We were lucky to catch up with Santiago Carregal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Santiago, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
How many times we heard making a living in music is hard? I won’t deny it—it is. However, I believe it’s even more difficult to make a living in an area where you lack passion. Passion propels us, drives us to go the extra mile, and makes us emotionally involved in our work.
I am very lucky to have turned my love for music into a fulfilling full-time career. As I think back on my musical journey, the thing that helped me the most to succeed in this industry is creating meaningful connections with people. Not just networking. Forging genuine connections and nurturing friendships. It’s about being open and curious about those around us, actively collaborating, and placing genuine human connection before business. The profound relationships that I fostered during my formative years have led to the majority of my professional opportunities.
Moreover, I’m a firm believer in the importance of mentorship when navigating a creative field. The mentor-apprentice relationship, historically held in high regard, seems to have decreased in perceived value over time. When we are pursuing a career in an artistic field, is very easy to find ourselves lost without guidance. Having someone to “show you their way” in a creative field is invaluable. I am extremely lucky to have Gustavo Santaolalla as my mentor, whom I deeply admire no just as a musician but as a person.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, my name is Santiago Carregal. I am a Music Producer, Engineer, and Composer from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
My musical odyssey begun when I was just a child, when my parents gifted me a nylon string guitar for my six birthday. As soon as I cradled the instrument in my hands, it ignited a lifelong passion. Years later, this passion led me to attend Berklee College of Music, where I specialized in Music Production & Engineering.
Today, I find myself living in city of Los Angeles, working alongside my mentor, two-time Academy Award-winning composer, Gustavo Santaolalla, and contributing to notable projects like National Geographic’s “Wildlife” documentary and HBO’s acclaimed series, “The Last of Us: Season 1”.
Collaboration is the lifeblood of my work. Merging creative energies with other artists is both a source of inspiration and a deeply rewarding experience. I’m always on a quest for learning—drawing wisdom from peers and personal experiences—and am devoted to creating music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. For me, client relationships transcend mere transactions. I strongly believe in fostering a genuine connection, which I find instrumental in grasping the emotions embedded in their art. This understanding subsequently informs how best I can augment their vision.
My work is very diverse. One week might find me immersed in scoring a film, the next might involve producing for a singer-songwriter, and another day we could be working in a musical. My expertise also spans recording and mixing records. This diversity is key, as each new project nurtures from different disciplines, keeping me motivated and engaged in the music. Beyond my collaborative efforts, I am also working on my debut album, an adventure that reflects my personal and artistic growth.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely. I’m committed to consistently pushing the boundaries of my musical capabilities as a composer, record producer, and engineer. I’m dedicated to absorbing knowledge from various sources, be it peers, personal experiences, or the world at large, and channeling that knowledge into producing emotionally evocative pieces that deeply resonate with listeners.
What’s more, I’m driven by the desire to contribute my expertise to projects that hold cultural and artistic significance. Collaborating with other individuals amplifies my mission to create music that transcends boundaries and evokes genuine emotions.
Additionally, I find fulfillment in supporting fellow artists by producing, mixing, and recording their work. This collaborative spirit enriches the musical community and aligns with my desire of fostering creativity and innovation.
In essence, my creative journey is driven by the goal of leaving a lasting impact through music, creating experiences that resonate deeply, and continuously evolving as an artist and professional.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Certainly. A little-known facet about myself is that before I pursued a career in music, I was a lawyer. My musical journey began at the tender age of six when my parents gifted me a nylon string guitar. Throughout my younger years, I participated in bands, composed music, and even produced for other artists. While my heart resonated with music, I wasn’t deeply convinced in perusing a musical career. Not that I lacked the passion, but I was scared of making music my full-time job.
Upon completing high school, the path of law, being a familial profession with both my parents as esteemed lawyers, seemed like a logical choice. I enrolled at the University of Saint Andrews in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Yet, the deeper I got into my legal studies, the more I missed music. Although I continued to play in bands and compose with friends, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something vital was missing. Law, although noble, didn’t mirror the essence of who I truly was — but music did.
Given my nature of not leaving tasks unfinished, I chose to complete my law degree. Following five years at law school, I graduated and soon received an offer from a big law firm in Argentina. Wanting to give my legal career a genuine shot, I joined their Mergers & Acquisitions division. Over a year later, the same lingering dissatisfaction in my professional career led switch industries and start working at Mercado Libre, one of Latin America’s tech giants, where I worked in their financial law team. However, the internal tug-of-war persisted.
Finally, acknowledging that my true calling was music, I decided to chase my musical dreams. Recognizing the importance of formal education in music, I applied to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Receiving their acceptance was the turning point, and now, six years since that decisive moment, I’ve never felt more alive, driven, and fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.santiagocarregal.com/
- Instagram: @santicarregal
Image Credits
All photos were taken by Leandro Frutos except “Santiago Carregal_Picture 4”.