Q & A WITH FELA DAVIS
Fela Davis is a graduate of Full Sail University with almost 20 years of experience in audio engineering. She’s worked for Clair Global & House of Blues, and mixed for the likes of Ron Carter, Brian Blade, Jose Feliciano, Meshell Ndegeocello and Bilal. She's currently front of house engineer for six time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride, mixing sold out shows across Asia, Europe, Canada, and America.
When not on the road, she's recording and creating new projects at 23dB Productions & One of One Productions Studio. She also co-hosts The Art of Music Tech podcast with Denis Orynbekov, highlighting the latest in audio gear & mixing techniques, and interviewing top audio engineers, musicians and producers.
You can find out much more about Fela via the following social media outlets:
Facebook: @23audio
Instagram & Twitter : @23dbproductions
LinkedIn: Fela Davis
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
Meshell Ndegeocello’s Comfort Woman tour at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC! The band was amazing with Chris Dave on drums and Sy Smith on backing vocals. Such a funky show that blew my mind! I was just starting my career, and it definitely inspired me to continue pursuing mixing live shows! It was amazing to mix her years later!
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
I try to go on an hour plus long walk everyday outside to clear my mind, and figure out what I want to work on next.
What are one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
MacBook Pro is what I use for paperwork and recording.
iPhone is used constantly for social media, sending mixes and everything business
Zoom Recorder or Focusrite 2i2: I record all of my shows to later give to clients, or sometimes post to social media, which has gotten me gigs over the years!
Since you began working in this industry are there any concepts or practices you’ve implemented that have had a positive impact on your work (reduced stress, saved time, etc.)?
When I sound check a drummer, I have them play the entire kit so that I can have the gain set to how the drummer will actually play. It makes sound checks shorter, and I’m closer to what the drummer will sound like during the show. I saw Dave Rat talk about this almost ten years ago on a YouTube video. I immediately started doing it, and it has worked like a charm ever since.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
Podcasting and social media gives younger engineers a chance to get their foot in the door and get paid earlier in their career. Between new gear technology and new audio positions popping up everyday, I feel like the audio industry is exploding!
What ruins your day at a show?
Nothing totally ruins my day. But a bad attitude, and when the venue doesn’t have the things that we agreed on providing, annoys me.
What improves your day at a show?
When the doors are open! That means we’re ready to go and there’s usually some down time. My day instantly improves!
Our industry isn’t as glamorous as often perceived. What continues to motivate you to work such long hours, and be away from home for extended periods of time?
Every night the crowd has looked forward to this night for a while, and my goal is to create a satisfying musical experience! That keeps me inspired. I also get to work with people I like!
How do you stay connected to home while away (or do you)?
I FaceTime my husband, but it’s harder when you’re in totally different time zones.
What's the most important thing in your suitcase?
My microphones and high end cables on certain instruments are most essential! It gives me consistency from show to show no matter the mixer.