We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grant Walden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grant below.

Grant, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

I interned at historic Wishbone Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL in 2008. I can’t really think of one story from my internship that stands out as much as what the overall experience meant to me. It was like any normal internship with daily tasks of keeping the studio tidy, answering the phone, etc. What made my experience so unique was that I was lucky and was pulled in to assist on demo sessions, organize and backup the archives, and even build some new acoustic treatment that is still there today. I learned a lot! Relationships developed into friendships with people I still work with regularly. My studio, HearTell Studios, is located in Studio B in the building where I interned. The current owner was in Studio B during those days. Things have come full circle. Some of these friends over time eventually became mentors. I could go on for hours about how important the role of mentors has been in both my personal and professional life. I’m not sure there is much more important than good mentors in this or any business. I have been extremely lucky. I realize that most people do not have as many quality people pouring varied knowledge and experience into them as much as I continue to have. I am extremely grateful.

Grant, 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?

It was always music for me. I’ve played guitar and drums since I was a young child. I was always playing in bands, most of the time with people twice my age, so I was always learning from those more experienced than I. I attended the University of North Alabama’s music and entertainment program. Back then it was called Commercial Music, which focused on a lot of music theory, business, recording technology, and aspects of the music industry.

I own and operate HearTell Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL while I freelance as an audio engineer. I spend a lot of time producing, tracking, and mixing. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, and lately I’ve been playing as a professional musician in recording sessions. Guitar is my strongest instrument, but I had fun playing keyboards on a few albums this year.

The most important piece of advice I can give anyone is to surround themselves with good people who want to see them do well without directly benefiting from their success. Mentors are super important.

Also, know your value and who you are. Never compromise your integrity. Be true to yourself. Learn from your heroes, but don’t be a copy. I think one of the things that makes me unique is that although I have a good understanding of music and technology, I believe it’s my personal taste that people hire me for. I come into the creative process as a fan of music first and a technician second. Being an advocate for a recording artist or band’s vision being achieved is vital.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I graduated college in 2008 when the economy crashed, so side hustling my recording studio while working a variety of some good and mostly terrible jobs until I went full-time in 2018 was my only option to keep recording. During that time, I built an eclectic portfolio and learned a lot. I also attended several workshops, to further my knowledge, which I highly recommend. Workshops are also a great way to network.

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

I do not believe in resting on laurels. I strongly believe that I’m only as good as what I do today. I approach everything I do with 100% passion and true love of the craft of music. I’m also passionate about being a person of integrity. I’m a bit old-school in that I believe my word is my bond. I’m only as good as my word. If my word is no good, then I’m no good. I’m by no means perfect. Far from it. However, I have seen my business through times of struggle when comprising would have seemed like a solution in the moment. It would have likely been easier, but I like to be able to sleep at night.

I’ve been blessed to be trained by some of the best in the industry. I crave knowledge, so I’m always searching for new ideas and techniques. Learning is fun when is something you truly enjoy. Most of my clients are from word-of-mouth recommendations. I have a lot of repeat clients.

I think being genuine and honest goes a long way with people. If I’m not the right person for a job, I will speak up and recommend someone who is. People can smell if you care about working on their music as much as they do or not.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heartellstudios.com
• Instagram: @grant_walden
• Facebook: @GrantWalden
• Twitter: @GrantWalden
• Youtube: Tape Noise Podcasts

Image Credits
Lily Holly Retherford Haley Walden Skyler Taylor