There are various paths our alumni take after graduating. For Miami campus graduate Lesley Baptiste, his career began while he was still a student.
From landing a pivotal internship while still studying, to becoming the Assistant Recording Engineer for chart-topping rap sensation Sexyy Red, Lesley’s career has taken off, showcasing his talent, dedication, and impact on one of the industry’s biggest stars of the moment.
We recently caught up with Lesley whose passion and drive is unrelenting, as he aims to educate others on the importance of applying yourself, establishing connections, and the valuable role of assisting.
Follow along for more about his background, the highlights and challenges he’s faced so far, and the advice he has for current students.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the Audio industry?
Firstly, thank you for this opportunity to tell my story about my journey in the music industry since graduating from SAE Institute Miami.
Before becoming an audio engineer, I was pursuing a career in the music industry as a singer/songwriter for 13 years. The inspiration to pursue a career in the Audio Industry happened when I found myself stuck, still loving music but not succeeding as a singer/songwriter. Rather than quitting and giving up, I redirected my energy and focused on learning and furthering my understanding of sound recording, which gave me more value and allowed me to still be around the creative spaces that involve music and sound. I found a new way to stay connected to my passion. I had to realize that success doesn’t always look like what I initially imagined, but I was willing to evolve, and new doors opened.
Since graduating, you’ve worked in artist development/management and as an assistant recording engineer. What can you tell us about these experiences?
While attending SAE Institute Miami I secured an internship at a high-caliber recording studio in South Florida where I eventually became studio manager. There, I was able to manage and develop systems that helped the studio function on a day-to-day basis. This is where I was also able to host major recording artists and labels throughout the industry.
I then met a recording artist by the name of Sexyy Red who was striving to become the household name that she is today. In the midst of developing a 2-year relationship with her, she instantly became a hit after the release of her then hit single “Pound Town” (which later featured Nicki Minaj). Due to my skills and talents to organize, lead, and develop, Sexyy invited me on the road with her because she was able to witness my passion and work while recording at the studio, and appreciated my efforts and wanted that impact in her career.
My original approach with going on the road with Sexyy was to execute day-to-day responsibilities while working alongside her management team. I later took on more responsibilities, thus allowing me to become her executive assistant with a focus on development and management. My responsibilities involved managing her day-to-day schedule such as travel, shows, events, interviews, meetings, shoots, etc. The developmental aspects of her career come in when I then become her Assistant Recording Engineer when we’re in the studio. Also, working on creatives for presentation, staging, and performances.
The biggest lesson in my journey thus far is to rely on what you’ve already experienced in multiple areas of your life as strengths to accomplish new things for your life. Have confidence in your skills, don’t be afraid to try something new, and never be afraid to fail.
What are you looking forward to or working towards next in your career journey?
Next in my career journey, I am looking forward to teaching about the power in assisting while continuing to create spaces for artists to strive with my skills, knowledge, and experiences in the music industry. I am going to be teaching the fundamental tools, efforts, and ideas of what it means to assist. Not having a self-serving attitude and approach helped me succeed. I want to be able to show aspiring musicians, artists, music managers, A&R’s, and industry professionals alike that music goals can still be met in the midst of assisting. Assisting doesn’t belittle or misrepresent your goal and ambitions in wanting to be in the music industry. Learning to use your role as an assistant to leverage your goals and other roles in the music industry is beneficial and can be taught.
What was your experience like at SAE Institute Miami?
My experience at SAE Institute Miami started at home. I applied and attended during the peak of COVID-19. I attended Module 1 and half of Module 2 from home. I always loved, from the very beginning, that our instructors were teaching and speaking from the space of actual current music industry trends and experiences. I loved that when I finally made it on campus, the school didn’t focus on hypotheticals but more on the actual and factual of what being in the music industry means. The idea that you’re not only going to see, but touch, feel, and experience became a reality. It’s not a matter of when you graduate, but more so before you graduate, you are guaranteed to learn how to function in many spaces within the Audio Industry. For example, as a student I secured an internship at a recording studio that later turned into a studio management position. I also worked as a stagehand for an AV company where I was able to also work break-out rooms at hotels and event spaces. The experiences and opportunities were endless.
What advice do you have for current students?
APPLY YOURSELF, APPLY YOURSELF, APPLY YOURSELF. ASK QUESTIONS, ASK QUESTIONS, ASK QUESTIONS. Every opportunity to learn something new, please pursue it. Listen to your instructors because they are in the current flow of the music industry and will speak from that experience. As a student, I managed a high-caliber recording studio in South Florida, and I was still learning, but I used my professors to help me navigate during that time. Surround yourself with likeminded students. You are what your circle represents. Learn from your peers, remove all ego and arrogance, and be vulnerable. Don’t wait to graduate to then apply pressure. You need to be focused in school and use what you’re given at school, and apply it. And lastly, never turn an opportunity down. Try everything that the school offers. You never know what may stick after graduation. Oh, and APPLY YOURSELF and ASK QUESTIONS!
To connect with Lesley, follow him on Instagram @lesley.bapstiste. For more information about SAE Institute Miami or our Audio programs, visit us online at usa.sae.edu.
