Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonny Maia.
Hi Jonny , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Jonathan “Jonny” Maia is a Latin Grammy–awarded Brazilian music producer, recording engineer, and live sound engineer recognized for his work with leading global and Brazilian artists. With more than 15 years of experience across studio, broadcast, and touring environments, Jonny has built a career defined by versatility, musical sensitivity, and technical excellence.
His studio credits include multiple award-winning albums: Tiago Iorc’s Reconstrução (Latin Grammy: Best Song in Portuguese, 2019), Emicida’s Amarelo (Latin Grammy: Best Rock/Alternative Portuguese Album, 2020), and Planet Hamp (Latin Grammy: Best R&B/Hip-Hop Portuguese Album, 2023). Jonny has collaborated with renowned artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Hiatus Kaiyote, Thundercat, Leon Thomas, Cuco, Chronixx, Jesse Jo Stark, Tai Verdes, Seu Jorge, and many others.
From 2008 to 2018, he worked with Brazil’s TV Globo as a recording, FOH, monitor, and broadcast engineer on major national productions including The Voice Brasil and The Voice Kids, contributing to projects honored with the Globo Entertainment Award (2014) and an International Emmy nomination (2017).
As a live sound engineer, Jonny has toured internationally as FOH or monitor engineer for Hiatus Kaiyote, Thundercat, Cuco, Jake Scott, Jesse Jo Stark, Chronixx, Seu Jorge, DPR IAN, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. He has also supported production management for artists and music festivals worldwide.
Based in California, Jonny continues to expand his work in the U.S. music scene, collaborating with top studios and producers. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Production from Berklee College of Music and has worked closely with Grammy-winning producer Mário Caldato Jr. at MCJ Sound.
Jonny Maia is recognized as one of the most versatile and forward-thinking engineers of his generation, delivering clarity, creativity, and world-class sound to every project he touches.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all , the road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge shaped who I am as an engineer and as a person.
When I started, I had almost nothing. No connections, no fancy gear… just passion and the willingness to work harder than anyone else. Breaking into the Brazilian music industry was already tough, but standing out as a young engineer was even harder. For years I worked long hours, slept in studios, and took every opportunity I could, even when the pay was low or the schedule was brutal. I had to constantly prove myself.
Moving to the United States brought a whole new level of challenges. I had to rebuild my network from scratch, learn a different professional culture, and compete in an industry filled with world-class talents.
There were moments of uncertainty financially, emotionally, and creatively where I didn’t know if I would make it here.
Touring also has its struggles: exhaustion, being away from home for long periods, the pressure of delivering flawless sound in different venues every night, and adapting to last-minute changes. Live sound is incredibly rewarding, but it’s not a peaceful career. You learn to stay calm under chaos.
What kept me going was my love for music and the people I met along the way. Every challenge from mixing on bad monitors to learning new languages and rebuilding my career in another country pushed me to grow. I’m grateful for every difficult moment because it made me a stronger engineer and opened doors I never imagined.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a music producer and sound engineer specializing in both studio recording/mixing and live sound for touring artists.
My career has always lived in the space where creativity meets technical precision translating an artist’s vision into something that feels alive, whether that’s on a record or on a stage in front of thousands of people.
I’ve been fortunate to work on several Latin Grammy–winning projects, including Tiago Iorc’s Reconstrução, Emicida’s Amarelo, and Planet Hamp. I’ve also collaborated with artists I admire deeply, such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Hiatus Kaiyote, Thundercat, Leon Thomas, Cuco, Chronixx, Jesse Jo Stark, Jake Scott, Seu Jorge, and many more. Each project pushes me creatively in a different way, and I love that this career never becomes routine.
In live music, I’m known for creating mixes that feel warm, emotional, and musical not just loud.
As FOH/Monitor engineer, I focus on building trust with artists and bringing consistency to every venue, no matter the acoustic challenges. Touring with acts like Hiatus Kaiyote, Thundercat, and Ms. Lauryn Hill has taught me the importance of adaptability, calmness, and empathy under pressure.
What I’m most proud of is the journey. I started with very few resources in Brazil, and through years of dedication from major TV productions at Globo to top-tier studios and international tours I’ve built a career across two continents doing what I love. I’m also proud of my versatility.
Not many engineers are deeply involved in both studio work and live touring at a high level, but for me, each side informs and improves the other.
What sets me apart is my combination of musicality, technical foundation, and emotional approach. I don’t just mix; I listen to what the artist is trying to express and translate that into sound. I’m committed to serving the song, the performance, and the energy of the moment. That mindset has opened doors for me and helped me build long-lasting relationships with the artists I work with.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One thing I love most about Los Angeles especially Woodland Hills is the balance it gives me.
I get the creative energy and opportunity of being in one of the world’s biggest music hubs, but when I come home, I feel a sense of calm that’s hard to find in the more crowded parts of the city. Woodland Hills has this relaxed, suburban vibe that helps me recharge between long studio sessions and tours. The weather, the mountains, and the access to nature really make it feel like a peaceful retreat inside a very fast-paced industry.
What I like least is probably the same thing most people mention: the traffic. Getting across the city can turn a short trip into a long mission, especially when you’re bouncing between sessions, rehearsals, and shows. And of course, the cost of living in L.A. can be tough for creatives who are just starting out. But overall, the opportunities, the community, and the cultural diversity make it worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jonnymaia.com
- Instagram: @jonnymaias
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-maia-059539167/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Eduardo ( Orelha )
Felipe Pampuri
Mike Jeffries
