Ever since joining the San Francisco based Mix magazine team in 1988, Kenny has had a front row view on events which have defined and redefined professional audio and music production over the last two decades.  He pointed out that “In ’88 big studios ruled; artists routinely camped out for 5 or 6 months at a time working on songs in the studio.  Now, the process has changed – access to technology has dramatically changed the production process.”  Concurrent with this shift have been the new directions taken by the front cover “stars” of the publication, the studios themselves.  Kenny added, “Technology changes the shape of production, production changes the shape of facilities.”

One factor which has greatly expanded Mix’s mission statement since its inception has been increased coverage of sound for picture.  In 1991 Kenny was assigned to write an article detailing the audio involved in The Doors movie and travelled to Skywalker Sound to get the scoop.  After a first attempt, a brief interview with the dialogue editor which “missed the real story,” Kenny returned for a much more in depth examination of the ways in which music and audio were being used to develop and enhance the action onscreen.  Once the issue was released it triggered an influx of calls from movie studios eager to receive similiar coverage on the audio aspects of  their own upcoming blockbusters.  Today, sound for picture might more accurately be described as “sound and picture,” as opportunities to join visuals with quality sound continue to expand into lucrative sectors including video games and internet content.  Kenny continued, “Anyone who laments the decline of CD sales is missing the point – there is more audio out there than ever before” and urged post production students in the audience to remember that ” as an audio person, you are first and foremost telling a story.”

Tom Kenny’s discussion on critcal components of finding success in the fast paced and ever changing music industry returned repeatedly to a single topic: quality.  When asked by moderator Scott Legere to offer opinions on what tactics are actually working in the modern marketplace, Kenny stated that “What works is finding talent; product that is of quality eventually rises to the top…be careful of chasing the flavor of the month, that’s not  a career.”  Also of high importance when considering potential paths to success: distribution.  As new techniques for cutting through the clutter of mediocrity emerge, the winners will be those who understand how to get heard and how to distribute to fans on their terms.  “The internet allows you to know your fanbase in ways that were previously unimaginable,” Kenny continued, “You can in fact make a fine living with quality product that people will come back to.”

The event culminated with IPR’ co-founder Lance Sabin awarding an honorary degree to our guest.  Upon his exit, Kenny left the audience with an encouraging confirmation of their chosen career path in music, “If you are here because you can’t live without it, you are in the right industry.”

On November 11th The Institute of Production and Recording will close its campus in remembrance of one of its late founding fathers, Jackie Lee Robinson.  To help pay tribute to his memory I asked members of the extended IPR community to reflect on what type of impact Jack had on their lives, and the ways in which his vision and teachings continue to inspire and influence them today.

“From one bass player to another, Jack was FUNKY!  He was the one who inspired me to teach.  He approached me and encouraged me , saying that I could actually make a difference in a kids life.  He was one of a kind!” ~ Paul Peterson

“Mentoring under Jack Robinson was the turning point for me from being a hobbiest to making my living in the music industry.  He had a talent for teaching that brought the pressure of real world experience with a balance of hope and encouragement to each lesson.  He had a great impact on my life and the impact of his mentorship is present in my work everyday.  He has my highest respect.

The Jack Robinson quotes that I live by are: “signal flow, it’s all about signal flow”, “most engineers don’t hit their stride until they are in their 40′s”, and  “never be late for the call. If you’re late you don’t work.” ~ Chad Weis

“Jackie Lee Robinson was truly a role model to anyone aspiring top be an entrepreneur in the music business” ~ Kristin Aldridge

Jack Robinson quote:  (8 or 9 years ago at the Electronic Musician’s Workshop – Lake and Lyndale)

Jack:  What kind of music do you want to make?  Hip Hop?  House?  Tell me so I can teach you.

JP:  I don’t just want to make a particular kind of music…  I want to UNDERSTAND the MEDIUM of sound.

Jack:  Well, JP…  what you want is a degree in sound engineering.   Someday I’ll have my own school…  you will be the perfect candidate.

1 year later… IPR opens…  JP attends…   and now here we are. 

