Meet Don Salaam | Audio Engineer | Songwriter | Artist

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

Hi Don Salaam, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because music has always been deeply ingrained in my life and identity. Growing up, I became fascinated with the process of creating music, not just listening to it. I wanted to understand how those sounds came together—the layers, the textures, the emotions.

Over time, that curiosity evolved into a desire to contribute to the art form myself. I discovered my love for recording, mixing, and mastering, realizing that I could shape the way music is experienced. Music is not just a profession for me; it’s a way of life. It allows me to connect with others, tell stories, and preserve the authenticity of the artists I work with.

Ultimately, I chose this path because it aligns with my passion for creating meaningful art and my commitment to excellence. Music is my way of contributing to the world, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love.

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.
My art is centered around creating soundscapes that resonates with listeners while staying true to the essence of the music I work on. It’s equally important to bring the artist’s vision to life, ensuring that their unique voice and creative intent are fully materialized. At the same time, I strive to honor the fundamental elements that make each genre special, capturing its distinct character and preserving its authenticity.

As an audio engineer, I understand that every aspect of the studio environment contributes to the unique character of a song. From the microphones chosen for tracking and how they interact with an artist’s voice, to the preamps and even the acoustics of the recording space—each element adds a subtle texture that shapes the overall sonic characteristics of a track. By balancing these elements, I create music that not only connects with audiences but also remains faithful to the artistry and tradition behind it.

What sets me apart is my dedication to intentionality and my respect for the craft’s history while remaining open to the artist’s vision. I study the legendary engineers of the past and constantly take notes, learning from their techniques, tools and innovations. While we live in an age of incredible technological advances, where digital tools emulate analog gear, I never lose sight of the warmth and character that analog equipment brings to the table. This is why I work in a hybrid studio, combining the convenience of digital technology with the non-linearities of analog gear. It’s this balance that allows me to bring both precision and depth to every project.

As far as how I got to where I am today professionally? Two words: humility and dedication. My journey as an audio engineer has spanned over a decade, and it has been anything but easy. However, I’ve always maintained focus on my goals. For me, when I’m determined to achieve something, the challenges fade into the background because I’m locked in on the work itself. I live by the belief that every day must be a step forward toward progress. If you’re not moving forward, you’re standing still—and standing still means wasting precious time.

Overcoming challenges has been about maintaining this mindset and not getting discouraged by obstacles or setbacks. Instead of focusing on the difficulty of the path, I concentrate on my passion for the craft and my drive to improve. This approach has been my compass throughout the highs and lows of my career.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stop focusing on how long it takes to reach your goals and instead focus on how you prepare for the moment you achieve them. Success is not just about getting there—it’s about staying there. That requires discipline, dedication, and a skillset that allows you to maintain what you’ve worked so hard for. Every step of the journey is an opportunity to develop the tools you’ll need for when your moment arrives.

The world should know that my work is a reflection of my commitment to excellence and authenticity. My position at Blue Door Productions, represents more than just audio engineering; it’s about creating timeless music that speaks to the soul. I take pride in blending the artistry of the past with the possibilities of the present, honoring the roots of music while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I’m dedicated to my craft, working tirelessly 24/7, seven days a week. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of sound to connect and inspire people.

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.
Honestly, I’m probably the wrong person to ask this question, lol. Most of my friends’ idea of a good time is hitting the studio and cutting the next hit record—that’s where we hang. As a Moslem, I don’t drink, but when it comes to food, I’ve got a few favorite spots I’d recommend. You can’t go wrong with “Bobo’s” or Chico’s Pizza in Lynwood, “Simply Wholesome” off Slauson for the vegan eateries, or “Ashoka” off the 91 on Pioneer.

