Mastering the Mix: A Conversation with Grammy Governor Daniela Rivera
What can we say about this astonishingly accomplished mixing engineer and music industry professional?
Introducing Daniela Rivera, the unstoppable talent behind some of your favorite tracks. Not only is she killing it in the studio, but she's also a Grammy Governor, representing the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) in Atlanta. Since our talk, she has also mixed a project, Karencici's “99% Angel” which won Best R&B Album and Best R&B Single at Taiwan’s 13th Annual GIMA! (Talk about boss moves) Daniela's passion for audio engineering shines through in every project she tackles, and she's dedicated to constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft. We deep dive into the mind of Daniela, speaking about intuitive mixing, Grammy initiatives, and a list of artists that you need to add to your playlist ASAP!
So, whether you're a music lover or just a fan of all-around badassery, you definitely want to keep an eye on this space.
M SOUND
How is your week going so far?
D.R
My week has gone pretty good. We're midway through and I'm like, "Ah, what have we done? What do we still have to do?" It's a busy week but I'm excited about the work I've got to do. Meetups with friends, it felt like that time when normally after the beginning of the year you try to meet up with people just because it's kind of what you do just to stay in touch but we had that big COVID bump at the beginning of the year, they kind of shut down and then it slowly got back on. I definitely have been missing my coworkers and friends. I've been doing a lot of social initiatives to relink with people. That always adds extra to your schedule.
M SOUND
Sounds like a very busy week, but also so much fun. Could you give me an introduction to you and your journey?
D.R
My name is Daniela Rivera. I am an audio engineer, I focus primarily on mixing. I used to be in production or that's what I thought I was going to go into. I was going to be a producer, that's what I originally stepped into the industry for but I fell in love with the engineering side of it, I started with recording and assisting there. I went to SAE to get my audio technical degree in audio technology. I got an Associates Degree from SAE in 2010 and I immediately started as an intern at one of the Fame studios of Atlanta that had a lot of history from the big boom of the late nineties 2000s, like R&B, the stuff that I grew up on, Toni Braxton's LaFace record days.
I happened to get an internship at that studio. You had to work your way up, you've got to do your six months, you're doing runs, errands and eventually, you might be asked to sit in the room and you've got to be quiet. It's that very strict traditional kind of internship but I knew I wanted to be underneath that type of studio and mentorship. Eventually, I was promoted to general assistant, I became an assistant engineer from there. I was there for almost two years and then I got a referral to my next gig, which was to be a mixing assistant under Phil Tan. Three-time Grammy-winning mixer, Phil Tan! He's been established in this industry for over 30 years now. I mean just an amazing engineer and you don't turn that down. I took that assistantship and I worked for him for about four and a half years. That’s where I got all of my credits, all of the stuff that you see here, the big names came from that experience and that mentorship under those four and a half years.
I actually then got an offer for a scholarship at Full Sail. It was a time when I could go back to school and my associate's degree would've transferred, so I went back to school at Full Sail and got my bachelor's in Business Entertainment. After that degree, 2017 is when I really established myself as a freelancer. I've been doing that for the last five years and definitely in the last two years or so, I've really seen some incredible movements and works in that lane. That's my story, where I'm at.
"Being a freelancer is running a business."
M SOUND
That's awesome. You mentioned you studied the music business, being a freelancer so much of that feels like a business, is there anything that you learned from that experience that you utilize at this stage of your life?
D.R
It took a long time to get there and you just nailed it on the head that being a freelancer is running a business. I was definitely more freelancer mindset for a long time, but this last year I really got into the entrepreneur mindset and business mindset. Those earlier theories and lessons and experiences that I learned at Full Sail are now coming back in a different way. They didn't do it back then because I started working in the field as an engineer but wasn't running a business in that sense. Now I'm starting to run a business along with my mixing.
M SOUND
As you said, you've worked with some amazing artists. Has there been a favorite project for you to work on and why? (I know that that is a very cheeky question but whatever you can tell me 😉)
D.R
My favorite credit that I'm credited on as far as a project, is definitely Michael Jackson's postmortem album "Escape". How does that even happen? I was just an assistant engineer but it's still so special because when I was in school for audio engineering, he passed away and I thought, well I'm never going to work with him, and literally years later, my name ends up in an album on the book liner notes. Again, that was a Phil Tan mix, (phenomenal engineer!) I'm so grateful for that opportunity to even get to be involved. It was a Stargate production, they're amazing producers. I'm also a big fan of theirs. That's definitely my favorite credit. That's the most special but my favorite as a mixer (again, everyone's so special. All projects are so special) but Spelman and Morehouse Christmas special. It was either their 94th or 96th annual Christmas special. That's a longstanding tradition, so to be part of something with that history and HBCU colleges have so much pride and love for their colleges. To be brought in and feel that energy was something completely different. Also, this was still during the height of the pandemic and so all of the individual students had to record isolated on their own.
