We recently connected with Zukye Ardella and have shared our conversation below.
Zukye, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I have learned over time that confidence is key. And my confidence comes from many hours of practice and preparation. As someone who is a minority in my field I knew very early that I had to “know my stuff”. I have had egotistical artists, engineers, A&R’s, and producer’s try to test my intelligence on many occasions. My confident and knowledgable responses show them that my sessions aren’t the place for that type of energy. I am also very cool and chill with my responses and by the end of the session they usually end up wanting to be my friend haha.
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?
I guess for this question I can give you guys a quick bio on myself. My name is Zukye Ardella and I am a New York City based certified gold audio engineer, music producer and partner of a commercial recording studio. My passion for creating music began as a childhood hobby and morphed into talents that were carried into the career I have today. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine, I denied medical school to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time musician. In 2015, I began my professional career at the original s5studio located in Brooklyn, New York. There, I produced and engineered projects for local and independent artists and eventually moved on to working with major label artists in 2017. During that time, I became a freelance engineer working with numerous reputable studios around New York City. In 2021, I teamed up with s5studio’s founder (Sonny Carson) to move s5studio to its current location in Chelsea, Manhattan. Over the years, I have been an avid spokesperson for female empowerment organizations such as Women’s Audio Mission and She is the Music. My goal is to continue to raise awareness of the existence of women and minorities in the music industry and to advise the next generation of the obstacles they may face on their journey. Talents I’ve worked with include NeYo, WizKid, Wale, Conway The Machine, A$AP Ferg, Lil Tecca, AZ, Dave East, Phillip Lawrence, Tay Keith, Lola Brooke, Princess Nokia, Vory, DJ KaySlay, Kyrie Irving, Key Glock and more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills I have that were most impactful in my journey are the ability to successfully deal with people from all walks of life with all types of personalities, patience, and perseverance. People who want to improve on these skills should put themselves in more social situations and be comfortable putting themselves out there. When they are working on their craft, never take anything personal and never truly take no for an answer. Also, don’t worry about time or how long you have been trying to achieve something. Greatness takes time and the longer you put your head down and consistently do the right thing, the quicker you will begin to see results.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I either do one of two things. I realize that is a sign that I need to take a break or I try not to think about EVERYTHING that needs to get done but try to tackle one or two things and call it a day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.s5studiony.com
- Instagram: @theycallmezuu
- Youtube: ZukyeArdella
- Other: TikTok: @theycallmezuu_
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