Today we’d like to introduce you to Felipe Collazos.
Hi Felipe, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Bogota, Colombia, I embarked on a lifelong journey deeply intertwined with the world of music and sound. My passion and dedication have led me to become a multi-faceted artist, encompassing roles as an audio engineer, sound designer, music producer, bass player, and singer-songwriter.
My journey into the realm of music began at a young age when I became an ardent fan of The Beatles. Their influence ignited my desire to play the bass, setting the stage for my future endeavors. As I honed my musical skills, I ventured into songwriting and music production shortly after graduating from high school.
With an unwavering commitment to professionalism and innovation in music production and engineering, I decided to pursue my dreams further. I successfully gained admission to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, earning a scholarship through a rigorous audition process. There, I majored in music production and engineering, graduating with honors and a wealth of knowledge.
My journey didn’t stop there. I found myself immersed in significant recording projects with big bands, contributing to the dynamic Latin indie and rock indie music scenes. After graduation, I made the move to the vibrant music hub of New York City, where I embarked on a thrilling journey in the hip-hop scene, doing an internship at Invite-Only Studios, where I had the opportunity to work with artists like French Montana, Polo G, and many others.
As my career evolved, I transitioned into the world of audio post-production for TV commercials, movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Collaborating with influential brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, among other important brands. I played a pivotal role in shaping their brand identities, connections, and perceptions through sound.
My knowledge extended into sound design, mixing, and audio editing for audio post-production, allowing me to work on noteworthy projects like the TEDed series with important actors like Edward Norton or collaborate with esteemed animation directors like Bill Plympton. Through these endeavors, I aimed to contribute to education and enhance cultural accessibility.
Alongside my successful career in audio engineering and sound design, I embarked on a personal music project. Drawing inspiration from Latin indie and psychedelic artists like Zoe and Siddhartha from Mexico, as well as the timeless music of the 70s and 80s from Toto, Paul McCartney, and Billy Joel, I’ve been crafting a unique Latin indie pop/psychedelic sound. My upcoming album, set to be released next year, aims to redefine the Latin indie scene by blending nostalgia with a contemporary twist, offering a sensory journey to listeners.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been a thrilling one, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Several significant challenges have shaped my path and have contributed to my growth and determination.
First and foremost, one of the most significant challenges was leaving my home country behind to migrate to the United States. It meant bidding farewell to my family and friends, the familiarity of home, and the comfort of my own culture. Adjusting to a new country with different customs and norms was a profound and often emotional experience.
Economic struggles were another hurdle I faced. The United States is known for its high cost of living, and financing my college education was no easy feat. I had to navigate the complexities of tuition fees, living expenses, and student loans,
Building a new social life and establishing myself in the music industry presented its own set of difficulties. In a sea of talented musicians and artists, standing out and making meaningful connections required perseverance and dedication. It was about more than just musical talent; it was about forging relationships and creating opportunities.
Moving to a bustling city like New York City was yet another challenge. Adapting to the fast-paced rhythm of the city, where every day presented new opportunities and challenges, was a steep learning curve. Navigating the city’s complexities, both professionally and personally, was a test of my adaptability.
Despite these challenges, I persevered and continued to pursue my passion for music and audio. Getting professionally involved in the music and audio business allowed me to gain valuable insights into the industry. Understanding its intricacies and dynamics was crucial to my growth and success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in sound design for a diverse range of projects, including TV commercials, short films, and documentaries, such as TEDed. This involves creating immersive auditory experiences that enhance the storytelling and impact of visual content.
In addition to sound design, my experience extends to audio editing and mixing for audio post-production. This means I’m involved in the world of movies, short films, and podcasting, where I ensure that the audio quality meets the highest standards. It’s about bringing the soundscape to life and making sure every detail is just right.
I’m proud to be recognized for my contributions to audio post-production and sound design. One of my proudest achievements is carving out a niche for myself in the American audio industry as a migrant and a non-English speaker. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, but it’s those very challenges that have driven me to excel. I’m proud to have not only integrated myself into the industry but also to have brought insights from my Colombian culture, adding a unique and diverse perspective to American audio projects.
In essence, what sets me apart is not just my technical skills but also my ability to infuse cultural diversity and innovation into my work. I believe that sound isn’t just about what you hear but also about how it makes you feel, and I’m dedicated to creating soundscapes that resonate deeply with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’re interested in collaborating on songwriting, audio engineering, or music production, you can reach out to me directly through my social media channels. I’m always excited to explore new creative ventures and bring fresh ideas to life. Feel free to connect with me, share your project concepts, and let’s explore together.
For those seeking assistance with audio post-production services, you can contact me through the company I work with, Storefront Music. We specialize in delivering high-quality audio solutions for a wide range of projects, from movies and short films to podcasting. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s dedicated to ensuring exceptional audio experiences, and we’re here to support your creative needs.
If you want to show your support for my personal projects, please consider following me on my social media platforms:@Collazosmusic. Stay attentive to the latest news and updates, as I have an exciting personal project that will be released shortly. Your support and engagement mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this new venture with you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collazosmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-collazos-465237217/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14136103/
Image Credits
Cristian Avila
