We were lucky to catch up with Mario Quintero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mario, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

There have been many risks throughout my career and one major thing I’ve learned is that taking risks, though in the moment might be tough and scary and even seem like a terrible decision, in the end they are the most rewarding.

When I was 27 I moved to San Diego from Boston where I attended Berklee for a few years before realizing college wasn’t worth the money when trying to be a musician or engineer. I had the idea to build and run a recording studio from scratch with my bandmate Mike.

We somehow scrounged up and borrow money from everywhere we could and took a leap like no other. Rented a space with no experience about how to negotiate a lease. Hired a crooked contractor who left after helping up with just the demolition of the place, and took on 9 months of day to day construction on our own with no prior experience (other than building skate ramps in our teens).

It was one of the most mentally , physically and emotionally draining and straining experiences ever. And we lost SO much money. But I ran that studio by the skin of my teeth for 8 years. Recorded over 350 bands, and got an education that I would’ve never gotten at any school. Mostly on what NOT to do.

By the time I sold the studio, I was in bad shape. My body was failing, my anxiety and stress was through the roof and I couldn’t take it any more, so I cut my losses and sold it for about half of what it cost just to build it.

In the end I wouldn’t trade those year for anything. It made me who I am and I’m eternally grateful for the experience I gained from it. Now I make a living from recording and playing music and I know that would not be the case without taking that risk.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Mario Quintero and I play guitar and sing in the band Spotlights. I’m also a self employed recording/Mix engineer through my brand AudioMQ.

Spotlights started in 2015 and we’ve slowly gained traction as a National/International touring act. We play heavy atmospheric rock, and have toured the world opening for bands like Deftones, Mr. Bungle, Melvins, HUM, Quicksand, and many more as well as built a solid audience of our own.

I think one of the things that has really help us grow and get all the opportunities we’ve had is being very self sufficient and making art that we our selves love truly. Not trying to make the next big thing but trying to satisfy our own creative urges. We also pride ourselves on being kind to others. It’s a rare thing in this business and it goes a long way. Be honest, be kind and be professional.

I take all those things into account for my audio works as well. I used to get bogged down in trying to promote myself on social media and working about getting the next client. I noticed others doing that same thing and realized how desperate it made them look. I took a step back and focused on my craft once again. And just like that work started coming in more and more. You sometimes have to trust that this is what you are meant to be doing and as long as you work to make the best product you can the clients will come. It might take years and years but if you truly love what you do it’s worth the effort.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Our following for spotlights has been a slow growing one but extremely organic. We have made it a point to not use marketing schemes to get followers. There’s nothing worse that being a band on like who has tons of followers but their actual engagement is weak. That means they are not real/true followers. I only want someone to click that follow button if they are actually interested.

We have a consistent rate of growth and our engagement has grown with that. Again, I always believe that if you are honest, and true to yourself first and foremost , the rest will fall into place.

Having 10k real followers is WAY better than 100k who don’t exist or care about who you are or what you’re doing. Don’t get caught up in the numbers!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I feel like I reach my goals regularly and I think that’s because I’ve learned to set realistic short term goals. Of course I have bigger dreams but honestly every time I get to mix a song or play with my band is success to me. Being happy, healthy and excited for more is what really keeps me going.

I have literally seen my childhood dreams come true and I think persistence and true love for music is the reason, so I continue with that mindset. Don’t stop.

Contact Info:

• Website: Audiomq.com, spotlightstheband.com, ipecac.com
• Instagram: @spotlightsmusic