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

Hi Wayne , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned the craft by failing over and over again. This passion and skill building took place in college in front of an SSL console. I had excellent instructors who taught me how to think and form opinions on why I chose a certain approach. I applied myself day in and out, reading books and articles to educate myself. I took time to learn about some iconic gear, producers, engineers, and designers. I immersed myself into the studio until I couldn’t stand it.

I think if I spent more time collaborating with more artist, I would’ve seen more work styles. I did post random ads and flyers to find artist, but I wish I did more. I think I built essential skills like time management, networking, personality management, leading sessions, producing (song structure, tempo mapping, multi-track recording etc.), and building my own opinion. I think learning ultimately should lead to you forming your own educated opinions. Lots of producers/engineers swear by certain mics, guitars, drums etc. and there is nothing wrong with that.

The biggest obstacles that stood in my way were related to family issues and lack of resources. I was broke and a first gen. college student. I had no money or a support system. I had to sometimes say no to opportunities because I couldn’t afford to take them .

Wayne , 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?

We got in the business to provide non-traditional creators access to professional services. The business arose out of the post 2008 economy, which created a huge wealth gap. What we saw as an issue in the market was access to services at a price that was accessible. Musicians and artists have historically been less financially stable than the general public, so what happened after 2008? Less money. When we look at recording studios, you are paying for their overhead to keep their lights on per month. What we do is: Cut overhead costs to offer prices that are more affordable. What we focus on is a partnership with our clients. Often times I receive texts from former clients asking about PROs, royalties, new equipment, or label or EPKs. You aren’t just a customer, we are a partner. We are building an educational blog to offer more value to the public and our clients. You are our focus and we hope to grow with you, as you grow your career. Thankfully, we have positioned ourselves to offer flexible payment options like Afterpay, ACH, Cashapp, credit/debit cards. When we say “Clear. Colorful. Concise,” we are aiming to help you express yourself in a way that is uniquely yours.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That it’s what you know vs. who you know. You could spend 5 years trying to be the best at what you do, or surround yourself with the best and learn the same skills in half the time. This is a collaborative industry. Chase business not money.

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

I think we as a society should try to be inclusive. There are so many ways we can bring people to the table and open doors. Allowing interns from unique backgrounds (and PAYING them), volunteering time with young people, sponsoring events, connecting people in your network to people who have a hard time getting in, etc. I think we are creators who hold more power for change than society as a whole. I think we need to make conscious decisions to lift people up and stop living in the “not enough to go around” mindset. We can all be successful and win. It will look different for all of us but I think we should strive to build each other up. It also helps that, I, am a musician as well. I understand the struggle of making it and building a career. I live the lifestyle of our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: averyblueproductions.com
• Instagram: @averyblueproductions