What's
your five-year-plan for Rat?
A clear focus on strong stable growth. We want to be around for years
to come in a business where companies have a fairly short life span. Maintaining
flexibility as the industry evolves I see as vital. Diversifying into
other areas like sales and licensing of our technologies is important.
What
keeps you focused on sound, and out of lighting, video, etc.?
Ahh, the 'jack of all trades and master of none' syndrome. While we do
have focuses outside of concert touring sound, we will not let those focuses
dilute our quality in that area.
Any
aspirations you've yet to complete?
I have always considered myself a designer of systems first and foremost.
I am a businessman by default and necessity; I learned to mix so I could
test the designs. I find the process of 'concept to reality' to be the
most rewarding. I would love to design a sound system that gains world
wide-acceptance.
Who
were your mentors in the 'old days'?
Tom Hodder, my friend from El Segundo, taught me to build speaker cabinets
and use a router to make round holes. Greg Cometa, who mixed The Untouchables,
taught me the basics of mixing a big rock show. Howard Hughes taught me
(not personally) to think big and that you can build anything if want
to. The mathematician Richard Feynman is an example of true genius, and
that there are no boundaries in what a person can learn and do.
What
qualities do you look for in a new product or new employee?
Two different questions with totally different answers. In an employee
I/we look for strong assets in the following areas: personality, practical
knowledge, scholastic knowledge, motivation and individuality. They do
not need to be fully balanced, but do need to have a true passion for
what they do.
The
last CD you bought?
Does downloaded count? Just kidding, it would be Ween - The Mullosk, and
that was last year. Currently I am in the market for a Medeski, Martin
and Wood CD.
What was the last live show you attended
as a punter?
Wow, does that mean I paid to get in? I can't remember. I went to check
out Modest Mouse for "work" reasons, while in reality I just
wanted to see the show.
Is it true that 2004 is the Year of the
Rat?
It sure did not seem like it in February, but we have plenty of time for
adventures to come our way. Every year is the Year of the Rat!
What advice would you have for someone starting
out as an audio entrepreneur?
Do every project to the best of your ability. Whether you are underpaid,
overworked or it was flat out misrepresented, use that information for
the next time you deal with "that person or entity" - but in
the meantime, do each and every project to the best of your ability.
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