Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Garnish
Hi Dave, 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?
I got into the BRIT School through a guitar audition, which was a pivotal moment for me. Around that time, I was immersed in London’s pirate radio scene, particularly with Don FM, which was a huge part of the city’s underground music culture. By 1995, I co-founded Blah Parties in a joiner’s factory on Pitfield Street, and that really became a cornerstone of Shoreditch’s evolving cultural identity.
My journey into sound engineering took an incredible turn when Sir George Martin brought me on board at Air Lyndhurst Hall. From there, I moved to the EMI Studios Group, which included iconic spaces like The Townhouse, Abbey Road, and Olympic Studios. I was fortunate to work with some legendary artists—Janet Jackson, Madonna, Björk, All Saints, and Massive Attack—as well as amazing producers like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nellee Hooper.
In 2001, I took a slightly different path and signed a songwriting publishing deal with Universal Music UK, which opened up even more creative opportunities. It’s been a wild and rewarding ride, blending writing, engineering, DJing and production throughout my career.
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?
Working in studios early on was an incredible learning experience, but it definitely came with its challenges—low pay being one of the biggest. When you’re starting out, even at top-tier studios, the wages are often shockingly low compared to the hours and dedication required. It’s a rite of passage for many in the industry, but it can be tough.
That said, the passion for music and the opportunity to work with amazing artists and producers kept me going. It’s one of those industries where perseverance is everything—you have to love it enough to push through, even when it feels like you’re giving more than you’re getting back. Looking back, those struggles taught me resilience and made the successes feel even more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Garnish Music Production School in Los Angeles, and worldwide offers a comprehensive range of music production courses tailored to various skill levels and interests. Our programs include the 360-hour Music Production Academy, the 120-hour Electronic Music Producer Program, and shorter 36-hour courses such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, and a UK Batchelor’s degree coming soon.
We are distinguished by endorsements from both Apple and Ableton, a unique recognition among Los Angeles music schools. Our curriculum is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience, ensuring students gain the skills necessary to excel. We take pride in our global presence, with locations from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.
Our mission is to foster a collaborative environment where aspiring and established music-makers can network, create, and pursue their passion for music production.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out is simple: be relentless in your passion and persistent in your efforts. The music industry can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding for those who stick with it. Start by mastering your craft—whether that’s an instrument, production, or songwriting. Master one thing at a time, instead of tryin gto learn everything at once. Stay curious; the technology and techniques are always evolving.
Network authentically and build relationships. So much of this industry is about who you know and how you collaborate. Don’t be afraid to start small—whether that’s working in studios, assisting on projects, or even producing for friends. The key is to gain experience and let your work speak for itself.
Most importantly, you have to be in it for the right reasons; if you don’t genuinely love what you do, you’ll never be brilliant at it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edu.garnsihmusicproduction.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/garnishmusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/garnishmusicproduction/
- Twitter: https://x.com/garnishmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GarnishMusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/garnish
- Other: https://la.garnsihmusicproduction.com
