Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Mentry.
Ted, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
So you may ask what got me started in the Music business, especially the audio industry. Let me explain:
After years of playing guitar in bands for festivals, clubs, busking, coffee shops and private events up and down the Rocky Mountain range from Arizona to Montana and, after releasing several 45’s (yes 45’s) and albums I decided to invest some money in audio equipment. I acquired a keen interest, not only in the studio production of my records, but the science and satisfaction with live systems and how wonderful an experience it can be when done properly.
In 2002 I met Supertramp’s guitarist in Los Angeles and soon I was on tour with the band as their guitar tech and very soon after that relocated to California where I am today. I remained Carl Verheyen’s road manager for the last 13 years as a side hack but my true love and interest was to build small to medium P.A. systems and try to make a living producing all kinds of events. I couldn’t afford to pay for college but I learned a lot, not only soaking in every bit of knowledge I could about the skills necessary to become an excellent A1,, but the whole process of not just producing myself on a record or stage, but to make a whole band sound just like that same record….only all at once, on the spot and on the fly.
I am proud that, after 20 years in the business, Tree Daddy sound has an excellent reputation and puts quality over quantity in many ways. And I will continue to do so as long as I can. I do what I love and love what I do.
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?
Struggles are a natural side swipe to any musician. Some of mine are listed here:
1. Drugs have taken the toll of many a great artist, many, of which, I cherished.
2. The pay scale today is the exact same pay scale as it was 30 years ago for local musicians. That is a crime.
3. Dylan once said, “Money don’t talk, it swears.” Competing with corporate agencies with lots of money is !!!
4. Families. Most of us have them and their needs are just as important and often tough with an agenda.
5. Maintaining your dream.
6. Covid
7. Audio gear is EXPENSIVE!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own and operate TREE DADDY SOUND. I am the A1 audio engineer.
What I have learned in the past 20-30 years mixing bands is that there are two ways to treat an act on stage.
You not only come up with some very exceptional effects to add on to the vocal (or instruments) to wow the crowd but there are many ways underneath the curtain of the audio that is not heard but creates a whole second atmosphere also for pleasing the audience.Audio tricks some call them.
I am a sound engineer and I am taking the idea that all sound guys aren’t good enough to be players and adopt this path or a living. I get it. If I couldn’t make it a a guitarist I would probably have wandered into this portion of the industry however, I made a living for 30 years and brought these skills to the table because I know what a good musician would expect and try my best to achieve that goal.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have read several books over the years on other engineer’s perspectives.
YouTube has been a big factor on learning. I watch audio tutorials on a regular basis. I don’t agree with everything I see but it is always a good source to confirm my beliefs or learn some new tricks!
I watch 10 speakers talk about the same issues or problems and often come home with 10 different solutions.
I choose what works for me and go forward. I spend hours and days in my warehouse with a small system setup where, like an instrumentalist, I would practice! practice! pracitice!
Pricing:
- $350
- $600
- $850
- $1500
- $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.treedaddysound.com
- Instagram: Ted Mentry
- Facebook: Tree Daddy Sound
