Our MPG Member Spotlight takes a look behind the scenes of those making moves in the music production community. This week we're hearing from David Atai.
What are your main roles in making music at the moment?
Audio Engineering
Music Production
Sound Design
Education & Curriculum Development
Mentor
Can you share a few projects that you’re particularly proud of and why they stand out to you?
Other than all the aspiring artists that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, I went to Te Kaha as part of a project for MSD (Ministry Of Social Development), where a few colleagues of mine and I helped the people of Te Whanau a Apanui create an audio documentary about the east coast called “Life Behind The Sign”. This was targeted at people who drive past small towns (or a sign that points to them) without even giving them a second thought, letting them know 1. what life is like in these hapu & iwi 2. the connection that they have to the land. The end result was an hour long audio documentary with accompanying foley to not only give the listener insight into their lives, but to also place them in the environment of the conversations context.
Is there a current project you’re diving into that’s lighting you up? What makes it special for you?
I’m currently working on sound design and music for a play called “Raru E Maruakaītā”. This play is very special to me because it is centred around the Cook Islands (where I am from). I went all out for this project and enlisted the help of a Cook Island drumming group called “Anuanua”. It was quite nice having the studio filled with the sounds of my cultural music and instruments. The play is set for release in November (2024).
For someone eager to step into the world of music production, what’s the most crucial tip you’d offer?
1. Always be willing to learn. I have 20 plus years of experience, and I’m still learning new things here and there.
2. Being a nice person will take you further than any of your skill sets. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are, nobody wants to work with a dick!
Which artists or bands are on your playlist these days, and who do you credit as shaping your sound the most?
My playlist is very inconsistent. I could never be a DJ because there’s too much diversity with the music I listen to. What shapes my sound depends on the person I’m working with. I’m very fortunate that I get to work with ALL genres of music. From orchestral, to the typical songs you’d hear on the radio, to experimental sounds.
What do you find most inspiring about the music production scene in Aotearoa?
It’s very small, so it’s easy to get to know the WHOLE community. We’re also very fortunate to have funding. Many countries around the world are mind blown at the fact that the government gives us money to make music :)
What are your favourite new hacks or tricks in the DAW space?
Logic Pro Session Players, combined with chords (in the global tracks). This is a game changer for anyone that knows how to use it to its full potential.
What are your favourite plugins at the moment?
Oh boy, that list could go on forever (and change tomorrow). However, off the top of my head…
Production
“Playbox” by native instruments is endless amounts of inspiration at the role of the dice.
“ShaperBox” by Cable Guys (for both production, and post) - I’ve stopped sidechaining with compressors, instead using a volume side chain with shaperbox.
Post
Big fan of the Fabfilter L2 & Sonible SmartLimiter
Waves BB Tubes Saturator
Free Clip 2 by Venn Audio
UAD Fairchild compressor
What are your favourite useful audio sites? - e.g. Acestudio, Splice etc.
YouTube to Mp3 LMAO!!! Just kidding (kinda)
I don’t really use these often, but one I’ve used recently that was awesome is Output’s Co-produce. Give it a prompt and it uses Outputs database to create a kit of samples and sounds that suit what you’re looking for.
Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
I’m not a big social media person so you’ll either hear about what I’m doing through other people, or you’ll see/hear something without knowing that it was me until someone tells you it was me. But the best way to learn more about me is face to face. I prefer real, human interaction over posting on socials.
You can also find me through the work I do with Crescendo.