Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigel Dean.
Hi Nigel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really begins back in the 5th grade when I first picked up the violin. When I entered my elementary school orchestra, I knew deep down that music played a particular part in my life. The following year for my birthday I received my first guitar. Luckily, I was blessed with incredible parents who supported my obsession and hired a private guitar teacher. As the years progressed, my passion deepened. Up until the 8th grade I had my toes in both the classical realm and the world known as rock and roll. Once the school year had ended, I retired the violin and focused exclusively on my guitar skills.
Before I had even graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in music. After I graduated, I enrolled at Boise State University as a Musical Composition major with an emphasis on classical guitar and a minor in piano. Once again, I found myself playing in two worlds. Both the contemporary and the classical. About 2 years into my degree, I had reached the conclusion that I was pursuing the wrong field. I knew I wanted to be part of the music-making process but I recognized it wasn’t ‘going to be in the classical world.
Once I knew I had to make life-changing adjustments in order to make it into the area of the music industry I wanted to work in, I began doing my due diligence. I found a private audio institute in San Diego and quickly began making preparations. In September of 2015, I packed my bags and moved down to the beautiful city we call home. My focus in school became Music Production and Audio Engineering and it wasn’t long before I realized that I had finally found my area.
Shortly after I arrived in San Diego, I obtained an apprenticeship with Patrick Heaney at Phaser Control Recording Studio. Under his wing and within my academic studies I quickly excelled and was able to obtain an engineering and production position at Phaser Control. A position I’ve held ever since.
Through the years I have been privileged to work with many incredible artists; local and beyond. Some notable artists include The Offspring, The X-Ambassadors, Walk the Moon, Local Natives, Twin Shadow, The Shins, and The Cold War Kids.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No part of the music industry is smooth and easy. My whole journey has undoubtedly been an uphill climb. The countless hours of practice, the sacrifice of social life, the risk of financial failure, and the industry’s networking cutthroat nature. All of these would break most people. Many would prefer to party rather than spend hours in their room honing their skills. Many people don’t enjoy confrontation and get taken advantage of. Most people would like a job that brings in a steady paycheck.
These things never phased me when it came to pursuing my passion. But with that being said each challenge presented its own struggle and its own lesson on the power of adversity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Officially I am an Audio Engineer and Music Producer. My job is to create, direct, and produce a recording making sure that everything within the song is balanced, clear, full, and ready for radio play. I also DJ in the city and have played at venues like SideBar, House of Blues, Atomic, Blonde Bar, and El Dorado to name a few.
I am best known for working in genres like EDM, Pop, Indie, Hip-Hop, and Rock.
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from many and is one of the main reasons my clients continue to return is my keen attention to detail and my very unique style which has been described to me as a mixture of classical and jazz with modern-day energy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is not something I put much thought or belief in. I’ve always had the mindset that if you really want something you will make it happen. Luck has no part in our achievement if you’re dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes. I have yet to find a day where this has not been the case. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: nigelalexanderdean@gmail.com
- Website: www.Phasercontrolrecordingstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nigelalxander
- Twitter: @nigelalxander
Image Credits
Jake Plasse
