We were lucky to catch up with Christy Pang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Christy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?
In the live sound industry, creating an inclusive workplace is essential for fostering a strong, cohesive team which can meet the demands of live events. My advice is to encourage an environment where everyone’s expertise and perspectives are acknowledged and respected, regardless of their background. In my journey, where most colleagues and engineers are men, I often feel I have to prove myself even more to be seen as equal. It’s challenging, especially with so few women in the field. The pressure to stand out can feel a bit isolating but it’s also what drives me to push for a more inclusive industry.
Christy, 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?
My name is Christy Pang, an audio engineer, live sound engineer, and creative content producer with a passion for music that began in elementary school through my love for K-pop. Inspired by K-pop producer Kenzie, I was captivated by the energy and creativity in music production, which led me from classical piano to pop production and, ultimately, to live sound. My journey took me to Berklee College of Music, where I completed a double degree in Music Production & Engineering and Music Business & Management. I continued with a master’s degree in Live Music Production and Design at Berklee NYC, where I developed a deeper understanding of how audio and live elements combine to create energy and connection for an audience. Attending live concerts to feel this energy firsthand fuels my work and inspires me to craft immersive soundscapes that bring an artist’s vision to life on stage.
I specialize in live sound engineering and technical production for concerts and theater, with a focus on providing audio experiences that help artists connect deeply with their audiences. Recently, I served as the assistant sound designer for the play “Dirty Legal Secrets” (produced by Cellunova Production) in NYC at Room 52, gaining valuable experience in theatrical sound design. In addition, I’m excited to take on the role of technical director for “ShangShi”, an upcoming opera in New York (around Feb, 2025), where I’ll be overseeing the technical aspects to ensure a seamless production. These roles, alongside my work as a live mixing engineer for different small-medium concerts, have honed my skills in everything for live events.
Beyond sound engineering, I’m passionate about the creative production side of live events. I’m most proud of my ability to understand an artist’s unique style and translate it into a live experience that feels seamless and impactful. For me, it’s about more than just technical precision—it’s about producing concerts that truly embody the artist’s vision, creating unforgettable moments for the audience.
What sets me apart is my commitment to building a supportive team environment, where open communication and mutual respect allow everyone to contribute meaningfully to each event’s success. Working with a dedicated team, I’ve led multitrack recording efforts, managed plot transitions, and facilitated smooth sound management during shows. I believe that a cohesive team elevates the entire production, ensuring that artists and audiences alike have an exceptional experience. My goal is to make live sound a space where every element works in harmony to deliver a high-quality performance that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in live sound is the opportunity to bring an artist’s vision to life in a way that creates an unforgettable connection with the audience. There’s something incredibly powerful about the moment when the energy of the performance, the music, and the live sound all come together to create a shared experience. Knowing that my work contributes to that energy—that I’m helping shape an atmosphere that moves people, inspires them, and stays with them long after the event—is what drives me.
I also find immense reward in collaborating with artists to build a soundscape that aligns with their style and message. I love talking with them about how they want their sound to feel and what they hope the audience will take away after the concert. When an artist hears their vision fully realized and sees how it resonates with the audience, there’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing I helped make that happen. It’s about creating memories, crafting moments, and using sound to bridge the gap between the performer and the crowd. For me, it’s these shared, high-energy experiences and meaningful conversations with artists that make live sound so impactful and meaningful.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that perfection is the ultimate goal in live sound. Early on, I believed that every performance had to be flawless and that any small mistake would reflect poorly on me. But in this industry, the reality is that things don’t always go as planned—there are last-minute changes, unexpected challenges, and a need to adapt on the fly. I realized that live sound isn’t just about getting every detail right; it’s about capturing the energy of the moment and creating a powerful experience, even if things aren’t perfect.
Another crucial lesson has been understanding the importance of networking. Breaking into the live industry can be incredibly difficult, and the relationships you build are often key to opening doors. I had to let go of my ego and recognize that success in this field comes not just from skill but also from working well with others, being open to collaboration, and learning from those around me. It’s a field where humility and connections can take you further than technical perfection alone, and where showing genuine interest in others’ work can lead to opportunities you might never expect.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @7christyyp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-pang
Image Credits
Leqi Yang, Andy Li, Congyuan Wang, Henry Shen