Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Briggs.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first got interested in creating music and audio in high school, playing around with early DAW and sequencer programs. I made this silly little piece and submitted it when my school asked for student music to play as the intro to the morning announcements, and they actually used it. I’ve always been a lifelong music fan, and my life has revolved around music in some way, whether that’s going to concerts, performing, listening, or creating.
I started recording myself around 2000 and expanded to recording friends’ bands in 2006. After several years of doing that for free and learning as I went, I quit my job in ecommerce and web design and went full time in audio in 2013. I haven’t looked back since.
Over that time I’ve been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of bands and produce thousands of songs. I’ve been recognized with multiple awards, including Best Producer and Best Audio Engineer.
I’ve also been a member of multiple bands over the years and have toured internationally, which connected me with a lot of amazing people. From 2012 to 2015 I hosted a DIY house show venue called Macaroni Island, basically a converted garage where we put on some truly memorable shows for local and touring bands.
Currently I’m based in Denton, TX, running my studio full time. I guide bands and artists through the entire process: producing, recording, mixing, and mastering. I see the project through from start to finish to make sure it’s the best it can be. I work in person with artists from all over North Texas and remotely with clients of every genre through online mixing and mastering.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been about as smooth as you can reasonably expect when you’re completely freelance and independent. There’s no safety net, no steady paycheck, and no one handing you clients. The financial side is always the biggest challenge. This is most definitely not a field to get into if you’re trying to get rich, and there have been plenty of lean stretches over the years.
But it’s so personally and artistically fulfilling that it makes all of the struggles worth it. I get to wake up every day and do something I genuinely love, working with creative people and helping them bring their vision to life. Not a lot of people get to say that, and I never take it for granted.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I run a full service recording studio in Denton where I handle everything from production through mastering. A lot of studios or engineers specialize in just one part of the process, but I guide artists through the whole thing. That continuity really matters because I get to understand the vision from day one and carry it through to the finished product.
I work with pretty much every genre you can think of. Rock, metal, hip hop, country, pop, punk, folk, electronic, you name it. I think that versatility keeps me sharp and keeps things interesting. Every project is a different puzzle to solve.
One thing I really prioritize is making the studio a comfortable and collaborative space. Recording can be intimidating, especially for artists who haven’t done it much, so I want people to feel relaxed and creative when they walk in. I also roast my own coffee in the studio, so there’s always fresh and delicious coffee ready to go. That’s become a bit of a perk that people have come to expect and enjoy.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built. I have clients who keep coming back year after year, album after album, and that kind of trust means more to me than anything. I’ve also been honored with multiple awards over the years, which is always humbling. But honestly, the thing that gets me the most is seeing bands I’ve worked with go on to do amazing things. Knowing I played even a small part in that is incredibly rewarding.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d just like to say that the North Texas music community is something really special. The amount of talent in this area is incredible, and the way people support each other is what makes it all work. I’m grateful to be a part of it and to play a role in helping artists get their music out into the world.
Outside of audio, I’m also a professional photographer specializing in editorial, concert, drag and wedding photography. You can find that work at michaelbriggs.photo and @michaelbriggsphoto on social media. For anyone looking to record, mix, or master their next project, you can find me at michaelbriggs.audio and @michaelbriggsaudio. I’m always happy to chat about your project and figure out how we can make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelbriggs.audio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbriggsaudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelbriggsaudio
Image Credits
All photos by Michael Briggs
