Meet Frank Nguyen | Audio Engineer & Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frank Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frank, what do you attribute your success to?
My parents wouldn’t verbally say they love me but instead my mom would cook me my favorite dish or my dad would change the oil in my car on the weekends when I’m home. That was the way my traditional Vietnamese parents said “I love you” and it took me a while to accept and understand that. Naturally I integrated acts of service as my love language into my everyday living. My act of service is helping others achieve their creative goals. Therefore, the relationships and the work I do with other creatives matter indefinitely. It’s always a pleasure working with others whether it’s producing beats for Aye Gizzle or placing mics to record a grand piano with multifarious instrumentalist Sojirn at his house in Menifee. The need to collaborate inspires me to curate a human experience when working on music… It’s the power of friendship!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Recently, I worked for Bigger Hammer Productions where we set up staging for Dua Lipa’s Grammy rehearsals in Van Nuys. I assisted in audio, pyro, and lighting for the Trilogy tour with Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Ricky Martin at the Honda Center. I also worked as an electrician for the WWE Raw show at Honda Center. Another company I work with is Williams Signal, where I’m working as a breakout op to set up video and audio in conference rooms in hotels or convention centers. I enjoy working in the live entertainment business because it shows me how new technology is being used in today’s shows and conferences. My goal is to be a Dante certified sound guy who will have a couple tours under his belt. Whether it’s live or studio, I’m quick to learn and am a good hang with the men and women who have been doing it longer than me. As a professional it is imperative for me to show up on time and arrive with my gear ready to work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Firstly I would take my best friend downtown LA to the Crypto.com Arena to see the Lakers game and we’d get ourselves a savory Smashburger right before that. I’d also plan a trip to Universal Studios where we would wake up early to get a pass and tour the whole amusement park and see every ride and attraction. The next day we would go to East Hollywood to see the Los Angeles Museum of Love and walk to It’s Boba Time down the street. There’s also a local deli nextdoor owned by Edwin which leaves you with a cool wholesome human experience. We might even walk to Gracie’s pizza place, slanging delicious pies from the parking lot next door on Cahuenga. Most local taco spots are fire too but my favorite joint has to be King Taco on Pico blvd because they close late and is an ideal choice after a long studio session. On the last day, I’d drive to the Hollywood Walk of Fame right by Capitol Records’ famous cylinder building and while we’re at it grab lunch at Shake Shack before seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl at night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Recently I started the AAPI Music Group which is a nonprofit collective made up of majority Asian artists, producers, and creatives. As a natural leader I like to bring others together. We have been meeting at the studio every Thursday night to hang out, share stories, and collaborate on music. I think it’s so important to have a team who you can laugh, cry, and be serious with in this industry. Our goals are to start a professional record label, acquire sponsorships, and create content for Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok. If you’re anyone passionate about music and networking and would appreciate working in an environment supported by majority Asians, then this is a perfect place for you!

Website: https://linktr.ee/frankalankadank

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankalankadank/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-nguyen-57911415a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiabYZavcyEzOKWZF2fa9ew/featured

Image Credits
Miguel Ortega