Meet Louie Valentino
Would you mind introducing yourself and telling us how you got started with music?
My name is Louie Valentino, and I am a multifaceted professional within the music industry. My expertise spans across music artistry, writing, DJing, acting, and full-time recording and mixing engineering. With a foundation established at a young age, I have cultivated extensive experience and forged valuable connections with fellow artists and music labels throughout my career trajectory.
When did you decide you wanted to start focusing on the engineering side instead of just having your artist project?
The decision to pursue engineering came to me upon learning that I was expecting a daughter. Initially engaged in the pre-production phase of shooting my inaugural major film project, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted all progress. Faced with this challenge, my immediate priority was to secure a stable income. Leveraging my existing engineering skills and resources, I transitioned them into a public-facing service. The rapid and positive response from the community propelled this venture into a flourishing career path virtually overnight.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your career?
Upon embarking on my initial journey, I encountered various challenges, notably in comprehensively understanding the intricacies of audio production tools. While proficient in the art of song mixing and sonic enhancement, I found myself lacking in the nuanced comprehension of individual plugins and their functionalities. This necessitated a deep dive into the technical aspects, requiring diligent exploration to decipher the precise roles of each component. Consequently, I underwent a process of relearning, refining my vocal chain setup, and optimizing the recording procedures to align with newfound insights.
What is a record you have done that you are proud of?
One of the notable records I take pride in is the remix of Mistah F.A.B’s “I’m Him,” featuring Snoop Dogg and TI. The experience of blending the vocals of three iconic artists, whom I admired since my childhood, was immensely gratifying. Additionally, working on Gunplay’s “Aunty Hold Up” featuring Bobby Fishscale marked a significant milestone in my engineering career. This project not only provided an enjoyable experience but also propelled my career to new heights, representing a pivotal step forward in my professional journey.
Who are some of the artists you have worked with?
I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of esteemed artists, including The Game, Snoop Dogg, Gunplay, Boosie Bad Azz, Lloyd, Tory Lanez, Chingy, Ray Ray McCloud, G-Eazy, E-40, Too Short, Mistah F.A.B, Juvenile, Jim Jones, and numerous others.
Can you walk us through your typical workflow for mixing a track? What part of the song do you usually start with?
Typically, the process commences with meticulous vocal cleanup on a per-track basis, alongside rearrangement and labeling of tracks, performed by either myself or my assistant. Subsequently, we implement color coordination before integrating my established mixing template and routing the vocals to appropriate auxiliary channels. Priority is given to vocal refinement initially, particularly in cases of stem mixes with subdued beat levels. Upon achieving desired vocal clarity, attention is directed towards beat mixing, culminating in the harmonious integration of all elements to deliver a cohesive final product.
What are some of the essential tools and plugins that you use in your mixing process?
Among my indispensable assets are the Apogee Symphony Desktop, Ilok, headphones, and hard drive, which serve as cornerstones of my workflow. I rely heavily on a selection of plugins such as Pro Q3, SSL E, Tube Tech, Soothe 2, God Particle, and Gold Clip, each playing a pivotal role in achieving desired sonic outcomes and maintaining the quality standards essential to my work.
What was your first experience with Apogee Gear?
My initial encounter with Apogee equipment left a lasting impression, as I marveled at the exceptional sound quality delivered by their interface. Intrigued by its performance, I embarked on a journey of research, gradually deepening my appreciation and ultimately developing a profound affinity for Apogee products. Moreover, the distinctive and visually appealing designs offered by Apogee align seamlessly with my preference for interfaces that exude uniqueness and vibrancy, further solidifying my admiration for their brand.
You recently got the Symphony Desktop, what were you looking for in an audio interface and why did you decide on this particular unit?
I acquired the Symphony Desktop, seeking an aesthetically pleasing, portable interface that facilitates swift connectivity and streamlined workflow, free from unnecessary complexities. Upon installation, immediate functionality is paramount, enabling seamless transition into productive work sessions. Motivated by the widespread acclaim surrounding this interface, I was compelled to experience its performance firsthand. It has since proven to be the most exceptional interface I have encountered since the era of Pro Tools’ Digi Design Mbox interface.
How important does having a quality interface play in your daily work?
A high-quality interface is paramount to my daily workflow, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and reliability. I rely on equipment that consistently operates flawlessly, without any glitches or errors. Apogee’s reputation for delivering unparalleled quality reaffirms my confidence in their products, providing peace of mind as I navigate my professional endeavors.
Who are some of your favorite mix engineers today?
Some of the esteemed mixing engineers I greatly admire in the contemporary music landscape include Jaycen Joshua, Teezio, Bainz, Josh Gudwin, Preston Prizzie Reid, and Alex Tumay.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting and wants to become a recording/mix engineer?
Advice I would offer to aspiring engineers is to prioritize consistency in their approach. Dedicate time to mastering fundamental techniques such as EQ and compression, focusing on understanding basic plugins before delving into more complex ones. Additionally, invest effort in learning about outboard gear and microphones to ensure optimal audio recording quality. Cultivating a strong rapport with artists by maintaining a welcoming and accommodating demeanor is equally important. Embrace opportunities for unpaid work during the initial years to gain experience, refine skills, and establish a client base and portfolio. Lastly, avoid comparing oneself to established professionals and instead focus on developing a unique sound and identity over time.
BIO – Louie Valentino, a multi-talented professional hailing from Vallejo, California, began his journey as a music artist and swiftly diversified into the realms of graphic design, photography, video directing, acting, and DJing. With a relentless passion for the craft, Louie has transitioned into a full-time recording and mixing engineer, carving a niche for himself in the industry. Over the years, he has collaborated with an impressive roster of renowned artists including Snoop Dogg, The Game, TI, Boosie Bad Azz, Gunplay, and many more, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. Louie’s remarkable career trajectory reflects his innate talent and unwavering dedication to his craft.