“My life would never be the same, after those 1 on 1 lessons that I took back in the year 2000″ ~ JP  Hunglemann

“What I am most grateful about having known Jack is that he really helped me get a job at IPR.   After knowing him as an instructor at a previous music school, he would come into the music retail store that I used to work at and say, “Tanya, you shouldn’t be working here.  I really want to see you be happy.”  He explained that he was “starting up a new school” and they needed help in the Admissions department.  He invited me to IPR in the Fall of 2002 for a tour.  At that time IPR was 1/3 of the size it is now and about a dozen people worked there, but I was impressed with the vision that he and Lance had for the school.  I know that Jack would be very proud to see the milestone steps that IPR has taken these past few years.  Jack was also a vegetarian so we shared our love for good food and often discussed our favorite local restaurants.  But he never cooked for himself… probably because he was so busy all of the time.” ~ Tanya Norman

JLR with his beloved motorcycle

In addition to being an established bass player with both Prince and Carmen Electra, Robinson was also a philanthropist and concerned about childrens’ education. “He [Robinson] wanted to give back to the community,” said Stephen Slater, long time friend and colleague of Robinson. That dream has now become reality in the form of IDEAWERKS Indigenous Creative Academy, a venture designed to create, manage, and maintain community based multimedia arts, music and recording technology after school programs.

Conceived in cooperation with The IPR/JLR Foundation and supported in part by contributions from a host of prominent music technology manufacturers, IDEAWERKS seeks to carry forward a vision of excellence in education, creativity, music, technology and public achievement as tools for communication and self awareness.

Morris Hayes, producer, artist, and long time musical director for Prince, took time out of his schedule to fly back to his hometown of Minneapolis to show his support for this exceptional program. “As a personal friend of the late Jackie Lee Robinson, I have nothing but heartfelt appreciation for the efforts of all involved to help make Jackie’s vision for Ideawerks come to life,” says Hayes. “I will continue to stay involved with the program and encourage all community members to do so as well. Students are given the remarkable opportunity to learn recording techniques and music basics at no charge, allowing them to express themselves in a creative way, and in a safe environment, too. This program will change many lives and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Thanks to all who contributed to this article and to the many individuals who push themselves to achieve in music and in life, thereby insuring that Jack’s wishes for the IPR community continue to be realized.

In this edition of Student Profile we meet Antonio Rodriguez, currently enrolled in his 5th  quarter of the Music and Entertainment Business program at the Institute of Production and Recording.  An enthusiastic supporter of the music he enjoys, Antonio is already developing a reputation as an individual able to respond quickly when opportunity presents itself, and with a level of professionalism too rarely seen within the entry levels of the industry.  I was curious to learn more about how some of his early efforts got started, as well as find out what plans are in place to further develop his career path.

Hailing from a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa, Rodriguez discovered IPR through comparative research on Google and though he “really didn’t know what to expect,” has since found the school to be an excellent match for his aspirations.  Anyone familiar with his online profiles will likely already have a good sense of what those aspirations entail, as he makes prolific use of the tools available through social media to help promote activities that he is a part of.

Whether helping to hype DIY 360 with Adam Levy, or sharing video on the IPR FaceBook fan page, many of Antonio’s efforts are in fact helping to establish greater continuity between the on and offline IPR communities.  If you look closely at the audience for many IPR sponsored events, you have a good chance of spotting Antonio, video camera in hand, documenting footage to share with those unable to attend in person.  When asked about his motivation for this, he replied “I like shooting amateur stuff and capturing it in Final Cut,  editing it and throwing it online for everyone to see…somehow I’ve managed to get 70 some videos up on my YouTube page; it’s a great way to give additional exposure to the events.”

Recent video shot and edited by Antonio…

Another outlet for honing his promotional skills has been an internship position with Island Def Jam.  Antonio made a speedy reply when he first learned of the chance to work with this highly respected label and has found it to be a great asset for networking.  “I have met a bunch a bands, all these people that work for the Target home office, Best Buy, Universal, Apple, all these “IMPORTANT” people.  I have talked to everyone from live sound guys, road/tour managers, drum tech guys, venue managers, artists and fans,” Rodriguez said.  “Island sent me out to the 2009 Warped Tour,” he continued, “which was great because I got to see P.O.S. out there, as well as meet New Medicine, other street team members from other labels, and other bands who are maybe a little less known that are working their way up there.  Overall a very good opportunity!”