M SOUND
Wow.
D.R
Yeah, exactly. It was challenging but it was super cool and different to be a part of. I mean we got close to 100 vocals because it was the male’s glee club and the female's glee club on certain songs, it was a lot of work for everybody. It was a beautiful ceremony and we ended up getting nominated for a daytime Emmy. That's definitely my favorite as a mixer.
"Collaborating with what the artist wants to hear, what the producer wants to hear versus what needs to be translated to the consumers."
M SOUND
For those that are starting at the beginning of their journey and mixing their first single or first piece of music, what advice would you give to them?
D.R
I don't know if I can answer in one. I think if it was a brand new person going into the project, it would probably be that mixing is a process in the same sense as songwriting or production. Obviously, as you get to further levels, the process becomes quicker and easier but in general, it's a process. It's a back-and-forth of balancing, collaborating with what the artist wants to hear, what the producer wants to hear versus what needs to be translated to the consumers. I think having that mindset will at least help with that process in regard to expectations and being patient or trusting their engineer through that process.
M SOUND
You mentioned earlier that you did your internship and you had to stay quiet and just observe the room. Have you found that anything, if anything, has changed from then until now in what you've experienced?
D.R
Oh yes. I mean, even when I was stepping into it in 2010, it was going through a big change of this analog digital and people were still holding on to analog. I mean, digital was definitely there to stay, but it was a lot more hybrid and collaborative. Digital was starting to take over a little bit more. People who had laptops were able to have pro tools on the go. Now, I mean it's a completely different game. This setup back in the day, wouldn't have been acceptable. Now, I will say the pandemic helped with that because so many people had to work from home, so it kind of changed the mindset of home studios and being able to get work done. What I'm seeing also is a further separation between consumer audio and pro audio, that gap is getting further and further apart because there are so many companies and brands that create consumer products so that we can do stuff like this at home.
"I got the answer, but I didn't get the reason behind the answer "
However, sometimes that education, theory, and understanding of why we do things is being missed out on because people aren't going through that mentorship or being under a studio with a veteran engineer that's been in it for 30, or 40 years. Instead, we have YouTube where I can quickly Google something and get the answer. I got the answer, but I didn't get the reason behind the answer however, I also know I wouldn't have the business that I have if it weren't for the internet and technology.
M SOUND
If you could time travel back to Daniela at the beginning of her music journey, what piece of advice would you give her?
D.R
I couldn't really think of an answer or I thought about certain things. Be more confident, be bold, and step into it when you can. I definitely went through some self-doubt like most people do when they're in a career. Can you really do this or not? But to be honest, with everything that's happened, I've had great team members and great mentorships. I knew it was going to take some time. I decided to take a slower route and really value the experience. I feel like if I change anything I wouldn't be where I'm at now.
I'd probably just be like, you got it, girl! I'd rather give myself a little pat on the back and root and cheer!
M SOUND
What advice would you give to singers or producers working with engineers?
D.R
It probably depends on what phase. I think if you're in the phase where you're really going to be working on stuff and putting out a project, probably do a little research on your engineer. Obviously, you're going to search whether it's a recording engineer or mixing engineer, or mastering engineer, you'll look, and you see their credits. You'll see what they've worked on actively. You're doing your research and it's just a purchase. So once you decide, hey, this engineer looks great or I like what they're doing, and you make that decision to book them, you've got to hand over the trust with that book as well. It's really just about trust. I just think it's just so important.
"It's about diversity, equity, and inclusion"
M SOUND
I'm sure that you have signed NDAs and all the things, but what can you tell us about the role of being a Recording Academy Governor?
D.R
I think I have maybe one document that's like confidential where if it gets out they know it's you! (laughs) we're really about music advocacy and the rights of all of those that are involved from the musician to the artists, the songwriters, the producers, the engineers, the A&R. We're really about advocating for them and their rights, highlighting them, making sure that their art form is protected as well. Making awareness for other engineers or producers reaching out. It's about diversity, equity, and inclusion
The Recording Academy really took that seriously and made a lot of changes as well. So again, making awareness, hearing from the people on the ground. To have voices of real personnel bringing these issues to the forefront to see how we can make this a better music community. Another thing is creating new Grammy awards. We actually just had five new ones that passed this year. One is specifically a songwriter's award and songwriters have been in the news heavily lately, so they got an award!
