Welcome once again to Zen and the art of audio, where we will examine the interconnectedness of what we do and who we are. Are we who we are because of what we do — or is it the other way around? For some, this might seem like an inane question, since we do what we do and — in the long run — who cares whether the chicken or the egg came first? As it is, we live in a world with both chickens and eggs, and we should know the difference between them. For example: If your mom invites you over for a dinner of roast chicken, it beckons images of a Norman Rockwell family sitting around a perfectly set table enjoying being waited on by mom as she sets out the beautifully garnished roasted chicken on a platter. On the other hand, if mom invites you over for a roasted egg dinner, there is a good chance you will think she is a bit daffy or — to preserve mom’s sanity — that she is hosting a Seder.
Deep (and Less-Than-Deep) Thoughts
By pondering these less-than-deep philosophical questions, I could easily entertain myself during the endless hours of traveling from one audio gig to the other or, when I was forced to sit alone in the hotel bar at 1 a.m. knowing for sure that the hops came before the beer. Either way, these are examples of how what I do and who I am intertwine. Did I choose the life of a traveling engineer because I like sitting in bars, drinking, or had I become a bar crawler because I chose a life on the road? I’m not sure if there is a definitive answer to this question, since our chosen profession does shape us by its particular confines, and what we do to make a living is often accompanied by a certain lifestyle. On the bright side, there are plenty of other ways to make a living in the field of audio that are attached to a different set of circumstances regarding lifestyle, and if one should tire of the life that is thrust upon them, they can always change what they do or how they do it.
I like to think that what I do is not different from what I am, and by using that precept, I try to understand myself through my actions. Looking back, I realize that I had an innate understanding of audio engineering. It made sense to me not just intellectually, but emotionally as well. In a nutshell, I realized that the signal comes into the console and I, as the engineer, get to manipulate the signal — to make it sound it’s best — and then send it out to various locations. Signal flow made sense to me, because I always thought of myself as a “go with the flow” type of person who likes to let things unfold around me without much resistance. Then again, I realize that blockages arise, and I also enjoy the aspects of problem-solving and figuring out ways around and through any obstructions.
Steps to Audio Enlightenment
I also thrive in high-pressure situations, so mixing for thousands of people or in odd situations makes sense to me. I also have a penchant for order and maintaining it, which can possibly explain my enjoyment of making channel assignments, proper patching and neat cable runs. I also think I have a touch of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), which might have enhanced my multi-tasking skills when I was called upon to be stage manager, road manager and engineer. Of course, there is a good chance that it’s the same ADHD that kept me from going into some other profession, but at least I’m making good use of my deficit doing what I do. I also know that one of the major driving forces behind my professional choice is my love of music and, in my case, I realized that being an engineer was the closest I could come to being part of any given performance without actually playing on stage with the band.
Of course, things change and opportunities are presented, emotional desires, interests and lifestyles are modified and we may find ourselves taking on different responsibilities in accordance with our new needs. Sometimes, we change our situation because certain talents are revealed — or sometimes it’s due to our own choice of lifestyle. Regardless of whether the emotional or the professional is driving the change, we still have to go with the flow, as one modifies the other. If your emotional needs change, there’s a good chance that your professional needs will follow, and vice-versa. Fighting the inevitable changes can only lead to personal and professional chaos; therefore, it’s important to be able to flow with the changes and situations that arise.
We all tend to gravitate to our own personal comfort zones, and if we are people-oriented, we usually find that we are in positions of communication. On the other hand, if one is more comfortable around equipment, they probably avoid interactive situations. Some engineers prefer doing monitors, because they are uncomfortable being responsible for pleasing thousands of people with their mix, where as the front of house engineer might prefer being in the middle of the crowd rather than trying to please a stage full of demanding musicians. Sometimes situations change and we find that we need to step out of our comfort zone — both emotionally and professionally.
Audio Advice for You, Grasshopper
We have an innate fear of failing or doing something that doesn’t come naturally, yet it is challenges such as these that lead to both internal and external growth. The trick, grasshopper, is to follow the signal path and go with the flow. Fighting the flow will only lead to discomfort and ineptitude. Take “self” out of the mix and follow the path of the signal presented to you. It may be difficult, but you soon might discover that you can control the flow and reveal a side of you or a sound you didn’t know existed. Don’t make any sudden moves. Simply going with the flow may lead you to personal and professional revelatory growth. For more insight into Zen and the art of audio, just contact me on the astral plane where I will be studying the Akashic records.
