We were lucky to catch up with Stefano Bonzi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stefano, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Well, first of all thank you for reaching out to me and having me featured on Bold Journey, I’m genuinely honored to be here and share my experiences.
To address your question, let me provide some context from my past. I come from a lively Italian family, where being outgoing and sociable was second nature. Growing up, making people laugh and sharing fun moments were central to my personality. However, when I moved to the US in my early 20’s, I faced a significant challenge – expressing myself in a new language. My previous ways of communicating were no longer effective, and I had to adapt.
In this process, my determination to connect with others remained unwavering. I found that even though I couldn’t rely on the same linguistic nuances, my sociable and outgoing nature persisted. I often used and still use humor to bridge the gap between cultures, allowing me to connect with new friends.
I spent many years in the service industry, which allowed me to study all kinds of people. This really boosted my ability to quickly read other individuals and helped me find the best way to present myself to those I didn’t know. I also worked as an audio engineer for an equal amount of time. The combination of both professions brought me to where I am now. Having solid skills as an audio engineer, and being able to communicate effectively with my clients, definitely make it easier to maintain a positive attitude towards more professional results.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Yes, absolutely, where do I start? I’m a freelance engineer born in Milan, Italy. Following a career as a musician within Milan’s underground music scene, I relocated to the United States to pursue studies in sound recording at the prestigious Hartt School of Music. There, I not only developed a strong foundation in technical audio engineering skills but also expanded my musical knowledge, delving into theory and actively participating in ensembles. Beyond my hands-on and academic involvement in the music realm, I’ve had the privilege of receiving vocal instruction from some of the most distinguished teachers in the US. This includes Dave Kyle, renowned for his work with Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, Liza Minnelli, and Geoff Tate of Queensryche, as well as Silvia Magnani from Milan.
I embarked on my studio journey as an assistant engineer at one of New England’s most advanced recording facilities, Futura Productions in Boston. During my time there, I contributed to diverse projects that ranged from recording members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra to capturing scores for Xbox video games. Subsequently, I transitioned to Tapeworks Recording Studios, an esteemed recording establishment in Connecticut. As a staff engineer, I specialized in recording and mixing some of the finest a cappella groups in the region. Eventually, my path led me to Los Angeles, CA, where I established my own studio. Currently, I collaborate with musicians and Voice Over talents for anything that goes from mixing music to recording voices for video games and audiobooks, it’s pretty awesome.
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?
Ha! This one is definitely not an easy question! Well, of course, everyone is different but for me, the most important skills and qualities in my job are a deep knowledge of my craft, effective communication, and a strong appreciation for diversity. A thorough understanding of my field allows me to deliver high-quality work and continuously improve. Communication skills enable me to collaborate with colleagues, convey ideas clearly, and understand the needs of clients or stakeholders. Embracing diversity not only enhances creativity but also fosters an inclusive and dynamic work environment where different perspectives contribute to success.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I’m particularly drawn to clients who possess a deep understanding of their craft, whether it’s in acting or music. An ideal client is someone who possesses a clear vision of the message they intend to convey through their art. For musicians, an added bonus would be a familiarity with music theory, enabling us to communicate seamlessly and collaboratively. Moreover, having some prior exposure to the recording studio environment would be advantageous, as it streamlines our collaboration and ensures a productive workflow.
What truly enhances the creative process is a client who welcomes my input and suggestions. This open-minded approach paves the way for a synergy of ideas, allowing our collective creativity to yield optimal results. By combining our perspectives, we can refine the artistic vision and create outputs that resonate on a profound level. Ultimately, an ideal client shares in the pursuit of excellence and is poised to embrace a dynamic partnership that transcends the ordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bonzirecording.com
- Instagram: @bonzirecordingstudios
- Facebook: @BonziRecording
- Linkedin: Stefano Bonzi
- Twitter: @BonziRecording
- Yelp: BonziRecording
- Other: Linq:linqapp.com/stefano_bonzi
