SAE Institute New York alumnus Aaron Dales knows the audio industry inside and out. Since graduating in 2007, he has built a successful career across various facets of audio, evolving from his original ambition of becoming an artist.
As a playback engineer, he’s worked with many major multi-platinum recording artists such as Bebe Rexha, Roddy Rich, and Doja Cat. He’s also the creative director of ProducedByTheVAMP, an award-winning creative media company whose client list includes industry giants such as Kevin Durant, Roc Nation, NE-YO, and ESPN.
With a wide range of talent and experience, it’s no surprise that his 20+ year career has taken him across various roles in the music industry, from engineering and studio design to live sound, artist development, and entrepreneurship.
We recently caught up with Aaron aka “ys”, who continues to make a significant impact in the industry today. Join us as we explore more about his background, the inspiration behind his career, and his advice for students looking to get started.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in Audio?
My parents would be my main motivator in pursuing a career in music. My mother is a singer and my father is a bassist. There was always music playing in my house growing up and there were also musical instruments scattered around. I wasn’t forced to play, so I viewed music as something I could work on at my own pace. That helped me to love it at an early age.
Your career spans across many different avenues including working with artists, touring, creative direction, entrepreneurship, and more. What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
Honestly, I feel rewarded by every step of my journey. I know it can sound hard to believe because a 20+ year journey can have incredibly high highs and very low lows. I’ve come to realize that each step is integral to bringing me where I am now. I have fond memories of not having enough money and scraping up money to ride the train and go to sessions. I also equally appreciate my headline Coachella experience last year.
What do you think is the most common misconception about working in the audio industry?
I think one of the most common misconceptions about working in the audio industry is that talent guarantees success. I have seen some of the most talented people I’ve had the chance to meet squander opportunities because they believed they could rely solely on their talent. There are kids in audio school sitting in their bedrooms right now who would do anything for the chance to show up every day and prove their worth to someone. I have met people who weren’t the most talented people in the room, however, they kept showing up and learned how to be an asset in the environment that they were in. Consistency and flexibility will take you so much further than just talent alone.
Tell us about your time at SAE Institute NY.
When I first came to SAE, I was primarily interested in being an artist. I attended because the engineer I had hired to record my vocals was horrible at bringing my vision to life. When I got to campus, I quickly gravitated to the MIDI lab and my love for production began. I buried myself in the fundamentals of audio and signal flow. I was extremely interested in learning how everything worked to a point. I was also intimidated by in line consoles and patch bays. I did the class work during the day and used evenings to hone in the foundation of song production and mixing.
What advice do you have for current students who are looking to get their start in the industry after graduation?
My advice to people looking to get a start in the industry is to be humble, listen more, speak less, be flexible in everything and don’t be afraid to sacrifice something now for what you want later. I would also say to know what you want, act with intention, and to not give up. The people that make it in this game are the people that stay consistent throughout.
To connect with Aaron, follow him on Instagram at @ys.thevamp. For more info about SAE Institute New York or our Audio programs, visit usa.sae.edu.
