Hi, I’m Kaylen Fields, the Music Forward Programs Intern in Las Vegas. I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee and currently a senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Last week I had an amazing experience when I joined some of our Bringing Down the House alumni at an All Access program at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas!
Legendary artists such as Dr. Dre, Miley Cyrus, Santana, and Ozzie Osbourne have recorded in this studio that is off the beaten path, yet minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Our group went behind-the-scenes to learn about what it takes to be a record producer!
When we arrived at The Hideout, we were greeted by the studio’s head engineer Luis “LP” Pacheco. LP showed us around the building, which includes four recording spaces as well as a warehouse where they keep hundreds of vintage microphones and other sound equipment.
While he guided our group through the studio, he told us about how he began working as a sound engineer by starting as an intern and working to hone his skills as an engineer over the years. We walked through the historically rich hallways and peered at the golden records hanging on the wall; each shining record filled with its own background story.
LP led us back to the big studio, where we met up with another audio engineer, Tristan Hardin, and studio manager, Khloe Churko. We sat down with them for a panel discussion on the creation of music and the business of music. The music engineers have different specialties and musical preferences. LP is more involved with rappers and DJs like John Bellion and Swae Lee, while Tristan works with rock and metal artists who come through the studio, like Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, and Disturbed. Khloe, a #girlboss in the music industry, offered a great view of what it’s like working in a recording studio with other professionals and managing day-to-day activities.
The panelists shared similar stories of starting as interns or assistants, moving up the ladder, and learning from other professionals along the way. Everyone emphasized that a passion for music is a requirement to work in the studio, which was great news for our students! There was time for a Q&A at the end, and our alumni had tons of questions. Our participants asked about everything from how they can get involved with the studio to detailed questions about the top-of-the-line sound equipment. Everyone on the Hideout team shared great tips for making it in the music industry and encouraged our students to keep working hard.
This incredible program was filled with insight, experience, and one-on-one connections that left everyone excited and inspired for the future of the music industry. As I start my senior year of college, this program also made me excited and inspired for my future in the music industry!
