Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brent Hendrich. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brent, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
While I’ve implemented many strategies to show appreciation to my clients over the years, one approach stands out as particularly effective: creating a comprehensive, personalized experience that goes beyond just delivering a mix.
In the music industry, especially in Nashville, relationships are key. I’ve found that a combination of small, thoughtful gestures and reliable, high-quality service creates a powerful message of appreciation.
Here’s an example of how this comprehensive approach works:
1. After completing a project, I often send a handwritten thank you card to the client. This personal touch in our digital age often surprises and delights them.
2. I make it a point to check in with clients from time to time, even when we’re not actively working on a project. This shows that I value our relationship beyond just the business aspect.
3. I’m committed to delivering mixes when I say I will, or often earlier. In one instance, a client had an unexpected opportunity arise that required a much tighter deadline. I rearranged my schedule to meet their needs, working extra hours to ensure they didn’t miss this chance.
4. I often connect clients with other services in the music industry. For example, I might recommend a mastering engineer who would be perfect for their project, or connect them with other professionals who could help advance their career.
5. I offer unlimited revisions to ensure the client is completely satisfied with the final product.
This approach shows clients that I’m invested in their success beyond just the scope of our immediate project. It demonstrates that I view our relationship as a long-term partnership rather than a one-off transaction. Clients have expressed feeling truly valued and supported. They appreciate the reliability, the personal touches, and the sense that they have a partner in the industry who is looking out for their best interests. One client told me, “Working with you feels like being part of a family, not just a business deal.” This sentiment encapsulates what I strive for in my client relationships.
This comprehensive approach to customer appreciation has been instrumental in building long-lasting relationships. It’s why many of my clients have been with me for 10-20 years, and why word-of-mouth referrals have been a significant source of new business. In an industry where technical skills are abundant, I believe it’s this level of care and appreciation that sets a professional apart and creates truly memorable experiences for clients.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Who I Am
I’m Brent Hendrich, an award-winning mix engineer with over two decades of experience in the Nashville music industry. My journey in music began early – from recording song ideas on a keyboard and tape recorder as a kid to receiving my first guitar from my grandmother as a teenager. These early experiences sparked a passion that would shape my entire career.
How I Got Started
My professional journey began in earnest when I moved to Nashville at 18 to attend SAE Institute. This decision was fueled by a DIY recording project with my high school band, where we used basic equipment to record and mix an entire record. That experience ignited my love for production and engineering.
After completing my education, I dove into internships that helped me grow and establish myself in the industry. By 2003, I had become a full-time Producer, Engineer, and Mixer, and I’ve been making records professionally in Nashville ever since.
What I Do
As a mix engineer, my primary focus is on creating captivating and impactful mixes that align perfectly with the artistic vision of my collaborators. I work across all genres, but I’ve particularly excelled in the Pop genre.
My services include:
– Mixing across various genres, with a specialization in Pop
– Additional services like vocal tuning in Melodyne, Vocalalign, RX restoration, live mix streaming, phase alignment, and audio editing
Problems I Solve for Clients:
1. Bringing Visions to Life: I help artists and producers translate their creative ideas into polished, professional-sounding masters.
2. Time Management: By handling lengthy mixing tasks and revision cycles, I free up producers’ time to focus on other aspects of production.
3. Technical Expertise: With my experience and up-to-date knowledge of modern production tools, I ensure excellent translation across different playback systems.
4. Meeting Deadlines: I’m committed to delivering mixes in a timely manner and meeting specified deadlines.
5. Quality Assurance: Through unlimited revisions, I ensure every mix meets or exceeds the expectations of the artist and producer.
What Sets Me Apart
1. Diverse Experience: I’ve worked on projects spanning almost all genres, giving me a unique versatility.
2. Customer Service: I prioritize excellent customer service, treating my clients with the utmost care and attention.
3. Longevity and Stability: Many of my clients have been with me for 10-20 years, speaking to the quality of my work and relationships.
4. Continual Growth: I’m always improving my skills, updating my gear, and staying current with industry trends.
5. Collaborative Approach: I see myself as a partner in the creative process, not just a service provider.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m particularly proud of my contributions to award-winning projects, including a Dove award-winning record and several Emmy award-winning projects. Being a voting member of the Recording Academy is also a point of pride.
However, what truly fills me with pride is the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with clients over the years. The trust and loyalty of artists and producers who return to work with me time and again is the greatest testament to my work.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know
1. Commitment to Excellence: I’m dedicated to delivering the highest quality mixes that truly represent the artist’s vision.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Whether you’re an established artist or an up-and-coming talent, I can adapt my approach to suit your needs.
3. Technical Expertise: With 16 years in the same mix room and experience with modern production tools, I ensure excellent translation of your mixes.
4. Customer-Centric Approach: From unlimited revisions to personalized communication, I prioritize your satisfaction throughout the process.
5. Industry Connections: Beyond mixing, I can connect you with other professionals in the industry, including mastering engineers best suited for your project.
In essence, when you work with me, you’re not just getting a mix engineer – you’re getting a dedicated partner committed to elevating your music and supporting your artistic journey.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is propelled by a clear mission and set of goals that shape my daily approach to work and my long-term career aspirations. At the core of this mission is a commitment to continuous improvement and a desire to establish myself as a go-to name in the Pop genre.
