Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Soto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

In its current form, the educational system frequently favors academic knowledge above adequate practical experiences. If I had to change anything, I would make learning more practical and bridge the gap between academic theories and practical implementations.

In order to achieve this, it would be ideal to encourage closer partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. Exposing students to initiatives that are driven by industry, mentorship programs, and interactive seminars from experts could significantly improve their learning experience. Students gain vital networking opportunities as well as a deeper understanding of what to expect in the real world from these encounters.

When I think back on my time at Berklee College of Music, I realize that while the academic material was valuable, it was the practical applications that really sharpened my skills. Projects that resulted in Grammy and Latin Grammy Award nominations would be a good example. I was able to put theory into practice, comprehend the complexities of the music production environment, and overcome difficulties that aren’t generally discussed in textbooks by working on these real-world projects.

My work at Native Instruments in partnership with iZotope Inc, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx is another example of the value of real-world application. I became aware of the critical function that industry exposure serves while working to increase brand recognition and secure artist endorsements in the Latin American market. Mere classroom learnings would not have equipped me to understand the nuances of artist relations and the dynamics of the Latin American music scene.

To sum it up, for a holistic education, it’s imperative to marry theoretical learning with practical experiences. Only then can we ensure that the next generation is not just well-informed, but also well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Alexis Soto, a passionate Audio Engineer and Musician, with a strong emphasis on leveraging new technologies and nurturing interpersonal relationships within the music industry.

My journey into the world of music began with a formal education in Music Production & Engineering from the esteemed Berklee College of Music, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. The time at Berklee was not just about textbooks and lectures; it provided me with a rich tapestry of experiences, allowing me to work with great people and great projects, that were later recognized with Grammy and Latin Grammy Award nominations.

In terms of the services I provide, my expertise focuses on audio and music mixing, and mastering, to artist relations and technology development within the acoustic space. I have worn many hats throughout my career – from being the Lead for Artist Relations for the Latin American Region at Native Instruments in collaboration with renowned firms like iZotope Inc, Plugin Alliance & Brainworx, to directing technology development at Lab Acoustics LLC.

I am very passionate on merging technical precision with creativity. One of my core strengths lies in understanding the unique needs of artists and leveraging advanced technologies to transform musical visions into powerful soundscapes. At Native Instruments, I played a crucial role in enhancing brand visibility, securing artist endorsements, and executing campaigns tailored to the Latin American music scene. My efforts have cemented the company’s position as a preferred choice among Latin American artists.

I have an immense dedication to the marriage of art and technology. With proficiency in various audio tools like Pro Tools, Melodyne, Logic Pro X, and even programming languages like Swift and Python, I can navigate the intricate labyrinth of music production with both an artist’s sensibility and a technician’s precision.

One project that I hold dear to my heart was the creation of a smart robotic attachment for a guitar at the MIT Media Lab, which enabled both a human artist and a robot to share the act of playing the instrument. This innovation embodies my belief in the harmonious coexistence of music and technology.

In closing, I want potential collaborators, fans, and clients to know that with me, you’re not just getting an engineer or a producer. You’re partnering with someone who understands the heart and soul of music, the power of technology, and the importance of human relationships. Whether you’re an artist looking to bring your musical vision to life, or a company aiming to innovate in the music technology space, I bring to the table a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting Lab Acoustics was an adventure driven by pure passion, determination, and our belief in the potential of our expertise. When Andres Abello and I decided to venture into this business, we were not armed with investment capital or a safety net of external funding. Instead, what we had was a wealth of experience and a clear vision for what we wanted to achieve in the world of acoustics.

Our initial capital was truly our skills, knowledge, and time. We decided to bootstrap, which means we started with personal savings, setting aside what we could while ensuring our personal financial well-being. Given our backgrounds and experience in the music and tech industries, we leveraged our networks, tapping into connections and opportunities, offering our services, and showcasing the unique solutions we could provide.

The game-changer for us was our strategic approach. Instead of immediately seeking external investments or loans, we focused on landing projects. Every project we undertook was not just a source of revenue but also an opportunity to showcase our capabilities, build our portfolio, and gain valuable feedback. The money from these initial projects was carefully reinvested into the business. It funded our research, helped us develop new tools, and allowed us to refine our offerings. This organic growth strategy ensured that we remained agile, adapting to the industry’s needs while maintaining our integrity and vision.

It was a challenging path, no doubt. There were moments of uncertainty and times when we questioned our decisions. But every successful project, every satisfied client, and the progress we made with our research and tool development were indicators that we were on the right track. Over time, Lab Acoustics grew, not just in terms of revenue, but in reputation, clientele, and impact.

To budding entrepreneurs, our journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of leveraging one’s network, and the benefits of a strategic, organic growth model. While external funding can be beneficial, it’s equally possible to grow a successful business through sheer dedication, reinvestment, and a clear vision.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our everlasting devotion to our clients is undoubtedly one of the fundamental pillars that has contributed to establishing our name in our field. We adopted the belief that “the client is always right” from the very beginning. This is not simply a catchphrase for us; it is a fundamental tenet of how we do our business, engage with others, and provide services.

We have been able to provide clients with solutions that are not only technically sound but also specifically catered to their specific demands by actually listening to them, comprehending their needs, and appreciating their input. This strategy makes sure that our clients are heard, appreciated, and understood, fostering a more beneficial and cooperative relationship.

Additionally, consistently putting the client’s viewpoint first has helped to create a climate of mutual respect and trust. It has made sure that, even in the face of difficulties, we deal with them politely, professionally, and with a focus on coming up with answers that best serve the needs of the client.

Although our technical expertise and the caliber of our work have been important, it is our commitment to providing great customer service and constantly prioritizing the needs of our clients that has really distinguished us in the industry. This strategy has resulted in several referrals and transformed one-time contracts into long-term collaborations, all of which have helped us earn the solid reputation we now proudly own.

In a market where technical expertise can often be found in abundance, it’s the human touch, understanding, and commitment to client satisfaction that can make all the difference. We believe that our steadfast adherence to our philosophy has been a cornerstone in building and maintaining our reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.labacoustics.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexissoto/