Meet Taylor Anderson | Live Sound & Studio Mixing Engineer, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has always been in constant fluctuation, sometimes out of necessity, other times from obsession. I would definitely say that my girlfriend has recently helped me start to get that under control, and reign it in a little bit.

Prior to meeting her, my schedule was filled with work from the moment I woke up and typically would go until I was heading back to bed. Before I was able to do audio full time, I had an office job that I would work from 7-4 then drive immediately to a bar for my second shift as a bartender/sound guy. I would set up the bar and work until the band playing that night showed up, if they didn’t already have a sound guy. I would then run the show until close, help clean up the bar, and get home around 3:30-4. Rinse and repeat. Luckily, it was only 2-3 days of the week that were doubles but it was always rough, and generally would not have any days off. I would get one here and there if I was lucky.

Currently, I try to limit myself to only working 5 days per week. That allows me to spend time with my significant other, friends, visit my family back in Kansas, and have some personal time. All of which I’ve found is very beneficial for my mental health. There are still fluctuations from time to time, but that tends to be due to the ebb and flow of the music industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily ever been easy, but I think it all boils down to being an obsession. All the boring tasks, topics, fundamental skills needed in this profession that most people would gloss over I actually enjoy learning about. Even when I’m not out in the field, I am constantly consuming content related to audio. How it works, different approaches to the same problem, the creative side, the business side, it’s all very interesting to me. In addition, I’m very competitive so I always want to do better than others. However, I also believe that I can learn from everyone no matter what stage of their career or skill level they’re at.

I tend to not be satisfied with where I’m currently at in my career, but I think that is important for growth and striving to do better. The music industry is such a complicated field with no clear cut path to success. That is what keeps it interesting but can also be very disheartening at the same time.

One of the major lessons that I’ve found is; no matter how big or small the current job you’re working on is, you should always do the best you can, and give it your full attention. Worlds seem to collide in the strangest of ways and it is impossible to predict who is included in various people’s social circles. Someone in the current gig that doesn’t interest you at all could be connected to one in the future that does. If you do less than your best on the current gig, you are less likely to get the positive reference you need to land the future gig.

I believe that has been the key to the progression in my craft. Also, it tends to go against the typical stereotype of the “grumpy sound guy that is difficult to work with.” Even if it isn’t my favorite, I will still do the best I can with an approachable demeanor. I care that it is done well, to the upmost satisfaction of the client/band, and is a positive representation of myself. That is how I hope my brand comes across to others, or at least what I’m known for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I currently live in Georgetown, so we would probably visit the Square. There is a lot of cool food places, and little shops to check out. 600 degrees has great pizza and selection of craft beers. If we’re trying to get fancy, we would hit City Post or Gumbos North.

I have been playing quite a bit of disc golf lately. I would probably take them down to Cat Hollow, Old Settler, Roy G, Wilco, Met Center, or do a short round at San Gabriel Park. After that, we would hit a fun brewery NE of town called Rentsch Brewery.

Depending on the time of year, would potentially hit the green belt, paddle board Lady Bird Lake, or do a float trip down south in San Marcos/New Braunfels.

Outside of that, would probably hit any good live shows that are going on and get people together for a BBQ and games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is almost too many people to name. I believe in always learning and perfecting your craft and there have been many that have helped me along the way.

Andy McErlean from my band Pala taught me a lot about properly valuing yourself and knowing your worth. When we met I was in occupational rut, and I would say he was one of the biggest influences help pull me out of it. We spent many nights talking about various ideals, and philosophies that still shape how I view things today.

My friends Jose, Jay and Pat (Emocean Avenue), as well as Skylar (Come and Take It) have all taught me a lot when it comes to showing the business side of music. The various dealings, negotiations, networking, etc that go into it, and the right/wrong way that people tend to approach it.

Would also just like to shoutout: Eric, Saul, Danny, Kino, Reiland, Ryan, Alex, Ryan, Brian, Roman, Carlos, Jeremy, Ken, Juice, Anthony, Ben, Jaska, Adam, Taylor, Cam, Koningsor Boys, Astrixion Crew

(Like I said, too many people to name…)

Website: https://titanaudioproductions.com/

Instagram: @titanaudiotaylor

Image Credits
Headquarter Films Nigel Summers SMLive Photography