Enter HighBand

LA Recording School Brings the Industry Home

Industry Professionals Speak at The Los Angeles Recording School


JOHN ANDERSON
John Anderson, an 18-year veteran of the music industry, talked to students of The Los Angeles Recording School about his experience as a successful musician and businessman. During the interactive discussion, students had the opportunity to ask John questions about the industry.

During his career, Anderson has been a “song-plugger” for such hits as Eric Clapton’s “Before You Accuse Me” and Vanessa Williams’ “Save The Best For Last,” and has worked closely with such huge songwriters as: Albert Hammond (Julio Iglesias’ “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”), Sean Garrett (Usher’s “Yeah”), Bridget Benenate (Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway”) and Mike Elizondo (50 Cent’s “In Da Club”).

Anderson has also been an integral part in the synchronization and licensing careers of such artists as Pete Townsend, John Mellencamp, Nick Cave, The Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson, Beyoncé, Mickey Avalon, Corinne Bailey Ray and Lady Sovereign. In addition, he has placed songs in such hit shows as Grey’s Anatomy and CSI.

Since then, Anderson has transformed Windswept Music Publishing from a fledgling start-up to the largest independent Music Publisher in the world. He also currently serves as the CEO of Hunnypot Unlimited, where he sponsors monthly film/TV music mixers and co-hosts The Hunnypot weekly internet show.


PETER BARKER
Peter Barker, Director of Engineering of Threshold Sound + Vision, spoke with students at The Los Angeles Recording School about the music business and what it takes to be successful within it.

Barker went to school to learn engineering soon after the band he was in broke up. He later got a job at Kendun Recorders, where he went from maintenance tech to chief engineer.

Peter Baker with actor Dustin Hoffman
“While at Kendun Recorders, I kept applying for an assistant engineer job, but did not get it until I proved myself as a maintenance tech.” Barker said. “Be flexible, fill the need. Get your foot in the door… that’s how you get a break.”

Throughout the discussion, Barker also told shared with students what important characteristics are needed to become an effective producer.

“The key is to make music all the time and finish it. Move on,” added Barker. “Let your ego go and let the music do the talking.”