Audeze interviews Republic Records engineer Giovanni "Blu" Rottier

Giovanni "Blu" Rottier is a Producer for Blu's Dream LLC & Engineer for Republic Records.

"Audeze LCD-X has helped my workflow process go faster and a lot smoother. I'm able to do mixes on them and feel how accurate I'm getting around my frequency spectrum." - Giovanni "Blu" Rottier

Here's our chat with Giovanni:

Can you pick out any highlights from your work that you're particularly proud of?

I'm proud of the projects I was able to Produce & Mix while working on my own Instrumental Album, "ME" and Singles I put out during my time with Sony Music Distributions. I'm currently building my Production folder for artists, but I also help do preps and prints of Dolby Atmos Sessions for the great Mixing Engineers at Republic Records.

How would you define your main role on most of the projects you work on these days?

I do a little bit of everything I can get myself into. I love being in the mess of creativity when it comes to producing, mixing, or recording.

How did you get started in music? What kind of music did you listen to while growing up and how has that progressed?

I grew up listening to 70's soul and 80's rock due to my Pops playing it all the time. Being around my friends growing up is where I experienced listening to Hip Hop in the 90's. It wasn't until my teenage years that I fell in love with making music when I was battling cancer.

Can you name any factors that influenced the course of your musical life? Heroes, role models, moments, interactions, etc.?

My Late Father, George. He always showed me and spoke of his collections of vinyls and cassette tapes. Also introduced me to working a receiver and equalizer. Christos Tsantilis also played a major role into my career working alongside with him on various projects such as albums, singles, or studio building.

Can you briefly describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and what you may have done to overcome the obstacles? Would you approach it differently now?

Always an obstacle in the studio for no reason. God, I hate those, today something can be working perfectly fine and tomorrow it doesn't. Even in front of my clients. But I learn to stay calm and show no concerning expressions, remain in control, and go over the fundamentals of the startup process.

Is there any gear you find yourself turning to most when working on a project? What are some of your favorite tools/instruments recently?

My Arturia MK II 49 Midi Keyboard along with the Tube Tech CLB1. I just feel very comfortable using those on my Kicks, Vocals & Bass/808. I'm open to try new plugins and hardware but yea.....those are my go-to for sure.

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path for their own careers?

Read & Study! Read the manuals of your hardware gear, plugins, consoles, and anything else you may have or wish to purchase. YouTube videos on "how to use" and explore the trials.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you typically use them in your workflow?

I've been working with headphones almost all my life lol. Something as a child teen, I always had headphones on, from all different types from Overheads to gummy ear buds. I like to balance and mix my records through the monitors, but I always find myself going back to headphones to go over my work.

Do you have any additional comments or stories you want to share?

Stay hungry in this music industry. Learn to evolve with technology and everyone else around you from all types of ages. There's a lot that can be learned and self-taught to elevate your skills and game to the next level.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work?

Audeze LCD-X has helped my workflow process go faster and a lot smoother. I'm able to do mixes on them and feel how accurate I'm getting around my frequency spectrum. It's kind of like my own "listen in the car mix" for me since I don't drive a car 😅. Overall, they're great, comfortable, don't mind if I must work with other headphones but these are my main go to before completing any sessions or mixes. Thank you Audeze!