Rising Stars: Meet Kevin Silva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Silva.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
It all began when my mom met my dad. They fell in love and had me. Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m the youngest of seven and a first-generation Brazilian/American. I was born in Miami, Florida, but have lived and grown up in Boca Raton, Florida, since the first grade. If you aren’t familiar with Boca Raton, you might have heard of it every now and then in movies or TV shows like “The Golden Girls” (shout out to Betty White). Essentially, it’s a very suburban town situated between Miami and West Palm Beach. Spanning roughly thirty square miles, it’s most known for its retirement homes, nice beaches, and, well, maybe that’s about it. 

Growing up, I was always drawn to creating in some aspect and was always encouraged to try new things. Some of my passions throughout life have included being an animator, film director, and architect. One after-school program that solidified this for me was “Odyssey of the Mind.” Without going into too much detail, it involves auditioning and being placed in teams for a specific category. In my category, we worked together as a team to write, design, and build a play using recycled materials. On top of the play, we had a secondary task: build a structure within certain dimensions out of balsa wood and glue, then stack weights on it until it broke. Fun, right? The competition consists of three rounds: District, State, and then Worlds. Worlds were the most fun, as we got to fly out of state and stay at a college to compete with other teams from all over the world. Kind of crazy for a little kid in elementary school. 

Music has always been a big part of my life and kept falling into my lap somehow. My younger days, like many, included the piano and guitar, both short-lived and, of course, the recorder. In middle school, I played the clarinet and tenor saxophone but eventually switched to P.E. since I didn’t practice that summer (sorry, coach). I weirdly tried making mashups in GarageBand, which I’m now realizing was my first time in a DAW (digital audio workstation). However, my life changed forever in high school. At the time, my friends and I were going to raves and festivals, and I fell in love with the music. I wanted to learn how to make beeps and boops on my computer and discovered Ableton Live 9. It was game over. I spent years learning on my own through YouTube University and failure. During my last two years in college at Florida State University, I discovered, through a friend, this production school called ICON in Burbank. I told myself that once I was done with college, I’d enroll there. 

While in school at ICON, I went through two studio internships, at one point simultaneously, and was booking out the live room every week to learn how to use the console with some friends. It was essentially an open-door session, and other students would pop in and out. We recorded drums, piano, Rhodes, guitar, and multiple vocalists and just jammed out for hours. I still have those sessions on my hard drive today. 

An opportunity came up through the grapevine for an internship at Monstercat, one of the most influential labels in dance music. The first of many full-circle moments for me since high school, Kevin wanted to submit demos to them. The six-month internship would consist of helping with the studio and assisting the A&R for “Uncaged,” one of three labels under Monstercat that focuses more on the heavier side of dance music – an absolute dream. The internship was the best gig I’ve ever had, and thankfully, when my internship ended, they offered me a full-time position at the company. Still, to this day, almost two years now, it hits me how lucky I am to have such an incredible job and to work with such amazing people. 

All this brings us to today. Aside from working at Monstercat, I have my artist project where I’m finally releasing tunes this year. I’m working on a kid’s music album (coming soon), I have my own LLC that currently offers mixing, mastering, and production, and I recently rekindled my old passion for being a film director. So, I’ve been working on learning how to film, edit, VFX, and color grade. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 2016, I lost my best friend, Tyber. For anyone who has lost someone, they know it’s a feeling you never really get over. One day, they’re here, and the next day, you never get to talk to them again. It sucks, and parents shouldn’t have to bury their kids. No exceptions. I’m still figuring out life without him. I think the hardest part of losing someone so influential in your life is figuring out how to live without them. He holds a special place in so many people’s hearts and, to this day, continues to inspire those who loved him. His memory brings joy and laughter, and I think he wouldn’t want it any other way. Cheers to Tyber! We miss you, brotha. 

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to my mom, Soraya. She’s my rock, number one fan, and greatest inspiration. She’s always been supportive of me and my countless endeavors. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for her. Every bump in the road, no matter how big or small, is guided by her strength and positivity. Love you, mom. 

P.S. Shoutout my sisters and brother, love you 🙂 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Above all, I’d say I’m an audio engineer. I’m extremely thankful to work for a company that continues to invest in me and my goals. At Monstercat, one of my roles is the in-house mixing and mastering engineer. I get to work on exciting records from incredible artists. I also do this freelance with my company, YADA YADA Studios. I’m proud of all the projects I’ve been a part of. Every project is different, and the same solution might not work on every project. It’s like a puzzle. There are a million different ways to approach it, but all roads lead to a final mix/master. I think that’s how the saying goes. I’ve worked on jazz records and multiple different genres of dance music. I think it’s important to always be a student, trust your ears, and, above all else, have fun with it. Mixing and mastering can be just as musical as creating music. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
The best way to support me is to follow me on social media or your preferred streaming platform. A little really goes a long way! 

I’m always down to work and collaborate with others. Just reach out! 

Pricing:

• Mixing – 150
• Mastering 75
• Mix & Mastering – 250
• Film, Editing, Color – Reach out

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yadayada_music/, https://www.instagram.com/yadayadastudios/,https://www.instagram.com/kevisfilming/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-silva-a27319b6/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/yadayadamusic

Image Credits
Koya Ichikawa
Kevin Silva