Chances for networking with local music industry professionals have also come about through Rodriguez’s involvement in the Content Under Pressure events.  Put together by Kevin Beacham of Ryhmesayers Entertainment and Brandon Allday of Big Quarters, the innovative showcases featured key twin cities and RSE artists creating music with an unfamiliar collaborator in a limited amount of time and then performing it for the crowd that same night.  Antonio contributed to the promotional efforts for these events by doing promo videos,  passing out flyers, and simple yet effective word of mouth.

Rodriguez spoke at length on his admiration for the many IPR faculty and staff members who have helped him get this far.  He highlighted the technical expertise of Paul Bolen and Steve Price (on Pro Tools and Logic respectively), and the well honed business sensibilities of Eric Trelstad,  and Scott Legere.  Additionally, he noted the contributions of Brian ‘Champtown’ Harmon as “the guy who brings the major artists in to speak.  He is the one responsible for bringing T.I.  and Boys II Men into the building…following this is going to be Chuck D. from Public Enemy – so be on the look out for that!”  Antonio concluded this train of thought with a sincere “Thanks to all the people at IPR that make it run each and everyday.”

In the studio with Katheryn Alcantara, Jordan Yemma, and Maya Duis

Rodriguez was generous enough to also share some good advice with new students coming in to IPR, stating  “For those just getting started, pay attention in all the classes and take notes, this will benefit you thereafter.  Meet everyone you can, talk to them, get to know them, find out what their skills are in and get their contact info.  Teachers, students, the people at shows you go to…that is how I  get contacts, by just talking to people everywhere.  Take a variety of classes so you can figure out what you are really interested in.  Start keeping up on what is going on in the music industry now and forever.  Don’t just stick to one genre, be diverse.”

Antonio with members of Fall Out Boy

This lead me to inquire into what Antonio had learned so far that he feels might already be benefiting his chosen career path.  He replied that “The audio engineering classes have helped out a lot.  I knew nothing before coming here to IPR;  the boards don’t look so scary anymore.  This has helped to work with all sorts of different people, a rapper named DYC, a singer/songwriter named Maya Duis, a screamo band who goes by Something Less Tragic, and currently a group known as The Jerry Rau Band.  Also, some of the business classes, such as the law and copyright class taught by Scott Legere, have been very informative and quite helpful.  Honestly, there is at least one thing in each class that I have learned and taken away from that class and used in one way or another.”

Street team work @ The Triple Rock Social Club during the The Script / Parachute Show

When asked about plans for after graduation, it became clear that Antonio is staying open minded and will remain focused on the underlying goal of  “making sure that I will have some sort of job relating to all this no matter how big or small…there are so many things that can happen between now and until I graduate…I will go wherever the job takes me.”

The final piece of the puzzle I was curious about was inspiration: who has motivated Antonio and why?  “Inspiration…inspiration comes from all over…most recently I was inspired this kid who goes by Alex Goose, age 23 from Atlanta, Georgia.  I found out he was to be one of the producers on the new Jay-Z album but none of his tracks were accepted – they weren’t bad though, they were excellent.  That right there inspired me because he is only 23 and Jay-Z and his peoples are calling out to him for his instrumentals.  I have been inspired by teacher’s words here at IPR.  The main source of inspiration though, comes from the family.  They keep me in line.  They support anything I do; they have helped me with pretty much anything I have done; I am grateful for that.”

For more, check out Antonio’s profiles on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and MySpace…

The Melismatics played DIY 360 on Friday 10/16. The amazing Minneapolis four piece blazed through a ½ dozen raucous post-punk songs and talked about touring, songwriting, working with internationally renowned producers, and getting songs placed in big TV shows like MTV’s Laguna Beach and NBC’s The Hills. The band sold CD’s and mentioned a big show at the Turf Club in St Paul on 10/30. It was a spectacular kick-off for the Late Fall DIY series.

“No one ever accused The Melismatics of being predictable.” ~ The Onion

DIY 360 is a weekly event hosted by Adam Levy. The goal is to introduce students to professionals in the field who have been successful, frequently by adapting to changes in the business where they make use of multiple skill sets. Guests share information about their careers, their philosophies about professionalism and their art.  Guests often give advice to budding artists, entertainment business professionals, producers and engineers.  DIY 360 is an opportunity for students to network with those working in the field and with each other as they work toward career success.

