I had someone ask me how long I wanted to be a recording engineer. They also asked me what my dream retirement would be. Here is my response.
I have been in the recording industry for 30 years, I have averaged 70+ hours a week for most of those years and have had to learn new systems and platforms, follow trends good or bad and have seen tough times in the business and great times. So my friend says to me, I guess you are ready to kick back now and enjoy life aren't you?
I said retirement! Never. Everyday I get to create something new and amazing, I get to work with some of the most talented musicians and singers in the country. I get to see what's around the corner in technology that is forever changing. I get to make new friends everyday and build relationships that last a lifetime. To watch a song being created from scratch and seeing the clients excitement, when their vision is realized it's a wonderful experience. Being a recording engineer is not about money, or grabbing every piece of equipment you can, it is about creating something new or capturing something old. It is about bringing out the emotion of a song, capturing the best performance of an artist. It is about learning from all those around you so that you can be the best you can be. It's about hard work and not stopping till you get the mix to the best place you possibly can. It's about going to bed wore out and thinking I can't do this anymore, only to find yourself waking up early because you can't wait to get back on that record and make it better than you did yesterday.
So I said if retirement can do that for me I am all in! If not I will retire when the good Lord takes me home.
Van Atkins
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