MICHAEL DASH
I am amazed at how quickly things are progressing in such a short period of time. I had a successful interview with the renowned studio owner/producer, Mack Damon of Rhapsody Studios here in San Antonio. When I arrived at the studio, I entered a completely new atmosphere in which I felt excited and apprehensive at the same time.
There were sessions going on in both studios which gave me the opportunity to actually observe a two time winning Latin Grammy Artist perform in the recording booth while sitting with Mack at the controls of the mixing board. Before I knew it, a half hour had gone by and I was answering the business line. One of the highlights for me occurred at someone else's expense when a caller was inquiring on a position at the studio only to find out there were none. I felt as if I already had an edge which I owe to the Get A Mentor program.
Almost two hours later we got around to the interview which was a bit unconventional due to the fact that three other employees decided to join us during the process. Surprisingly I felt no pressure. In fact, the interview seemed more like an orientation between Mack, his co-workers and myself. As I reflect, I do not believe I could have asked for a better interview.
Looking back at my prospects for entering such a competitive industry two months ago illustrates just how much this program has done for me in literally no time!
Phillip I sincerely appreciate your assistance in providing me an opportunity of this magnitude. I will soon be the first apprentice training with Mack, which I believe will be a positive experience for both of us.
Coming away from this experience an old adage comes to mind ... to believe is to live. Phillip I can certainly say I'm living more now than ever.
Respectfully,
Michael Dash
So many things have taken place since our last conversation. Ultimately, with the assistance of the A.M.A. the merging process has begun between myself and the world of audio recording. My mentor producer/engineer Matt, also known as Mack Damon, gave me insight as to what is genuinely the most important element in this business on my first day in the studio. This gave me the impression that he is looking out for my best interest, which is something I appreciate.
From the music aspect, I have already observed and assisted in projects ranging from alternative/punk to gospel. Every meeting we have there is always an overdubbing or recording session, which has given me the opportunity to observe different mikeing and mixing techniques being put to work in various scenarios. Like any other position/job I'm new to, I had some uncertainty as to how things operate in the beginning. However, Mack has been really good about designating time to explain some of the more intricate engineering techniques one on one. In addition, I've found the course work to be supplemental and the lessons have given me added direction.
As of now, I am far from completing this apprenticeship, but I have already gained a new respect for music and recording as a whole. Before I was involved in this program I focused on what I now see as the tip of the iceberg. I can now see that music is more dynamic than I ever imagined.
Michael’s bio:
“…I had been playing the drums, recording, and writing lyrics for my group the past five years, I decided I was going to enroll in RTVF (radio television film) courses when I started college…The possibility of attaining experience in a working environment has brought back a level of excitement that I have not felt in some time. At the same time, I am quite aware of the odds against entering an industry with no professional experience. If in fact I am considered for the apprenticeship, my focus will be based primarily on gaining experience and contributing as much as possible.”
There are so many ways I could begin my bio. For instance, where I was born or how I grew up. However, I feel it is only appropriate to fast-forward to the year that changed my life... 1995. It was in that year when I realized that music was more to me than just momentary bliss.
As I recap, it seems like yesterday to me. The Oklahoma City Bombing, the O.J. verdict heard around the world, and the tragic loss of Selena were all events that captured the world’s attention. In the midst of all of those events I was fresh out of high school working at the local movie theater and looking forward to starting college in August.
I had influences all around me at the time regarding my future. My parents envisioned two separate ideas which I respected but later rejected. You see, up until that point I never considered a career in any field that was not related to music in some form or fashion. So due to the fact that I had been playing the drums, recording, and writing lyrics for my group the past five years, I decided I was going to enroll in RTVF (radio television film) courses when I started college.
So with a prospective future and a bright outlook I did not imagine my life getting any better at the time until it did. I met two of the most inspirational women in my life (besides my mother of course). It was Friday mid May when some friends and I went out that night to a local club to see a group perform. To my surprise they would not be the highlight of my night because the late singer Aaliyah was there as well. I had been a fan since she debuted in 1994 and had always wanted to meet her. So after about ten minutes of working up the nerve to approach her I made my way through the crowd where she was sitting.
Our meeting was brief. Nonetheless she gave me words of encouragement as well as a moment I will treasure for a lifetime. Two weeks later I met the other special person who has been a catalyst in my love for music every since. There are so many things I could say about her, but what I feel is imperative to note is that her inspiration lives in the music I write and creativity I present.
Shortly after I began college my mother was diagnosed with DYT (deep vein thrombosis), commonly called blood clots. Doctors feared they may dislodge and move to her heart so they placed her on disability. With the responsibility of supporting my mother and I, other careers and opportunities became increasingly appealing to me. My drive for music became somewhat challenged and eventually clouded by my desire to uplift my mother and make ends meet. After two semesters, I left school to achieve that new desire with the intent of returning to the craft of music.
The time away was bittersweet. I saw to it that my mother’s recovery was successful, yet at the same time I lost my drive for music. Without music as a career on my mind I was easily influenced when I returned to school. The best way to picture it would be the opening scene in “Forrest Gump” when the feather drifted aimlessly in the breeze until it reached a resting point.
It was then that my mother and I opened our own medical case management agency. It’s been rewarding for both of us, but as far as my career goes has not been fulfilling.
When I was asked to do this assignment it forced me to do a great amount of soul searching. I believe I based this autobiography on one year of my life due to its significance. It was in that year that music planted a seed in my heart which has now become a harvest.
The possibility of attaining experience in a working environment has brought back a level of excitement that I have not felt in some time. At the same time, I am quite aware of the odds against entering an industry with no professional experience. If in fact I am considered for the apprenticeship, my focus will be based primarily on gaining experience and contributing as much as possible. At any rate, I would like to thank you for helping me ignite my true ambitions as well as helping me get out of my own way to pursue them. My consideration for this opportunity is genuinely appreciated.
Respectfully,
Michael Dash
