Brad Prosko - Sound Engineer and Producer (Canada)
John Corbett (Aiden’s Sex in the City), Billy Block (Western Beat Ent. in Nashville), Garry Tallent (bassists for Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band), Frank Black (Pixies)
Give us a little background on your career: How did you get involved with music?
I have two older brothers that we’re drummers and there was always jamming going on in the house so as a kid I was bombarded with listening to bands like Rush, Kiss and whatever was cool in the 70’s. So when Dad bought a guitar for the house my brother learned just enough to show me tunes…I think “Crazy Train” was the first tune I learned. That soon turned into an obsession, which led me to studying Classical guitar and getting a Grade 10 at the Royal Conservatory of Music. I then left to pursue my studies further at the prestigious “Musician’s Institute” in Hollywood Calif; at age 17.
What made you choose a career in audio engineering and music production?
My friend Kevin Churko (who went on to work for Mutt Lange and most recent Ozzy Osbourne) use to hire me as a guitar player in the studio and encouraged me to get into learning Pro Tools. Little did I realize that was like opening Pandora’s Box, my new obsession was born. Over the past decade I’ve lived, breath and eat this stuff 24/7, I still have the same drive and passion for it I did 12 years ago. Kevin was huge in helping me get started, and oddly enough 12 years later is still there to answer all my dumb questions and offer a mix opinions. In my opinion it’s the most creative aspect of music…..which I love!
What have been your favorite projects to work on?
It’s hard too choose, they all have offered something new that I’ve learned from. Some memorable times have been when John Corbett was here recording vocals and he brought his girlfriend who just happens to be Bo Derek. That was way too much fun! Working with Garry Tallent was one of my highlights thou, I’ve been a big Bruce Springsteen fan so having the opportunity to sit one on one with Garry for a few days was great. He brought a wealth of idea’s and great tones to the project.
When you work on a project, how do you usually develop the idea of a sound or the idea of what an artist should sound like?
I find that the material will often dictate the direction of the production. The lyrics and/or music will create a mood. Then I start tracking the instruments that seem best suited for the song.
I read that you recently won a Songwriter Award with a friend of yours. Do you still make your own music/have your own band?
I try to write in between projects, which really doesn’t allow me to do much. I would ideally like to write for other artists, I’ve never had much interest in pursing my own career. I have a slew of incomplete idea’s that I would like to finish and shop to industry people with hopes that someone big would pick one of them up.
How important is making music for you? What is your idea of sound?
It’s been my life since 12 years old, I’ve always been writing or playing or making albums now for 24 years.
My idea of sound is hearing all the right elements in a mix whether it’s the right song arrangement with the right instrumentation or vocal phrasing with the right production.
All the things that I just mentioned and life inspire me. In between projects I spend a lot of time listening to music not necessarily for analyzing but for how it makes me feel….i’m a big music lover.
What role do plug-ins play within your work in general, how do they help you?
They’re critical! I’m one of these guys who work “In the Box”. I make sure that I have the best source going in but after that it’s all up to the plug ins. There responsible for shaping my mixes and fixing things as needed.
What is your experience with RND Plug-ins? Do you have any favourite features?
I can’t say enough great things about RND plug ins. The support and quality have exceeded my expectations. I fancy the DETAILER and
DYNAM-IZER. The detail there able to pull out of the mixes at mastering time is amazing.
Anything else to say?
Thanks for taking the time to do this!!!!!