As for sightseeing, most people visiting LA want to see the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, and while that’s a classic tourist spot, I’ve never been much of a tourist type myself. For me, LA is more about the hidden gems, the creative spaces, and the vibe you feel when you’re working on something meaningful in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my journey and success to a combination of personal influences, incredible mentors, and the support of the amazing people I’ve worked with. First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Allah, the father of the universe. To him alone deserves all the praise and adoration. Secondly Id like to recognize and honor my mother. She was the one who first introduced me to music through her extensive vinyl & CD collection. Sitting in her living room, listening to those records, planted the seed for my lifelong passion for music and audio production.

Professionally, working with Grammy-winning artist and producer Shafiq Husayn has been one of the most defining experiences of my career. I’ve had the honor of collaborating on numerous projects, including “So Gold” which features contributions from Sa-Ra, Anderson .Paak, Jimetta Rose, etc., where I served as the mastering engineer, and “Out Of The Blue” by Blu & Shafiq, where I handled both mixing and mastering. “Out Of The Blue” was featured in Bandcamp’s April 2024 article, “The Best Hip-Hop on Bandcamp,” and both projects earned significant accolades, with “So Gold” receiving Grammy consideration. These milestones highlight the depth and impact of our creative collaborations.

I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous records with Project Blowed affiliate and LA hip-hop pioneer Born Allah. These include “Conclusions” featuring myself (produced by Shafiq), “Whoop Wop” (produced by Marc Live of Legends Recordings LLC), and his upcoming album, “Sweet Daddy Grace – Baddd Asss Songs”, where I mixed six records on the album. These projects have given me the opportunity to bring my creative vision to life and contribute to the legacy of LA hip-hop..

Collaborating with talented artists/producers such as Shafiq, Taraach, Nolan The Mixer, Born Allah, Speed Walton, Blu, Gee Rick (MHG), Tracy Lane (Ceo of Muziq Factory), Dee Lo (The Prince of the West Coast), Marc Live, On1 Made It, August Rose, Didda Joe, Thurz, MC Wicks, VCL The Moslem, Joe Roq, A.O.D., CMO Smurfio, Fly Spruce, Yaccahmoe, Boy Duce, Marv Dogg, T Bone Da Mac and many others, though not in any specific order, has truly been an honor. Their artistry has continually inspired me to push the boundaries of creativity, whether I’m engineering their music or contributing as a featured artist, as I did on Taraach’s latest song “Shine” (produced by Shafiq). We’ve got plenty more projects in the works, and we’re excited to share them soon.

I also want to recognize my experiences at The Los Angeles Recording School and El Camino College, where I honed my technical skills and developed a deep understanding of audio engineering. These institutions equipped me with the confidence and expertise to join Blue Door Productions, where I now serve as one of the lead engineers, delivering top-tier recording, mixing, and mastering services to clients nationwide.

On a broader scale, the teachings from the Holy Prophet Noble Drew Ali, the Sheiks and Adepts of Moorish Science Temple of America have deeply shaped how I view not only my career but life as a whole. They have instilled in me the importance of remaining purposeful, disciplined, grounded and humble in all that I do. Their wisdom plays a vital role in guiding my holistic approach to my craft and in helping me navigate the challenges of this industry with integrity and focus.

Lastly, I want to thank my family, friends, and the people who believe in me. Their encouragement has been a driving force behind everything I do. Music is not just my career—it’s my purpose—and I’m grateful for every person and experience that has shaped my journey. If I happened to leave anyone out by name, please don’t take it personally—just blame my mind, not my heart!

Website: https://linktr.ee/don_salaam

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-salaam-97a294273

Twitter: https://x.com/I_am_don_salaam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Don-Salaam/100086575329837/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@don_salaam

Image Credits
Personal photo of me in blue 📷: Marc Live – Co Founder of Legends Recordings LLC
The three studio pics 📷: Don Salaam
the two images of me (one in front of the desk and sitting in the chair in all black) 📷: McGee Bey of Impeccable Media Group
Pic of Born Allah and myself from the video “Conclusions” (produced by Shafiq) 📷: McGee Bey of Impeccable Media Group
Ominous Presence 📷: McGee Bey of Impeccable Media Group