We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Austin Isshac. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Austin below.
Austin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My Career in the music business started in January of 2017. I got my first job as a backline tech for the band STYX, through an amazing teacher of mine named Joe Fiorello. I attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, (2014-2017) to follow my dreams and study Drums and Audio Engineering. After graduating, I worked 5 months as as backline tech, which consisted of: Loading and Unloading Semi-Trucks, Setting up and tearing down stages, and being a Spotlight Operator at times. This allowed me to develop amazing connections outside of school, while meeting like minded individuals, especially musicians. These connections have grown tremendously through my 6 and half years in the business, and through some, it has allowed to my play, record, and perform with bands and artist’s professionally, while still working as a sound engineer.
In the beginning of 2020 I started to teach myself how to play guitar, and it has always been something that I’ve wanted to learn. Just getting out of a serious relationship and entering the chaos of Covid, I had lots of time to write and reflect. Through this two year period, I wrote a collection of 8 songs that I would soon release under the artist name ‘Isshac’ titled “To Each Their Own”.
It was a culmination of many things, but mainly, my first time releasing music professionally. I had the opportunity to bring my recording studio equipment up to Washington State, and record on an island in a barn for 6 weeks, and I think that energy is present throughout the album. Something that I’d never forget, and hope people can experience that bliss of being one with yourself, and creating with no distractions.
Now in 2023, I’ve just released my second body of work called “Organized Chaos”, which too derives from the ending of a serious relationship, and entering a really crucial period in my life of self reflection and growth. These 5 songs represent Anger & Angst, Happiness, Love & Heart-Break, Not Fitting In, and what it means to find that inner child inside. To me, these all are very real subjects, and is something that I think most people can relate to. And to me that is what music is all about. Finding artists and musicians you can relate to, either through melody, lyrics, or rhythm, and sharing their art with the world. Since the recent release on July 7th, its been nothing but positive reviews about the songs, production, and my growth as an artist and musician. That to me is truly meaningful and inspiring, as I continue to show myself that anything is possible through hard work and determination.
Austin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I had the blessing of growing up in a house full of artists, which made it easier to pursue my career as a Professional Sound Engineer and Musician. My father is a photographer, mother make-up artist, and sister a fashion stylist. Music was always playing in my house growing up, and some of my earliest memories include songs or bands that my parents had loved. Coming from a Middle Eastern and Hispanic background, has played a huge part in my musical, personal and professional up bringing. It helped pave the way to attending Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. There I studied for 3 years, and learned what it took to make it in the music business as a professional musician and sound engineer. Through MI, I was also taught about: Artist Business and Marketing, Finances and Taxes, and Communication and Networking. Which have all played a huge roll in my career along the way.
I’m a person of many loves and talents, and that came into play when starting my production company called “Jung Records” back in August of 2017. It was built on the concept of providing professional results while still allowing the artists to keep 100% of their creative rights. Which to many may seem like a no brainer, but as many may not know, Labels have a lot of control of your artistic property because of the platform and funds they can provide. So I wanted to create a space where artists can come in and receive Studio, Video, or Live Production professionally for a competitive rate. From 2017-2023, Jung Records has grown tremendously, mainly due to Covid. It allowed us to focus on being able to provide artists and bands Live Stream Performances and Sessions in our studio space or at different locations. I had a close group of people that helped me with a lot of my productions, and helped push my company to grow to what it is today. To me an idea can start with you, but it is helped brought into fruition with the help of others.
Through owning Jung Records, I’ve grown as an entrepreneur, musician, and individual. It’s allowed me to work for myself and have many opportunities that you normally wouldn’t have in a 9-5 job. Through this artist mentality, its helped build this foundation for the drive and desire I have for my music.
Right now I’m mainly focusing on my music along with my band “Dogs Are Cool”, which is a 90’s inspired punk rock / pop punk band. As well as Producing, Mixing, and Recording bands from all around the country. Through my experience of working with local artists, all the way up to Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famers. I feel like I can provide a fresh new perspective in todays approach to music, along with combining elements of the passed, to make something that people are going to want to listen to. My specialties are songwriting, mixing, and arranging, along with bringing the best out of the artist during the recording process.
I pride myself in my work ethic, communication, and being able to be kind and understanding when working with other artists. Which has taken me a long way in my career, as a lot of my work and connections have been through word of mouth. There have been many times where I’ve seen others not respond kindly to an artist, and it creates a negative and unprofessional atmosphere. As a producer or engineer, I’m there to cater, respond, and exceed the artist’s expectations while also bringing the best out of them. In being a musician, and someone who comes from a family oriented background, this helps me achieve trust, comfort, and vulnerability with the artist. Making sure they can feel safe to create their art.
That to me that is full circle. As a musician, as someone who understands what its like to create and put your art into the world. As well as being an Engineer, Producer and Business owner. Being able to know what it takes to make it happen behind the scenes. And I want to continue growing in all these aspects.
I have some Big Recording Credits with Green Day, Weezer, and Fall out Boy. They performed a secret show live at
The Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, CA, on September 10th, 2019. Green Day released a 7″ vinyl from the show, “Live at The Whisky” and I ran the recording rig for all three bands. As well as setting up for the recording of Kanye West’s “Jesus is King” record back in 2020.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
When I took Music Business and Marketing back in College, in totally impacted the way I thought about my career. I went in primarily to study drums, and was hoping to join or start a band that would become successful. After studying 6 months under Bobby Borg, who was a professional musician and best selling author, he completely changed my perspective and opened my eyes to the current reality of the music industry. From there, the idea of Jung Records was born, and I started thinking of different ways of how I could generate an income, outside of being a musician. Its allowed me to pursue audio engineering and producing professionally.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
For me it comes down to supporting your friends, local musicians, and up and coming artist just as much as the bigger artists we all love.
On social media that could be: saving, sharing, liking or commenting on someones work you love.
In person you can share about your favorite artists with your friends and family. As well as meet new people through music or art. Or going to see new bands live frequently!
Purchasing artists merchandise or work, is a big way on how musicians make money now a days.
And of course there’s so many more things we an do to help the artist community grow. But overall, I think it comes down to people wanting to build a genuine community and scene around music and art. And I think after Covid, we’re slowly coming back to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jungrecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isshac/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austin.isshac/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/austin-isshac1218
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jungrecords
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/1OFOBRYW74EfrsA87Q8TX1?si=kdzKuaJVS6y-TgpSvLmsFQ (Organized Chaos EP Spotify)
Image Credits
Tatiana Isshac for main shot, and photos 1-2 Shannon Hickerson, photo 3 Leslie Arias, photo 6 Owen Miller, photo 7