In efforts to bring you insight to new content and give readers a true “behind the scenes” look at the industry behind our favorite artists. The first in the series is with Jon Hicks, studio engineer and touring drummer who has worked with Relient K, Mike Mains & the Branches, and countless others. Here he tells us how he got started in the industry, what motivates him, and his current projects.
SwitchBitch – How did you get started in the industry? At what point did you realize that this was more than just hobby and you wanted to make it your career?
Jon – Growing up, music was my passion. I dreamed of making a career out of it, but I didn’t see it as realistic. I was actually planning on a career in pharmacy if you can believe that. I remember the exact day that all changed though. The summer after my freshman year of college I was in the first few months of a year long internship with a phenomenal producer/engineer named Lane Johnson. One day that summer I had a heart to heart with Lane. I was fed up with where I was at in life. Out of that frustration I was vocally honest with Lane and myself about what I wanted my life to be. He was a huge encouragement to me, as were many others, but that day for some reason it just clicked that I needed to follow my heart and “live the dream!” as Lane would always say. I think anyone who works in this industry will tell you, you don’t really chose it. It’s a burning passion that eventually takes you over in the best way.
SB – What was your musical background before you entered the engineering and recording side?
Jon – My first experience in the studio was as a drummer for a heavy band (Imagine that). I started playing drums as a small kid a few weeks after my uncle took me to see the school of rock in theaters. That was my main focus for years. I then went on to study music theory and piano in undergrad. I loved playing out and still do, but at some point I fell in love with making records and my focus shifted.
SB – Can you give us a list of what you’ve worked on so far? What studios are you involved with?
Jon – Between several internships, working as an assistant engineer, session musician, engineer, producer, tech….the list of records is more than anyone would care to read haha. I can say that First St. Studio in Cleveland, TN was the first professional studio I cut my teeth in. Currently I work out of many studios in many cities but mainly I work out of my own studio in Nashville, Glow In The Dark Studios in Atlanta, Whisper Studios in Kokomo, IN and Dirty Denim Studios in Nashville.
SB – To date, what is the best project you’ve worked on? The album/ep/song you are proudest of?
Jon – This is a really tough question. It’s like asking which child is your favorite haha. As an intern I had the privilege of assisting on a few Relient K songs and I did quite a lot of editing on Dance Gavin Dance‘s Acceptance Speech record. My roles on these records were pretty insignificant, but I know a lot of people connect with these records. It’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of crafting something that people connect with. As far as records I’ve produced and been the head engineer on, I feel really connected to an EP called Tension I made recently with a Nashville band called Clay Cages. There is a lot of emotion and honesty buried in that record and I hope people hear it and can connect with that. I’m really excited to see where these kids go.
SB – Do you have any projects you particularly regret or would have done differently?
Jon – Yes and no. Particularly there was one record I did for a band in Knoxville very, very early in my career. This is the only time I’ve ever had a band walk away dissatisfied and honestly that still bothers me. Ultimately we all had unrealistic expectations going in and there was poor communication throughout the entire recording process. I genuinely enjoyed those dudes and hope they’re doing great. I really hate how that record went down on my end, but I learned soooo much from that experience, particularly about communicating with clients. Overall I’m thankful for that experience and I’m better for it.
SB – What about the future? Do you have any future projects you are currently excited to work on?
Jon – Totally! A few months ago my friend Stephen Keech approached me about assisting on the new Haste The Day record. My old mentor Lane is producing drums and I’ll be assisting him and editing. Stephen is a great dude and I’m so excited to be working along side Lane again. It’s been way too long. Also, I’m really looking forward to a full length record I’m doing this fall for a band out of Knoxville called Lions. They’re so incredibly talented and I’m really excited to make an album with them. I’m also currently engineering a record for my good friend Mel Washington (formerly of All Get Out.) It’s turning out really cool!
SB – What piece of advice would you give to some looking to get behind a console? What advice would you give to bands who are looking to break through?
Jon – To both I would say first off, think long and hard about whether or not this is really what you want. If it is what you want, then you need to start thinking about it like a “real job.” Prospective engineers, ultimately it comes down to hard work, networking, internships, professionalism, hard work, networking, more hard work, and more networking. Be in it every day. Be humble. Stay strong when whoever you’re interning for rips you to shreds. You’ll get through it and be better for it. Bands, again, hard work, networking, professionalism ect. But for bands, really I think the key is getting a few people in the industry to really believe in what you’re doing. So do something great. Be exceptional. Be something worth believing in.
SB – Your background is in drums and you’ve worked under the legend that is Matt Goldman (Underoath, The Chariot). Whats your method? Any tips or tricks you’ve learned from your various projects?
Jon – The biggest thing I’ve learned with drums and really anything is to get the best possible tones before you track. Great drums tuned well, played well, in a good room, tracked with good gear will make magic happen.
SB – Finally, if anyone wants to work with you on recording what do they need to do to get in touch?
Jon – I’m currently handling my own booking and management so JonHicksGrande@gmail.com is the best way to get in touch with me. If we become close enough I’ll tell you how I got my nickname Grande.
Jon Hicks, Grande, Dirty Denim Studios
