We were lucky to catch up with Naji Bent-Vasquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Naji, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

I kickstarted my journey as a business owner by leveraging the power of Instagram. Setting up an account for my studio, I dived into promoting my services extensively. I left no stone unturned as I employed various strategies like word of mouth marketing, distributing business cards, and creating custom graphics to attract attention. Alongside this endeavor, I had been running another venture focused on buying, selling, and repairing electronics, particularly Apple products. While it flourished initially, my passion for the studio ultimately steered me towards transitioning fully into that realm.

However, establishing my studio wasn’t an overnight success. It took some time before things started gaining momentum. The turning point arrived when a close friend of my brother, a talented artist known as I.N.C Retro, began frequenting my studio. Through his connections, I was fortunate enough to meet renowned artists from Tampa. This encounter proved to be a game-changer as my studio suddenly took off, and business started booming.

Naji, 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 come from a lineage of audio engineers, with both my grandfather and father excelling in this field. My father, in particular, has established himself as one of the finest live sound engineers in the industry. Growing up, I had the privilege of learning from him, absorbing his vast knowledge, and honing my skills in the studio. Having a studio at home was something I took for granted until a fortuitous encounter with a group of friends who had a knack for rapping and beat-making. One of them, JD, also known as Clutxh Motif, discovered that I had a studio and expressed interest in recording there. Initially, my father handled the recording sessions, but eventually, he entrusted me with the responsibility. From then on, I began documenting artists, and my passion for the craft only intensified. This led me to pursue formal education, and I completed a two-year accelerated program at Full Sail University, earning my B.S. degree at the age of 20.

I specialize in recording and mixing services, with special discounts offered to military personnel, college students, and high school students. My unwavering dedication to producing exceptional work sets me apart from other audio engineers. I genuinely care about the music I work on and strive to assist artists in their creative process, ensuring each song reaches its fullest potential. We tirelessly iterate and fine-tune every take until we achieve perfection. While it may be a challenging journey at first, the result is a musical masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. I approach each project as if it were my own, with my name proudly associated with the outcome. Therefore, every aspect must be executed flawlessly to the best of my abilities.

I would like to expand my business and reach a wider clientele, I am eager to connect with more artists and raise awareness about my services. I aim to continue growing as an audio engineer and foster meaningful collaborations that contribute to the success and artistry of every project I undertake.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of word-of-mouth marketing and leveraging social media platforms. Word-of-mouth referrals have been invaluable in generating new clients. When satisfied artists or musicians share their positive experiences working with me, it builds credibility and trust among their network, leading to new inquiries and opportunities. To encourage these referrals, I always strive to provide exceptional service and ensure that artists are delighted with the final product.

In addition to word-of-mouth, utilizing social media platforms, especially Instagram, has proven to be a powerful tool for expanding my reach. I consistently showcase my work, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with the music community through meaningful interactions. By curating a strong online presence, I can connect with potential clients, establish my expertise, and showcase the quality of my recordings and mixes. I also leverage relevant hashtags and engage with other artists, producers, and industry professionals, creating a network that fosters organic growth and exposure.

Overall, combining personal recommendations and a strong online presence has been instrumental in attracting new clients. By delivering exceptional results, maintaining strong relationships, and consistently showcasing my skills and passion for the craft, I have expanded my clientele and built a thriving business.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

There are several factors that I believe have contributed to building my reputation within my market:

Quality Work: Delivering consistently high-quality work is the cornerstone of building my reputation. By ensuring that every recording and mix I produce meets or exceeds industry standards, I have gained the trust and respect of my clients. The focus on quality has helped me build a strong foundation for my reputation.

Personalized Approach: I have always prioritized understanding each artist’s unique needs and goals. By taking the time to listen, communicate, and collaborate closely with them, I can provide a personalized experience. This approach helps foster trust, enhances creativity, and leads to better results. Clients appreciate the attention to detail and the care I put into their projects.

Attention to Detail: Paying meticulous attention to every aspect of the recording and mixing process has been crucial in building my reputation. From capturing the best performances to meticulously crafting the mix, I strive for perfection at every step. This commitment to detail has not gone unnoticed and has contributed to my reputation for producing polished and professional results.

Exceptional Customer Service: I strongly believe in providing excellent customer service. I go the extra mile to ensure my clients have a positive experience throughout the process. Clear communication, prompt responses, and a willingness to address concerns or requests have helped me establish long-lasting relationships and earn positive referrals.

Continuous Learning and Growth: The audio engineering industry is ever-evolving, and I understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest technologies, techniques, and trends. By investing in my professional development and continuously expanding my knowledge and skills, I can offer cutting-edge solutions to my clients. This commitment to growth has contributed to my reputation as a knowledgeable and adaptable audio engineer.

Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Satisfied clients who have had a positive experience working with me have been instrumental in spreading the word about my services. Their recommendations and referrals have significantly contributed to building my reputation within the market. By consistently exceeding expectations, I have generated organic, positive word-of-mouth publicity.

Building a reputation takes time, effort, and a commitment to excellence. By focusing on these factors—delivering quality work, personalizing the experience, paying attention to detail, providing exceptional customer service, continuously learning, and earning word-of-mouth referrals—I have established a strong reputation within my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lucidrecordingstudioz.com
• Instagram: LucidMixedIt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucidrecordingstudioz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naji-bent-vasquez-664520a4/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucidmixedit?s=11&t=wyX0ceiM8pdSYQp91-_JQw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucidMixedIt-xi8dq/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lucid-recording-studioz-riverview

Image Credits
Juan Romero, Pj Agostini