Today we’d like to introduce you to Felipe Trujillo.
Hi Felipe, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from Guayaquil, Ecuador, where I lived for most of my life until I decided to pursue a music career and moved to Miami. In early high school, I became passionate about electronic music and began producing in my spare time. As time went on my interest in music grew as well. After graduating, I began taking pre-law classes; but after a couple of months of intense studying and reading, (while making music on the side), I decided to take a leap of faith and fully pursue the latter.
While studying to get a degree in audio production, I picked up free-lancing work as a PA for HG Producers and festivals like Rolling Loud and Ultra. On my senior year in colleague, I landed an internship on the legendary studio “Hit Factory Criteria” as a studio runner for like 6 months, Then I started having sessions as a Assistant Engineer while still having shifts as runner because the studio could not have an assistant engineer that was not already graduated. This is an industry where your time and compensation are valued and exchanged for the lure of proximity to celebrities, fame, and influence. Although it can be difficult to navigate at times, having a clear end goal and a good head on your shoulders is imperative.
Almost three years, (and after many long nights) — my career took a pivotal turn. I was approached by Sony reps at camp I was engineering in, to join their team at 5020 Studios, where my career took off. Six years into this journey, I have worked with some of the most talented and renowned artists in the industry, have won two Grammys, and have been nominated 8 times.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been tricky navigating the industry.
There are a lot of different personalities that I work with daily and having to adapt quickly is one of the greatest challenges I face—and one of my biggest strengths as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a recording engineer. Engineers are an integral part of the process of making a song, where their main role is to merge the analog and digital worlds. In a simplified version, I record the vocals and instruments in a song and make them work seamlessly together.
I would say that what sets me apart from others is my ability to understand every stage and aspect that goes into making a record (I.e. engineering, producing, songwriting & mix/master). I have been a part of every step that goes into making a record at some point in my career, which gives me an edge in understanding the inner workings of creating art and the different players needed in the music business.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My take: never be afraid to go against the grain if you truly believe in something.
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