IPR Career Services Director Norbert Kreuzer visited “The City that never sleeps” last weekend to network for IPR. The Audio Engineering Society held its annual convention at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan October 9 through October 12.

Over 200 industry related exhibitors were present. Besides learning about new products, the convention presented excellent networking opportunities. Many companies, such as Sony, Neumann, Steinberg, Roland, Yamaha, Wave, are just a few manufacturers who committed to host events and seminars at our campus in the future. Such events are very beneficial for the students and alumni as they get exposure to the latest equipment and technology.

Further, several companies have internships available for current students in marketing, production, and research areas and shared information about career paths and opportunities within their organization.

The show also provided a forum to network with potential future guest speakers who want to share their wisdom and experience with our students. The following picture shows Norbert Kreuzer talking to audio legend Rupert Neve.

Last Sunday, October 4^th was marathon day in the Twin Cities with close to 17,000 runners. For the second year in a row, IPR set up a booth in the Finish Party Tent and IPR employee Marquay Belcher, a.k.a.  DJ Morplay spun chill out tunes for the exhausted athletes, supported by Norbert Kreuzer, IPR’s Director of Career Services.

It was a rewarding event: We received many “thank you-s” from runners, their family members, and event management and were asked to be back again next year!

IPR students, Molly Murray, Alex Jaramillo, Andrew Johnson, Nathan Brende, Antonio Rodriguez, Lukcy Charms, and Erin Stubbs were “extras” in a recent in-store Best Buy Commercial shoot for their GPS product line, which was filmed across the street from IPR at the Monte Carlo.

Not only will their faces appear on screens in Best Buy stores everywhere, but they were able to network with representatives from Yellow Tag Productions, Best Buy’s in-house media production company, and other freelance producers, directors, camera operators, and actors involved in the commercial project.

Those who find themselves immersed in the world of sound for picture are well aware of the demanding nature of the craft, on both a technical and creative level.  On offer here today are a selection of revealing glimpses into professional post production and sound design tactics which may serve as inspiration for individuals aspiring to become part of this exciting industry.

Matthew Wood, Supervising Sound Editor at Skywalker Sound

An interview with legendary Sound Designer Ben Burtt for the DVD of Wall-E

“I’m always on the alert…If a sound catches my attention, its probably going to be useful to me later on somewhere in a movie…” ~ Ben Burtt

Peter Jackson’s soundcrew recording SFX for King Kong

Randy Thom describes how the sound was designed for the ping-pong scenes in Forrest Gump

Gary Rydstrom knew he wanted to work in film…he found his passion with sound

“Dinosaur dialogue” in Jurassic Park

OK, this one is just for fun…though George Lucas has said that sound is “half of the picture”

Do you know of some good videos that I neglected to include here?  Feel free to leave  links in the comments section…

Davina Sowers and her band-mate, bassist Michael Cavale, recently joined us for DIY 360.  Davina has a huge blues belter voice and amazing blues piano skills.  She and Michael entertained the rapt audience with their brand of New Orleans and cabaret influenced blues and soul.  Davina talked about managing the career of her up-and-coming, world touring band—doing everything from booking the band, doing web-design, writing the songs and networking with musicians and entertainment business all over the web and world. Michael taked about his transformation from heavy metal guitar shredder to jazz hipster. Davina left students with a great list of resources for up-an-coming musicians, managers and booking agents which you can get from Rebecca Buller at rbuller@ipr.edu. It was a great end to the Early Fall DIY 360 series.

DIY 360 is a weekly event hosted by Adam Levy. The goal is to introduce students to professionals in the field who have been successful, frequently by adapting to changes in the business where they make use of multiple skill sets. Guests share information about their careers, their philosophies about professionalism and their art.  Guests often give advice to budding artists, entertainment business professionals, producers and engineers.  DIY 360 is an opportunity for students to network with those working in the field and with each other as they work toward career success.

IPR is excited to once again participate in the Minneapolis Performing & Visual Arts College Fair. This is a great opportunity for creative individuals to speak directly with representatives from IPR regarding exciting career opportunities in the Media Arts.  Please join us!

The event will be held Monday October 12, 2009 from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Coffman Memorial Union–Great Hall
300 Washington Avenue, SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0110
612/624-4636

For more information, click here