That would be another thing too. We're trying to make sure all the credits are properly recorded. The Black Music Collective, linking with other organizations that help musicians as well, is a big, big part of the Recording Academy. Music Cares is another one. Music Cares is a program that actually supports musicians, artists, engineers, songwriters, the whole shebang, A&R, and people in the music industry. Especially during the pandemic, I mean millions were collected and aided out in support because artists and performances were the first things to go. You’re artists and you're like, how do you engage in that and go out and perform and make your money? Music Cares was a big portion of helping aid and support that.
"I've seen producers talk badly to their engineers, I already knew no amount of money was worth being disrespected."
M SOUND
As a woman of color in the music industry, have there been instances where you were made to feel more aware of the space that you were in?
D.R
I’m sure there could have been circumstances that could have put somebody in that place. To be honest, I have not experienced that. One, I chose extremely professional, reputable studios and personnel to work with. So that already eliminated me even being in a situation for that to happen to be disrespected, that's one part of it. Also, I've seen producers talk badly to their engineers, I already knew no amount of money was worth being disrespected. I had my mindset, no, we're not going to deal with that. I didn't run into a lot of issues with it. I also think it is just my upbringing. I come from a mixed background, my mother is German and my dad is Black so the whole color thing for me, I never honestly saw it. My family dynamic was already so mixed that it wasn't really until the rest of the world's like, "Oh no, no, no, we have problems." That I'm like, "Oh, there are problems?”
M SOUND
Thank you for sharing that, we’re going to do a whole segue. So who's on your playlist right now?
D.R
Honestly, my artists, like the artists that I've mixed, they're really the driving force of the stuff I hear. When they send projects, they send me references from other artists. Normally it's people I hadn't heard of. So their art and what they're into is the driving force behind my style of hearing new things. I've got a lot of work going on right now so it's either my mix or quiet smooth jazz because my ears are burnt out unfortunately right now. So I can't say there's anybody for now
M SOUND
You've worked with greats, but who would be a dream person for you to work with?
D.R
I love this question because we're going to go ahead and put it out in the universe. Quincy Jones, he still does a lot of talks and I don't know if he's retired from production. But yeah, he's still actively doing stuff so maybe that can still happen. I mean so much respect. Iconic, a legend. Again, you're not going to make another Quincy Jones, the world is not going to make another one of those. Just to be in a room with him, he's so humble and he's so full of wisdom. I just would love to get an inkling of his workflow and energy. I don't even have to be an engineer. I could be a fly on the wall. Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park. I'm a huge fan, I think he's an amazing producer. I think it would be killer to engineer something of his and Daft Punk because I'm a fan and I know whatever they're going to do would be awesome. The studio creation process would be out of this world.
"Do you have what it takes? Are you going to put in the work or is this a fad thing you're doing, do we see something?"
M SOUND
Great choices. In the spirit of manifestation, you said you want to get into producing. Is there a project that you have in mind that you want to work on or an artist that you want to work with?
D.R
I can't think of anybody because all of the artists I work with I love, they've already been linked up to such great producers, I respect what they're doing and I make a good compliment as a mixer, you know what I'm saying? In that scheme of things. The production stuff is going to have to be for something new coming out that I'm just going to have to hear. It's going to be one of those passion projects where I hear that voice and I'm like, yes, this is what I want to jump into.
M SOUND
What is the next project or a current project that you're working on? Anything you want to plug or give representation to
D.R
Absolutely. Working with a young, talented singer-songwriter guitar player Haven Ley. We actually put out an EP I think two years ago. I linked her up with a producer because again, I was getting production requests, but I was like, I am mixing, I'm not doing production. I referred her to a good producer friend of mine who I've known for many, many years. They're a perfect match. I'm so excited about her. She's very young. She's in it to win it. I can see longevity in her career as well. She's such an artist at heart. Very, very excited for her. Haven Ley.
There's this band out of Tampa that I'm super excited about. The name is, Forestlake and they are doing things right. They are getting their drums done in Nashville. They reached out to me, Do you have a songwriter? We just want to go over some lyrics. So I refer them to, again, another long-standing songwriter friend, many credits to help with that. I plan on doing some analog mixing. I was like, Yo, if we're going to do this, let's bring it back to the SSL. Let's maybe do some analog hybrids type of mixing. Just get out of the box. They've just started a podcast, I like the clients that are invested in themselves just as much. I think they're going to be phenomenal. On top of that, when I got the first song, we do have one song now called “Coconut Chapstick” when I first got it to mix, not even knowing the band, there was already something that clicked with me in the sound. Now that they're starting to do this other stuff, I'm just like, I'm in it to win it with them too!
