There are many different paths that SAE Institute audio graduates choose to take after completing their programs. Some not only launch rewarding careers in music and entertainment but also become active members of the Audio community. One alumnus doing just that, is SAE Institute Atlanta campus graduate, Daniela Rivera.
Daniela Rivera is a Daytime EMMY and internationally nominated mixing engineer (GMA 2022, SouthEast EMMY 2021, Golden Indie 2020, GMA 2019). She is a GRAMMY participant for Rihanna’s “Unapologetic” 2014 (Win) and Wiz Khalifa’s “Blacc Hollywood” 2015 (Nominated) and a multi-platinum audio engineer with credits on Billboard charting hits and motion picture soundtracks. Not only is Daniela making a name for herself through her numerous credits, but she’s also an active member of the Recording Academy’s Atlanta chapter. Follow along as she shares more about her background, what it means to represent the Academy, and the advice she has for students.
Tell us about your background and who/what inspired you to pursue a career in Audio.
I played piano growing up as a hobby, taking lessons and playing in my youth choir at church. This led to writing simple compositions as a teen and then exploring production as a young adult by purchasing the infamous Korg Triton Studio. That keyboard opened up a whole new world of troubleshooting in audio and production. At the time (2005 – 2006), access to industry knowledge was limited. I utilized resources like a Korg Triton VHS tape, DVD production tutorials and participated in online beat battles on Rockwilder’s Rocbeats.com where I also read through production and audio engineering forums.
I spent those early years with my Korg Triton obsessing and studying productions from the hitmakers Manny Fresh and Stargate (the latter, I ended up getting to work on many #1 and Grammy-winning projects because I mentored and worked under their mixing engineer, Phil Tan). Many full-circle moments being in the music industry. While researching how to produce and mix music, I found an advertisement for an Audio Engineering and Production school. I never thought of this as a career option. I found SAE Institute and that was it– I now had a roadmap. My first tip to students is to have a plan.
What was your experience like at SAE Institute Atlanta?
Incredible and everything I envisioned it to be! When I took the campus tour, I was hooked from the first room. I started at SAE Institute Atlanta, which was a new campus location 2 years into its opening in 2009. BIG shoutout to some key individuals from that time frame who played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of my audio engineering career: Scott Kieklak, Joshua Grau and Chris Davie. I had incredible mentors and industry experts from the start.
You’re an elected Governor of the Atlanta Chapter Board for the Recording Academy. What does it mean to you to be able to represent the Academy?
I am beyond honored to hold a board position for the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy. To be elected by my peers is something I take seriously and hold dearly. I represent the standard of excellence expected from an audio engineer, the growing presence of women in the field, and the importance of ethical practices throughout the music industry on behalf of the organization. Additionally, I’ll be serving as co-chair for the Atlanta Chapter’s Producer & Engineer Wing Committee for the 2024-2025 term.
As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, have you faced any unique challenges or obstacles and how did you overcome them?
To be honest, the biggest challenge is being told that I am a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry. When I chose this path and entered the industry, that was not my mindset nor did I know I was one of the few females pursuing this career. I was just stoked to be getting the opportunity to learn and go after my dreams. Yes, later I realized that I didn’t see as many females doing the job, but I was treated with dignity and respect and fully encouraged from day one of school, internship, assistantship and freelancing. Huge shoutout to the key players, my mentors and employers Thom “TK” Kidd and Phil Tan for never displaying any bias towards me. Their only requirement was passion and skill for the craft. However, I now know that representation and seeing women in this role is important which is why I am so active in the audio community.
What advice do you have for students who aspire to have a similar career path?
Put your 100% in and GO for it. There are no limitations to what you can accomplish! There are more opportunities now than ever to work in music, create your own music or provide support for others in music. It’s not just the traditional recording studio scene either, there are so many ways to be successful working outside of the music & entertainment scene anywhere music is needed. For instance, as of 2024 the creator industry is a $156.37 Billion industry (explodingtopics.com) versus a 28.6 Billion market for the Music Industry (www.billboard.com).
What are you excited for next that you can tell us about?
I am thrilled to be a newly certified Dolby Atmos Mixer and have my first Atmos mix out in the world with Stellar Award-nominated Best New Artist, Rudy Currence. Dolby Atmos uses spatial audio to create a three-dimensional sonic environment, placing sounds around and above you for a more immersive listening experience. I started online training in Dec 2023 and completed the program in Feb 2024 at the prestigious East Iris Studios in Nashville, TN. as part of a collaborative industry event MIXHER (EngineEars, Dolby, She Is The Music, Universal Music Group, P&E Wing and Bose). My final tip to students is to continue learning and stay up to date on emerging technologies in your field.
To connect with Daniela, follow her on Instagram, @drivmusic. For more information about the Atlanta campus or our Audio programs, visit us online, give us a call at 404-526-9366, or schedule a tour here.
