Joey Sturgis is the producer behind some of the biggest names in metalcore, including Asking Alexandria, Of Mice & Men, and I See Stars. His style is one of the most sought after sounds of the last decade. Be sure to check out his podcast with Eyal Levy and Joel Wanasek where they provide personal perspective and commentary on everything from listener submitted mixes to recording techniques and career advice.

Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.

I am a musician, producer, software designer, and entrepreneur. I've been producing music for 11 years, and learning more about the intimate connection that music provides for people every single day.

What drove you to choose your career path?

Helping people to create better music easier is a passion of mine, it was a natural progression.

How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?
I just started doing what I wanted to do until someone wanted to pay me to do it. I think you mostly need self motivation and drive in order to accomplish anything.

What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?

I spent most of my time learning everything I could about what I loved doing mostly using the internet and talking to more knowledgable people. The best lessons I've learned along with my own personal understanding of the craft has come from experimentation and trial and error, though.

What misconceptions do people often have about your job?

I think people probably believe that working on art is an easy thing as it involves creative energy, but music is very subjective which makes this entire industry actually crazy.

What are your average work hours?
24/7

What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?

Learning to organize your self and becoming better at communication with people is absolute top priority when it comes to working with musicians and music business people.

What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?

I believe I bring a great work ethic and philosophy to the process of creating music that my clients appreciate and won't find anywhere else. I assume the artist has already built the greatest song he could fathom, and my goal is to make that dream a reality, and to create something truly greater than the artist could ever produce alone.

Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?

The best way to contact me for inquiries is email at joeysturgisrecording@gmail.com

What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?

The worst part is having a lack of a social life and lack of friends and dealing with unprofessional companies all of the time.

What's the most enjoyable part of the job?

Making dreams come true with music, and making it easier to create better music for people which inevitably will touch someone's heart.

What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?

Producers can make anywhere from 4 - 7 figures a year! Some of the luckier top producers like Dr. Luke for example are making tons more.

How do you move up in your field?

Be someone people can count on.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Give it your best shot or you'll never go far.