Music Production Podcast

William Garrett - From Sweeping Floors to 10 Billion Streams

Mar 25, 2025

01:52:39

William Garrett is a mixing and recording engineer and producer, and studio builder and manager. He managed a studio for Sony in New York City for 15 years and was Senior Music Producer for Spotify Singles, recording and mixing more than 900 tracks that have over 10 billion streams to date. William has worked with countless artists like Jack White, Miley Cyrus, Shania Twain, John Cale, Cyndi Lauper, The National, Norah Jones, Elton John… the list goes on and on… it might have been easier to mention who he hasn’t worked with!

William shared his story from humble beginnings sweeping the floor of a studio to working with some of the greatest artists of all time.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

William started his career sweeping floors in a recording studio.
He learned valuable lessons from observing Aerosmith and Carly Simon.
Sight lines in the studio are crucial for band communication.
Vulnerability in the creative process can derail a session.
The Boston music scene provided a rich environment for growth.
Transitioning to New York was a significant step in his career.
Building relationships in the industry is key to success.
Every session is a learning experience, regardless of the artist. Recording technology has evolved significantly over the years.
Creative limitations can enhance the music-making process.
Time constraints often lead to more focused and energetic recordings.
The spirit of spontaneity can lead to unique musical moments.
Mixing is an art that requires both skill and intuition.
Experimentation is key to discovering new sounds.
Reading the room is crucial for producers to facilitate creativity.
The vibe in the studio can significantly impact the outcome of a session.