Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Markel Badallo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Markel , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my family. Growing up, I witnessed the unwavering dedication of my hardworking parents, who taught me the importance of diligence through their own exemplary actions. Moreover, living in close proximity to Bilbao’s conservatory provided me with invaluable opportunities for musical education. From after-school lessons to weekend orchestral sessions, it felt like a second school where discipline was paramount.
European conservatories are renowned for their rigor, and my experience was no exception. Some classes and professors pushed boundaries, bordering on what felt like harassment at times. Yet, through these challenges, I learned the value of discipline and the necessity of developing a methodical approach to tasks. Each hurdle became an opportunity to refine my methodology, honing my skills and determination to achieve my goals.
In moments of doubt, as I pursued my dreams far from home, thoughts of my family served as a beacon of strength. Their unwavering support reminded me of my purpose—to make them proud and reassure them of my well-being. Embracing a new culture and navigating its challenges became a testament to my resilience and independence, further shaping my unwavering work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a composer, music producer, and engineer, but my interests span two distinct realms. On one side, I thrive on crafting commercial records, yet my classical composition background leads me to indulge in film and video game scoring as my side hustle. Currently based in LA, I’m fortunate to be immersed full-time in the world of production and engineering, guided by a supportive mentor.
Recently, I’ve embarked on new ventures in industries like wine and entertainment event production, all deeply rooted in creativity. It’s surreal to reflect on my journey—from being a student just a couple of years ago to now working on over 100 songs a year and collaborating on various creative projects, including winemaking, which is one of my new passions.
I attribute my success to my diverse background and a nerdy penchant for acquiring a broad set of skills. From composition and engineering to production and essential business acumen, this eclectic mix has propelled me to where I am today.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
These skills are crucial for success in the creative industry for several reasons. Firstly, consistency & organization ensure that you can reliably deliver high-quality work, building trust with clients and collaborators over time.
Secondly, the ability to focus allows you to immerse yourself fully in your creative process, maximizing productivity and producing your best work.
Listening to your musical intuition is particularly vital in roles like yours as a composer, music producer, and engineer. This innate sense of musicality enables you to make intuitive decisions, creating compositions and arrangements that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. While some may argue that musical intuition is an innate gift, honing and refining this skill through practice and experience is essential for consistently producing exceptional work.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
One of my strengths lies in my natural knack for composition; it’s something that just comes to me effortlessly. Over time, I’ve sharpened my skills in production and sound design, turning them into valuable assets. While my mixing abilities were decent, I’ve spent the past year really honing them, aiming for mastery. Right now, I feel like I’ve reached a point where I’m pretty darn good at it. I understand how refining sound can not only elevate my mixing but also enhance the overall quality of my production work. This synergy has noticeably lifted the quality of my projects, especially those where I handle both production and mixing.
At the same time, I’ve ventured into the worlds of finance and business, realizing their crucial role in the music industry. While my passion lies in creativity as an artist, I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of business savvy. This awareness has sparked my curiosity, prompting me to explore the creative possibilities within business operations. Over the past year, I’ve immersed myself in learning, eager to understand the ins and outs of business dynamics and how I can use that knowledge to propel my ventures forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markl.wav/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markel-badallo-latorre-1523a7152/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
