Meet Austin Linkous | Music Product & Recording Engineer

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

Hi Austin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up music was a massive part of my household. My dad played guitar and was in bands, and there was always classic rock playing in the background. Throughout middle school and high school I was playing in bands, producing electronic music, and DJing school dances. I’ve always looked for a musical outlet. As I grew older, I realized that I loved the collaborative process of recording music with people who were passionate about the art they were creating. There is nothing as satisfying as seeing a song or a record come together in the studio. Being able to help bring someones vision to life is incredibly challenging, but also satisfying, and it really scratches the creative itch personally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has taken quite a few steps to get where I am today, and feel confident in the work I’m doing. After graduating college for music production, there weren’t a ton of immediate opportunities in that space. I was lucky enough after a couple years to work as an assistant under a producer and engineer I really respected. I learned a ton about the not just the practical side of recording music, but the mental side and what it takes to really make great songs and albums. I’ve learned that it’s not just being able to set up some microphones and press record, but it’s about connecting and pushing artists and musicians to achieve their best. It’s a delicate balance between knowing the practical side of audio, and managing people and personalities. I’ve found that I am at my best when I can let the artist fully express their vision, without adding my own bias or tastes into it. I think what separates me apart is really trying to not push conformity onto artists, and letting their music exist outside of standard expectations. Art and music should be raw and stir up feelings and emotions, and my goal is too show that human side of music outside the perfection we expect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First place on the list is always Amoeba Records. There is something amazing about looking through all these crates for the perfect record, and I love bringing friends to join the hunt. From there we are taking a long drive along PCH to hit the beach for some much needed sun and relaxation. El Matador is definitely my favorite spot in Malibu. As an avid coffee drinker, we need to check out all of the best coffee spots, including my personal favorite Civil Coffee. Morning or afternoon for that extra energy boost, it’s a must have. We’d close out by hitting up Arts District for dinner and drinks. Wurstkuche to get the evening started, Arts District Brewing to show everyone how good we are at Skee Ball, and finally EightyTwo so I can spend all my quarters losing on pinball.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a ton of credit to my friends and their bands that let me grow my skillset as a producer and engineer. Specifically Lancer Roscoe and Mark Cross. Finding bands and artists willing to let you record and mix their music early on is incredibly difficult, and they gave me a chance to explore and expand my skills and put out some of my first recordings.

Instagram: austin.linkous