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In New York City’s prestigious Quad Recording Studios, Sweetwater studio scholar Mitch Gallagher caught up with Grammy Award–winning artist and engineer Ricky St. Hilaire. Known for his multi-decade tenure in the business, Ricky has worked alongside the likes of Alicia Keys, Damian Marley, A Tribe Called Quest, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and more, in addition to scoring multiple independent films. Speaking with Mitch, Ricky recounts his experiences coming up in the world of hip-hop, R&B, and analog recording at NYC’s iconic studios, including Soundtrack, Electric Lady, and D&D, the last of which is renowned for its integral role in shaping and supporting the then-burgeoning movement of 1990s East Coast hip-hop. From tech talk and gear to the philosophy of recording and the ever-elusive art of engineering, Ricky and Mitch get at the heart of what it means to be an engineer and why your best work means all but “erasing” your presence. Check it out!
00:00 — Introduction
00:39 — Ricky’s Journey at Quad Studios
01:06 — Transition into Engineering
02:20 — Trial By Fire at Soundcheck Studios
03:32 — Attending Engineering School
04:38 — Natural Talent and Musical Ear
05:21 — Ricky’s Approach to Engineering
07:54 — Setting the Vibe for Artists
08:59 — Artist Tips for a Good Take
11:17 — The Role of an Engineer
13:39 — Getting the Bottom Right
14:04 — Gain Staging and Headroom
16:07 — Ricky’s Approach to Mixing
17:30 — Future Plans and Content Creation
18:48 — What Makes a Great Artist
20:50 — Wrap-up

Check out more Sweetwater artist interview videos featuring Ski Beatz, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Lita Ford, and more ? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlczpwSXEOyZrdT8NoO07KFyyMdgnCVLl
Discover more production and engineering know-how via Sweetwater interviews with Warren Huart, Bainz, Teezio, Marcus Ryle, and more ? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlczpwSXEOyYyjonnueghA0vl-5C20Qut
Keep up with Ricky St. Hilaire on Instagram ?
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