And Varro Vivyds, a versatile singer-songwriter based in California. A creative project I am mixing that’s been engineered and produced from the ground up by the multi-talented Henry Chadwick. She went MIA last year to write and record 15 songs!! She didn’t want to feel the pressure of having to get material ready so she stocked up and now has the freedom to release this year focusing on promoting, and with the flexibility to be writing for 2024’s releases. The 1st single “Big Bang” is out Feb 3rd for GRAMMY week and you’ll catch us at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards to celebrate!!!
Those are the three I'm excited about that are coming out soon that I'm working on:
"There's definitely something in the sound that just comes from energy, you can't fake that."
M SOUND
I'm curious if you listen to something, is it just an instinct where you feel "That's the one for me?” Or is there something specific that you listen out for?
D.R
I think it's just something in the vibe and the frequencies in the air. It's something that resonates with me. It doesn't have to be perfect, I've got another young artist who's got potential, but she needs some artist development. Sometimes steering through and knowing, in two or three years, I can hear how this will develop. I sometimes choose projects to be a part of that artist's development, shaping their sounds as well.
I might look at other things are you really putting this out there to be an artist and go in that lane? Or is this a passion project or are you just going to send it to your friends? Which is totally fine. What you do with your music is what you do with your music even if it is just for you on a CD. That's your right. From a business side, I do look at it almost like a camp. Do you have what it takes? Are you going to put in the work or is this a fad thing you're doing, do we see something? There are so many artists that make a comfortable living, you may not have heard of them.
But yes, the sound, there's definitely something in the sound that just comes from energy, you can't fake that. It is just there or it isn't and in that case, it may not be there for me, but maybe for the next engineer it is and vice versa.
M SOUND
What has been a Maverick Moment for you so far? (Whatever the word Maverick means to you)
D.R
Honestly this year I've been in the mindset of treating this as a business instead of a freelancer. Also, I got all these amazing credits and those are great and even though I've earned those credits, they were mixed by somebody else. So I always look at those credits as his credits. They're Phil Tan's mixes. Yeah, it's Rihanna and I got my name on Michael Jackson, but as you'll see it says assisted by.
But I think I’m coming into my own and being like, no, I've been doing this now for five years and I've spread across multiple countries. I've now consistently had clients that come back and book across the globe. I have been nominated for a daytime Emmy and so it was just something where I was like, Daniela, you are a mixing engineer. You are coming into your own.
"Most of the people that you see that are these big names are 20, or 30 years in the game. I'm 12 years in, I'm on the right path"
M SOUND
Is there ever a feeling of imposter syndrome or that feeling of not being good enough, and what has been your journey with that?
D.R
A little bit. I will say I haven't had the imposter syndrome heavily. I discussed with some other women in tech, I was always confident that I knew my skill sets. I was good. The only time like I said, is sometimes when you throw these credits in, it's like, "I worked on it. I didn't mix that record." So when you say, "Hey, I'm a mixing engineer", and they see your credits, they think you mix Rihanna. No, I assisted in that journey and I was a part of that, I rightfully earned that place.
It's important to not diminish those credits or those earnings either. It's a hard balance and with any industry or any career, you work to one level and then you get to work up those stairs and then you get to the next level and you got to work up those stairs. When I get that imposter syndrome, I'm like, "No girl, you have 12 years of doing this consistently. You've been in the industry, you're continuing to grow, you're continuing to succeed." Most of the people that you see that are these big names are 20, or 30 years in the game. I'm 12 years in, I'm on the right path.
"Life is to be living and moving, we don't have to be stuck on whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that we've done. It's about what we're doing. How are we coming out of that?"
M SOUND
I get you. Well, last question, what is a quote or song lyric that you live your life by?
D.R
It's probably a Bible verse. Philippians 4:13. It's always been a biblical verse in my life since I was a kid "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It just gave me that no-fear mindset already as a child and as an adult I would say that too. It just covers so many things, when lies or doubts or fears come up, I'm like, "I can do all things. I do all things in Christ who gives me strength." That's all I need to know and I can shut the rest down.
An actual lyric would probably be Neyo's - Let's Go "It's not about what you've done, but about what you're doing" (also a Phil Tan mix assisted by me)
Yes, you did this or that but we still got more to do, and more to go, it is nice to have an award, but what's next? Life is to be living and moving, we don't have to be stuck on whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that we've done. It's about what we're doing. How are we coming out of that?
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