Meet Spencer Davidson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Spencer Davidson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Spencer below.

Spencer, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve always known I was different, even from a young age. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, like there’s something unique about my perspective or the way I process the world around me. Growing up, I often found myself feeling alone, even in a crowded room. It’s not that I was physically isolated, but there was a sense of emotional or intellectual distance that seemed to set me apart from others. My mind was always in another world as a child and my creativity thrived with endless inspiration which I’ve tapped into as an adult.

Despite this, I know I’m not alone in this experience. Many individuals feel a similar sense of detachment or uniqueness, each in their own way. It’s a paradox of sorts—feeling solitary yet aware that this very feeling is a shared experience. It’s a reminder that while our journeys may feel uniquely our own, we’re often more connected by our struggles and emotions than we realize.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As with all great ventures, I’ve focused on multiple paths in my industry. I wear many hats as an independent music producer, and it’s essential to understand all aspects of how the industry works. Whether it’s music law, mixing, mastering, producing, engineering, recording, promoting, posting on social media, etc., it all needs to be covered at various times in one’s independent career.

The journey of an independent music producer is multifaceted and requires a deep and broad skill set. Understanding music law ensures that I can navigate contracts and protect my creative rights. Mixing and mastering are crucial for refining the sound quality of my productions, making them polished and professional. Producing involves not just creating music but also understanding the trends and preferences of the audience.

Engineering and recording are the technical backbones of music production, demanding precision and expertise to capture the best possible sound. Promotion and social media are vital for reaching and engaging with my audience, building a fan base, and sustaining my career. Each of these areas requires time, effort, and continuous learning, but mastering them is essential for success in the competitive world of music.

Balancing all these roles can be challenging, but it also makes the journey incredibly rewarding. It allows for creative freedom and control over my work, and the ability to see a project through from conception to release. Embracing this multifaceted approach is what makes the adventure of being an independent music producer so dynamic and fulfilling.

All that being said, it is imperative to not lose sight of why you started. It’s the MUSIC that must speak the loudest and be your vision that comes to life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

3 of the best qualities for my career would be:

1. Networking: This is key, as so much of the music industry is who you know, and who knows you.

2. Advanced Tech Skills: This is HUGE as we use computers every day and for what we do the “Genious” bar won’t always be able to help.

3. Helping and giving back: This will give you a sense of accomplishment as you can help others and work together.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Great books on Audible have helped me believe in myself and helped me overcome many challenges. I really like Mastery from Robert Greene. It explores the path to achieving excellence in any field. The book delves into the lives and practices of historical and contemporary masters, identifying key principles that lead to success. Greene outlines a multi-step process:

Apprenticeship: Learning the fundamentals through dedicated practice and observation.
Creative-Active Phase: Applying knowledge creatively and experimenting with new ideas.
Mastery: Achieving high skill and innovation through perseverance and deep understanding.
Greene emphasizes the importance of mentorship, persistence, and embracing lifelong learning. He also highlights the necessity of adapting to changing environments and the value of emotional intelligence.

Another great book is The Music Producer’s Survival Guide: Chaos, Creativity, and Career in Independent and Electronic Music by Brian M. Jackson. A comprehensive resource for aspiring and established music producers. It covers essential aspects of the music industry, including technical skills, creative processes, and career management. Jackson offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of independent and electronic music production, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and self-reliance in achieving long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azlanaudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azlanaudio
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-azlan

Image Credits

Volterock Media