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

SHALEV, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was for Disneyland Park’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, specifically the Cantina experience. As a lifelong fan of the franchise, I was thrilled to contribute to a world I’d admired for so long. From the outset, I was deeply familiar with the iconic soundscapes that define Star Wars, which helped me connect personally to the project’s goals.

My primary focus was mixing the music for the Cantina, a vibrant and immersive attraction. This involved working closely with a talented team of songwriters and producers to ensure every piece of music felt authentic to the Star Wars universe.

Once the music was finalized, we worked on implementing it into the physical space. We handled the mix on the Cantina’s surround speakers and the main stereo speakers of Rex, the DJ, ensuring that the audio complemented the environment seamlessly. The goal was to immerse visitors in a sonic experience that transported them straight into the Star Wars galaxy.

This project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to contribute to a universe that had inspired me for years. Seeing something I had admired on the big screen come to life and knowing I played a part in creating that magic for others was incredibly fulfilling. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn a personal passion into a tangible contribution that fans around the world could enjoy.

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.

I was born and raised in a small farming town in Israel, where my parents grew peppers and dates. Growing up surrounded by hard work and dedication, I developed my own passion early in life: music. At just 10 years old, I picked up the guitar, and by high school, I was performing with my band. We opened for several well-known artists in Israel.

At 18, I began exploring the world of music engineering. My fascination with how sound could transform a performance set me on a path toward a career in audio engineering.

I wanted to expand my horizons, so I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to turn my passion for music into a full-time career. I enrolled at the Musicians Institute, where I pursued an audio engineering program with an emphasis on post-production for film and TV.

The early days in Los Angeles were challenging. After just three months of intense study and experimentation, my professor took notice of my work and encouraged me to apply for an interview at Remote Control Productions, Hans Zimmer’s studio. After a few interviews process, I was thrilled to be accepted. During my 8 months at the studio, I gained invaluable experience working alongside legendary composers and engineers, including Hans Zimmer, Henry Jackman, Allan Meyerson, and Heitor Pereira.

That opportunity paved the way for my next big project. I became an assistant mixing engineer to Brad Haehnel, where I worked on high-profile projects like The Lego Ninjago Movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Hotel Transylvania Short, A Minion Short, and Amateur. Working with Brad allowed me to hone my craft and develop the skills required to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

After years of dedication as an assistant, I earned the chance to take on larger responsibilities. I worked with Walt Disney Imagineering and Marvel, contributing to numerous live shows for Disneyland parks. One of the most meaningful projects I undertook was mixing music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Cantina ride.
My role included mixing the music for the Cantina’s surround and stereo speakers, including the DJ booth operated by Rex. Being able to physically install the music in the park and hear it come to life was a career-defining moment.

Beyond Disneyland, I’ve had the privilege of recording orchestras at the 20th Century Fox Scoring Stage and serving as the head score mixing engineer for the feature film Furioza, 1992, She Taught Love My work has also been recognized internationally; I won the Intercontinental Music Award for Best Song Production and Best Mixing for the song “I Don’t Understand,” which was named Best Song in Europe.

Looking back, my journey has been defined by passion, persistence, and an unwavering belief in the power of music. I’ve always held onto the idea that if you fully commit to what you love, success will follow. As I often say, “There’s no such thing as ‘making it big.’ There’s only ‘making it’ working on what you love and finding joy in the process.”

For me, the pursuit of a career in music wasn’t just a choice; it was the only option. That mindset pushed me to overcome challenges.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to make a living doing what I love. It’s not about chasing wealth or fame; it’s about waking up each day excited to create and knowing that my passion can sustain me. To me, success is as simple as being able to pay my bills with the work I enjoy. That’s a privilege I don’t take for granted, and it’s a constant reminder of why I chose this path.

I also believe that true success lies in balance. As an artist, it’s easy to get consumed by the drive to create and achieve, but I’ve learned the importance of finding balance between work and personal life. The ability to create something meaningful, share it with the world, and still have the freedom to enjoy life outside of work is invaluable. It’s about feeling fulfilled, not just financially, but emotionally and mentally too.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

People often tend to support or cheer for well-known artists, but I believe it’s equally important to recognize and uplift the artists who might be your neighbors, classmates, friends, or even family members.

It’s so important to share and engage with the work of emerging artists you admire. Don’t hesitate to show your support whether it’s by attending their shows, listening to their music, or sharing their work with your friends. A kind word or a small gesture can make a big difference for a new or upcoming artist trying to find their audience.

Never be afraid to spread the word about an artist you believe in, even if they’re not widely known yet. Your support could be the encouragement they need to keep creating and sharing their talent with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8516030/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalevalonmixing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalevalonmix
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalev-alon-b50805111/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KydvCrMC7Bc&list=OLAK5uy_l2Pbi9bqQsIIIcPcr24bc_wrCCphuwRMY&index=2