On this episode of the Artists of the Industry Podcast we have a conversation with Grammy Award Winning Recording Engineer and Chicago area Recording Studio Owner, James Auwarter.
What do 31 Grammy nominations, educating young people about the music business, work ethic, being self-aware, and the importance of people skills have in common? The foundation above has allowed our next AOFTHEI Podcast guest the privilege of working with some of the most notable artists in the music industry like Kanye West, Yo-Yo Ma, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Elling, Bob Mintzer, Adam Levine, Cowboy Troy, Tom Higgenson (Plain White Tees), Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Rihanna, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Lupe Fiasco, Mavis Staples, and many more.
James has built a career in the music business that spans many years and several genres and styles of music. He teaches at a college level, incorporating important life skills beyond talent, musical chops and engineering skills. James mentions the use of the Myers & Briggs personality test to understand yourself first, while developing skills as a people person and staying steps ahead of the client in the room in order to stand out as a true professional. James and many in the industry that have risen to the top of the very competitive music business landscape, have a common belief, that the secret is no secret, but instead, a self awareness and real life human understanding of what it takes to be at the top of your game, making a living at what you love to do.
