Today we’d like to introduce you to Samarth Dhawan.
Hi Samarth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was five years old, my parents signed me up for guitar lessons. At first, I didn’t enjoy it, as playing on a full-size acoustic guitar was challenging. After a year of perseverance, my teacher introduced me to legendary bands like The Beatles, ZZ Top, and Led Zepplin. Listening and watching videos of them play boosted my desire to learn. I wanted to pick up my guitar and imitate its style, technique, and coolness. From something forced, it turned into something I actually looked forward to.
At thirteen, I got the opportunity to play for the first time on stage. The lights, the energy, and the sound made me feel alive, and in my head, I was a part of those videos I’d seen. That’s when I knew that music was my calling. After that experience, there was no turning back. I grabbed every opportunity to be on stage and played my heart out. My love for music further made me explore other aspects, whether it was working behind the faders on the console or handling the production side at live music events.
I was fortunate enough to get accepted to the Berklee Summer Performance Program, Valencia, in 2016. At the program, I entered a professional music studio for the first time, and that memory has stayed crystal clear. Witnessing a full recording and mixing session broadened the scope of my entire musical experience. I knew I wanted to sit on that chair between the monitors where everything sounded fantastic.
Originally from India, I moved to LA in September 2021 to join the Musicians Institute in Hollywood to further enhance my craft of recording, mixing, and mastering. Within three months of being in LA, I started assisting one of the greatest mixing engineers in the world, Dave Pensado. Amongst many invaluable things, Dave showed me what music sounds like. I started paying more attention to details and the subtle things that made a good record great. Without recording, mixing, and mastering engineers, music would lack excitement, vibe, emotion, and all the things that make us want to groove. To me, that’s what music is about.
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?
A significant challenge in my profession is the art of sounding distinct while faithfully capturing the artist’s vision. The world of music, much like all forms of art is subjective, and there is no right or wrong. This requires a continuous cycle of experimentation, where creative boundaries are stretched and explored.
As a mixing engineer, my goal is to make sure the listener feels what the artist originally intended when they made the song. Turning an intangible emotion into something that comes through the speakers is one of the trickiest parts of my job. Every mixing and mastering engineer gets the feeling of a record out in their own way, adding their personal taste, which adds to the variety and uniqueness of the music industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer based in Los Angeles. My heart lies in the intricate world of sound, where I craft and curate audio experiences that resonate with audiences.
At present, I’m fortunate to be working alongside one of the most respected figures in the field, Dave Pensado. Working with Dave not only hones my skills but also provides me with invaluable insights into the art of mixing.
My journey has taken me to some of the industry’s most illustrious studios worldwide. Names like SARM West, BBC Maida Vale Studios, Sunset Sound, Fab Factory, and The Record Plant have become part of my sonic journey. In these spaces, I’ve witnessed the magic of music creation and taken in the rich history that resides within their walls.
My portfolio proudly features collaborations with a diverse array of artists. From established names like Ladytron, Big Freedia, Ray Keys, Dave and Dann Huff, Omega, and Bruno Major to emerging talents like 5yndik8, Ladders, Natasha Vora, Eva Grace, KONG., Ela Taubert, and Joaquina, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to a wide spectrum of musical expressions.
My path from India to these iconic studios and the opportunity to collaborate with such a varied range of artists has shaped my perspective and refined my skills. The role I play in capturing, sculpting, and perfecting the artist’s vision is a testament to the intricate art of engineering, an art that bridges the gap between raw recordings and the final soundscape.
As I continue to learn from the best in the industry and lend my expertise to projects that span genres and voices, I look forward to further immersing myself in the ever-evolving art of music.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success means getting to do what you love every day, surrounded by the people you care about. Sure, I also like the idea of big houses and nice cars, but there’s something incredibly special about creating something original and unique with people you respect and appreciate. It just makes the whole experience a lot more fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samarthdhawan22.wixsite.com/mixed-by-sam
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_mixedbysam?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jBBCEcWaogcS9Ur1CPlM3?si=f648766adabd4305
