Mixing SZA, Engineering Bob Dylan, Collaborating with Rick Rubin

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Dana Nielsen is a Grammy-nominated mixer, engineer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with SZA, Rihanna, Adele, Post Malone, The Smashing Pumpkins, Neil Young, Justin Timberlake, Weezer, The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Kanye West. A frequent collaborator with legendary producer, Rick Rubin, Nielsen has amassed credits that run the stylistic gamut from Neil Diamond to Slayer and just about everything in between.

In this episode, Ari and ATA student Dana Nielsen, a Grammy-nominated mixing and engineering master, discuss his home studio setup, career, and superstar collaborations. He shares insights into his career journey, from starting out in Chicago to working with legendary artists and producers like Rick Rubin, Bob Dylan, and SZA. Dana emphasizes the importance of networking and seizing opportunities to advance in the music industry, highlighting the freelance nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of developing relationships in a transactional environment. Finally, Dana provides insights into the business side of engineering in the music industry, discussing the various roles and rates in the recording studio.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gear Setup

14:38 Early Career and Networking

27:26 Putting Yourself Out There

29:32 Meeting Rick Rubin

32:12 Learning from John Hanlon

33:11 Working with Rick Rubin

40:26 Working on Neil Diamond's Album

45:14 Understanding the Role of a Second Engineer

50:44 The Business of Engineering in the Music Industry

01:09:26 Making It in the New Music Business

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