Flyer from the event.
Steve Lagudi took the floor at 12:05pm looking relaxed and confident as he sat
back in a seat placed at the front of the room. He addressed the audience and began
with his background as a young engineer rising through the ranks because he was in
the right place at the right time. It was obvious Steve was speaking from his element.
He couldn't stress enough how important it was to be present, always learning, and
striving to improve. Steve mixes the bands he's a fan of, the bands he used to listen to
on his way up the ladder, yet he still has farther he wants to excel. For anyone else that
would probably fall under the "peak of my carrier" category. But Steve pulled a wave
theory text book from his bag, the pages stained with highlighter and notes scribbled in
the margins. "I'm still learning" Steve articulated. "I'm still hungry [for more]."
Steve mentioned how he was able to experiment at low stress, low risk shows,
and really refine his techniques for the bigger venues. You never know who's in the
audience when you're mixing a show. He rattled off the countless times he was offered
a job with a big time name while working with a small time band. Steve stressed how
making mistakes is a part of the game, the only way you're going to improve is if you
practice. Steve related that to the students here in school. The Students have access to
a facility open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, why wouldn't you be in a practice room
honing your craft every chance you had?
The students picked Steve's brain on just how he discovered the visionary ways he
mixes that his clients so vocally covet. Steve took the time to load up some of his stage
mixes and in real time and walk everyone through the process. Steve gave the students
a place to start when experimenting with EQ, compression, etc here on campus or at
home. Steve gave some closing remarks stating how hard an industry music is to break
into and school can only take you so far. Your classmates are the competition. In order
to land your dream gig you need to go above and beyond. Just the fact the students
took the time on a weekend to learn from an experienced engineer was their first step in
the right direction.
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