Today we’d like to introduce you to Haziq Bin Ahmad Farid.
Hi Haziq, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a family of musicians, I had my heart set on becoming a session guitarist, but a bout of tendonitis put my guitar dreams on hold. Unable to play, I found myself on the other side of the recording studio, helping my friends mix.
What’s amazing is that this detour sparked a new fascination with post-production. The way sounds blend and create something magical intrigued me. I dived into learning audio engineering and sound design, shifting my focus entirely. I’ve been lucky to have met people and mentors who have guided me throughout my journey and shown me the creative side of post-production in music, films, and podcasts.
Reflecting back, my journey has shown me the importance of embracing life’s twists and turns and discovering inspiration in the most unexpected corners – or in my case, the other side of the studio!
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?
You bet there’s been bumps along the way! Life’s like that, isn’t it? Those twists and turns are what make for the best stories I’ll tell my grandkids someday.
I’ve been pretty lucky, though. I get to do what I absolutely love for a living, and I’ve my family to thank for never holding me back. But let’s be honest – diving into a competitive industry that’s always in the spotlight? That’s no walk in the park; it’s had its tough moments.
Yet, throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people who’ve been right where I am. They’ve tackled the same challenges and come out on top. And you know what’s really amazing? They’re always there when I need advice, whether it’s about my career or life in general. All they ask in return is for me to pay it forward to the next person who finds themselves in my shoes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a mix engineer, audio editor, and sound designer. To give a glimpse into each role, let’s start with the mix engineer. Think of them as the conductor of an orchestra, bringing all the instruments and sounds together to create a balanced and beautiful mix.
As for audio editors, they’re like storytellers with a red pen. Similar to editors reviewing books, audio editors do the same with audio recordings by removing background noise, pauses, clicks, and pops. Their goal is to ensure the story is polished and flows smoothly.
Sound designers on the other hand, they’re like artists painting with sounds. They add layers of sound that bring a story’s world to life. Whether it’s the whispering wind or the creaking of an opening door, they use their creativity to add sonic details that you may not notice but make all the difference.
Recently I’ve been known for my work on the podcasts ‘99% Invisible’ and ‘Immigrantly’. These shows hold a special place in my heart as they align with my lifelong curiosity about the world around us and my passion to showcase stories from underrepresented communities and the immigrant experience in the United States.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are countless of people that I am grateful towards. I’d love to highlight some of them – Rendra Zawawi, Alvin Wee, Saadia Khan, Sofia Klatzker, and Martin Gonzalez.
When I first moved to LA, I was pretty much a lost puppy. Rendra, a music wizard and all-around great guy, helped me find my bearings and introduced me to a number of people in the industry, including Alvin Wee.
Alvin’s a mixed engineer I’ve been in touch with the most since moving from NY, and he has been nothing short of amazing. Not long after meeting him, he opened his studio to me. And I’ll say this, just being able to be in the studio with him, the knowledge you gain is worth years of experience.
Saadia, the mastermind behind ‘Immigrantly’, has been instrumental in my growth. Allowing me to constantly experiment with different techniques for each episode has really expanded my horizon. There’s no denying that it was through the work with ‘Immigrantly’ many doors have swung open.
Sofia Klatzker she’s currently the Cultural Affairs Manager of Santa Monica. My first meeting with her was for a job interview with SiriusXM for ‘99% Invisible’ where she was the Vice President of Strategic Development at the time. She was warm, kind and welcoming; I’ll never forget her humoring me nerding out over the show and talking about the evolution of watches during the Second World War. She was instrumental in bringing me on board, and just knowing that I’m working for a show that I’ve followed for years is truly a dream come true.
Martin’s the senior mix engineer at SiriusXM for ‘99% Invisible’. When I first joined the show, he was key at helping me integrate into the show’s post-production workflow. Always available if I have any questions or am in need of advice on certain technical aspects, he’s definitely among those who’ve helped me grow as a mix engineer.
These are just some of the incredible people who have been the pillars that held me up along the way. Their guidance and kindness have shaped me more than I can express. I am forever grateful to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haziqafarid.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zekeafr/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/haziq-bin-ahmad-farid-077477180
Image Credits
Ezekiel Lazaroo Saahas Saritha Bala Tan Xin Tian Ariff Danial