Striving for Daily Improvement
Each day, I challenge myself to be a little bit better than the day before. This philosophy applies to every aspect of my work:
-Refining my mixing techniques
-Expanding my knowledge of current music trends
-Improving my communication with clients
-Optimizing my studio setup and workflow efficiency
This commitment to incremental daily improvement ensures that I’m constantly evolving as a professional and that my skills remain sharp and relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
Becoming a Go-To Name in Pop Mixing
A significant goal driving my creative journey is to establish myself as one of the premier mixing engineers in the Pop genre. This ambition shapes my approach to work in several ways:
1. Keeping Up with Trends: I dedicate substantial time to studying current Pop music, analyzing the latest mixing techniques, and understanding the sonic characteristics that define contemporary Pop productions. This involves regular critical listening sessions, attending industry workshops, and engaging in continuous learning.
2. Mastering Pop-Specific Techniques: I’m constantly working to refine and expand my toolkit of Pop-specific mixing techniques. This includes everything from vocal production tricks to achieving that larger-than-life sound that characterizes much of modern Pop music.
3. Networking in the Pop Music Sphere: I invest considerable effort in getting to know artists and producers in the Pop space, particularly in Nashville and Los Angeles. This involves:
– Attending industry events and showcases
– Engaging in social media conversations
– Participating in online forums and communities focused on Pop production
– Traveling to LA twice a year to build and maintain relationships with those working on Pop music at a high level.
– Offering mixing workshops or mentoring sessions to up-and-coming producers and artists
4. Demonstrating Value: When I have the opportunity to work on Pop projects, I focus on showcasing how much value I can add to the production workflow. This means not just delivering great mixes, but also:
– Providing insightful feedback on productions
– Offering creative solutions to sonic challenges
– Ensuring a smooth and efficient mixing process that integrates well with the overall production timeline
5. Continuous Investment: I regularly invest in new tools, plugins, and equipment that are particularly relevant to Pop production, ensuring that I’m always ready to meet the technical demands of contemporary Pop mixes.
By focusing on these areas, my goal is to not just be a capable mix engineer but to become a valued collaborator in the creation process. I want artists and producers to see working with me as an opportunity to elevate their productions and streamline their workflow.
This mission – to continuously improve and to become a go-to name in Pop mixing – drives every decision I make in my career. It’s what gets me excited to enter the studio each morning and what pushes me to take on new challenges. As the genre evolves, so do I, always with the goal of delivering mixes that not only meet but exceed the expectations of my clients and the demands of the genre.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My journey to building a strong social media presence really took off in 2020 when I made a strategic decision to hire a social media coordinator. This move marked a turning point in how I approached my online presence, particularly on Instagram (@brenthendrich).
The Strategy: Consistency is Key
The core of our social media strategy has been consistency. Since 2020, we’ve maintained a weekly posting schedule on Instagram, which has been crucial in growing and engaging our audience. Our content strategy is diverse and purposeful, designed to showcase various aspects of my work and life:
1. Work Showcase: Regular posts highlighting my latest mixing projects, giving followers a glimpse into the music I’m working on.
2. Studio Life: Sharing images and videos of my studio setup, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens.
3. Industry Connections: Showcasing friends and collaborators in the industry, which helps to illustrate the collaborative nature of music production.
4. Mix Tips: Sharing valuable insights and tips about mixing, which adds value for followers who are also in the industry or aspiring to be.
5. Community Building: Promoting our monthly “Summing Mixer” events at a Nashville coffee shop, which fosters a sense of community among followers and industry peers.
6. Live Conversations: Hosting monthly Instagram live conversations (The Process) with other producers, providing engaging and educational content for my audience.
7. Personal Life: Sharing glimpses of my life outside the studio, which helps followers connect with me on a more personal level.
The Impact
This consistent posting strategy has yielded significant benefits:
1. Visibility: It keeps my work and brand consistently visible to followers.
2. Expertise Showcase: Regular mix tips and behind-the-scenes content demonstrate my expertise and experience.
3. Top-of-Mind Awareness: Consistent presence ensures that when someone needs a mix engineer, I will likely be one of the first names they think of.
4. Community Building: Events like “Summing Mixer” and live conversations help create a sense of community around my brand.
5. Relationship Building: Showcasing industry friends and collaborators helps strengthen professional relationships.
Advice for Those Starting Out
Based on my experience, here’s my advice for those looking to build their social media presence:
1. Consistency is Crucial: Set a realistic posting schedule and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.
2. Diversify Your Content: Don’t just promote your work. Share insights, tips, behind-the-scenes content, and personal posts to create a well-rounded profile.
3. Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and create opportunities for interaction like live sessions or Q&As.
4. Showcase Your Expertise: Share your knowledge through tips, tutorials, or insights into your process. This adds value for your followers and establishes your authority in your field.
5. Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your posts. People connect with people, not just brands.
6. Invest in Quality: Consider hiring a social media coordinator. Their expertise can be invaluable in creating and maintaining a strong social media presence and hold you accountable when it comes to posting.
7. Create Community Events: Regular events like my “Summing Mixer” meetup can help create a loyal community around your brand.
8. Collaborate: Feature others in your industry. This not only provides diverse content for your followers but also helps build valuable relationships.
9. Balance Professional and Personal: While your focus should be on your professional work, don’t be afraid to share appropriate personal content to help followers connect with you as a person.
10. Be Patient: Building a strong social media presence takes time. Stay consistent, keep providing value, and the results will come.
Remember, social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your work, building relationships, and staying top-of-mind in your industry. With a thoughtful strategy and consistent effort, it can become a valuable asset in your professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brenthendrich.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenthendrich/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westendprod
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenthendrich/
- Twitter: https://x.com/brenthendrich
Image Credits
Dillon Jordan, Peyton Dollar, Nylah Bannister