We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Jesmani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.
Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes! Earning a full-time living through live sound has been challenging yet truly inspiring. At first, I had no clue where exactly I’ll be ending up. I simply embarked on this path with a passion for music and a keen ear for sound, which became my driving force.This passion led me to study audio engineering. I started small, very small, interning at studios, shadowing local engineers and working at local gigs, for free or very little money. Eventually my almost obsessive commitment to perfection and ability to handle stressful situations paid off as I began to land larger, high-profile events. Networking and collaborating with musicians, event organizers, and fellow professionals played a pivotal role in my success. Over the years, I fine-tuned my craft, diversified my services, and built a strong client base. Today, I’m living my dream through elevating live sound experiences for audiences, making my journey an inspiring testament to the power of passion, dedication, and hard work.
Nikki, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I entered the live sound industry through my deep passion for music and technology. I got my Bachelor’s in audio engineering and started interning/shadowing engineers at local events, gradually building my skills and reputation. As I gained more experience, I began offering services as a live sound engineer. My services include setting up and operating sound systems for live events, ensuring high-quality audio for musicians and audiences, and offering technical consultation to bands, venues and production companies. As a live sound engineer I spend a lot of time troubleshooting and problem-solving during shows, guaranteeing a seamless experience for clients. I think what sets me apart from other sound engineers is my genuine interest in and commitment to understanding the unique needs of each artist or event. I take the time to tailor the sound to their specific preferences and genre, ensuring a customized and unforgettable experience. My most significant source of pride is my ability to handle highly challenging situations and maintain professionalism under pressure. I’ve successfully resolved numerous technical issues during live performances, earning the trust and respect of my clients.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a live sound engineer is the opportunity to help bring music and performances to life. You play a crucial role in ensuring that the audience has a great and sometimes even life-changing experience, and when everything goes smoothly, it’s incredibly satisfying. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from problem-solving and troubleshooting in real-tie can be very fulfilling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It can be difficult for non-creatives to grasp and accept the income inconsistency, the complexity and unpredictability of the creative process of making a show happen, the level of passion and dedication required to succeed in this field, and the emotional toll of dealing with highly stressful situation as well as criticism and rejection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nyxophonic
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nyxjesmani