Interview with Federico Brugnola – Sound Technician Graduate

From a passion for guitar to beginning an academic course in the world of phonics. What motivated you to take this specific path?

During my senior year of high school, I had to decide on a path to take and then enter the world of work. Playing an instrument and listening to music practically h24 wondered how I could make music my job, trying to leave out the dream of “we will become famous with my band.” Phonics became a concrete avenue that, moreover, combined a passion for music, with an interest in technology.

“If you like music, try to make it your job.” Determination and stubbornness are basic requirements for those who want to work in this field. Can you tell us about your first work experiences and your initial expectations?

Determination and stubbornness are prerequisites for the achievement of any goal. In a world that still works very much by word of mouth and referrals, the best thing I could do was to give it my all, to make myself ready, and to put myself in the best position to make someone “bet” on me.

What was it like for you to work in the studio on live arrangements for the tours of artists such as Mannarino, Maneskin, the Journalists and Coez?

It was very nice and educational. I had the opportunity to discover and learn more about what it is to work in the live in the most professional circuit we have here in Italy. What’s more, I have been very fortunate in having met so many professionals who have been very supportive of a young guy but with so much desire to learn.

From backliner to sound engineer in live shows and then stage engineer for Giorgio Poi, Aries, Francesco Motta, Fasma, Psychologists and Holden. What is the role you feel is most yours and the artist you have most appreciated?

Today I feel I am in the role I most hoped to play, and in some ways I feel I have achieved my goal: to be a sound engineer. There is no one artist I have appreciated more, from all of them I have learned something both musically and on a human level. Certainly, however, the path taken with Ariete, which I followed from its first tour to our first arena, makes it a particularly meaningful project for me.

Do you feel that the tools and technical knowledge acquired at Saint Louis are adequate to the demands of the working world?

The tools I acquired during my time at St. Louis are definitely a great background for entering the working world. Having the opportunity to get to rub shoulders with professionals while already having a solid foundation certainly makes it easier to build a career later on.

How important were all your prior experiences in becoming the professional you are today?

Today I am clearly the professional and the person that all the experiences I have had have shaped. I am convinced that I would not be where I am today if any of these experiences had not been there, starting of course with studying at Saint Louis and going through seemingly less significant experiences such as working in the rehearsal room or even as a waiter in a restaurant.

In what form do you continue to collaborate with Saint Louis?

Since immediately after graduation, I have continued to collaborate with Saint Louis by providing studio assistance for various music workshops. Teaching, however, is something that has always attracted me throughout my undergraduate career, so last year I decided to propose my own elective subject called “Home Recording – Taking the First Steps in Recording.” with which I have my own small teaching role.

Is the current work the one that most reflects you? Do you have any other musical projects in mind?

Certainly the work I have today very much reflects what I had wanted to do. In the future, I hope to increase my work with audio post-production in the studio, and maybe start some new entrepreneurial projects.

Who is your favorite musician and why?

I don’t have a musician of the heart, but depending on the period I get more or less enraptured by projects that convey a lot to me at that time. In recent years I have always enjoyed Rosalia’s work, from flamenco to more electronic works.

What is your favorite song that you would take to Noah’s Ark?

With the same premise as the previous question, today I would bring Robbers by The 1975.