recording my friend, now music partner Andy Rodriguez. I attended Pueblo Magnet High School in Tucson, AZ where we had our own FM radio station; it was in this class that i was introduced to recording, production and audio technology in general. Andy and I would stay after school whenever the teacher allowed to use the radio studio to record his music. Those recording session led to venturing into the local music scene in Tucson DJ’ing and recording various local artist. After deciding to pursue engineering and music as a profession, I enrolled in the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Phoenix, AZ and moved to Los Angeles in 2011 immediately after graduation. After moving to LA, I interned at studios for a few years while working various jobs to pay bills until I was able to work as an engineer full-time. After those internships ended, Andy and I started our company Jordan River Recordings where we’ve grown our skill and clientele both as a duo and individuals. I currently serve as Head Engineer at Mint Room Studios in Glendale, CA since 2017, and continue co-owning/operating Jordan River Recordings and collaborating with my individual clients.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Aside from the usual life inconveniences, self doubt has been the hardest thing I’ve struggled with. There’s been times where I’ve not felt creative or that I’m not skilled enough to work with a particular artist and its always just me doubting myself unnecessarily. Its usually during those times that on a random night I’ll get a call to work with an artist I admired growing up, or go to a legendary studio I’ve always wanted to work in, or my client absolutely loves the mix where the universe shows you that you belong. That’s the great thing about living in LA, one session can change your life. Also, looking at the Platinum record hanging in my living room helps too!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an audio engineer, and my “office” is the studio. I primarily record, mix and master music, but I’ve also done audio work for film, TV, podcasts, audiobooks etc. My client list includes local newcomers just finding their sound, to international multi-platinum and Grammy winning artists and producers. What my clients really appreciate about my work is my preparation, trust and intuition. I arrive early to my sessions and make sure everything is perfect, from the overall look of the studio, to all my gear working properly, Oftentimes my clients tell me that I’m a step ahead of them and that I begin to execute their ideas before they even ask. Those qualities allowed me to build the trust needed between artist and engineer to create magic in such a sensitive environment. What is said in the studio, stays in the studio.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One night can change your career. Take those opportunities that come to you at random times, those might lead to a new opportunity. A few times I’ve been called to the studio either in the middle of a movie or when I’m already in bed and reluctantly accepted. One of those nights, we made a song that ended up being my first Gold record, another night turned into a week-long session with an superstar I grew up listening to. Those long hour, late nights are where you really build your skill and discipline.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Jordanriverrecordings
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianontheknobs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adrianontheknobs
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/adrianontheknobs/pl.u-jV899gJtavgP9V
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianontheknobs

Image Credits
Adrian Rice, Andy Rodriguez, Mint Room Studios