EQ Magazine - March, 2001

Rising Star - Todd Frangella
 
A picture of the Conservatory article in the October,1997 issue of Pro Audio Review
 
EQ Questions an up-and-coming engineer
who's starting to make his mark on the music business

This month's Rising Star takes a new twist as we talk with Todd Frangella, assistant manager at Enterprise Recording in Burbank, California. In that role, his involvement in recording has more to do with logistics than technical aspect, as he explains: "My responsibilities include finding assistants, gear, and sometimes engineers for sessions, as well as, making sure my runners are doing their jobs in a fast but complete manner. It's my job to make sure that every client gets the best service, and that each starts on time without any technical problems."

To that end, Frangella, a graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona, works anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week, and is on-call 24/7. "In this industry there are no days off," he comments. "You're expected to work all the time; if you don't want to, then there are other people out there that will. Forging a career in audio is difficult. People in this industry work so hard just to put out music enjoyed by all."

"From a very young age my parents instilled in me the need to listen," he concludes. "My philosophy toward customer service is that , without service, there are no customers." Refreshing thinking from someone on his way to the top.

EQ: How did you land your current gig?

Todd Frangella: I started as a runner, and was eventually asked to take the management position I currently have.

How did you get started in engineering?

I used to do the sound for my church in Plainfield, Illinois. I decided to try it as a career and attended the Conservatory in Arizona.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I'm currently working on my own business and would like to continue to move forward in this industry.

What are your ultimate career goals, and how do you intend to accomplish them?

I've always wanted to work for Warner Brothers. I tend to not plan too far in advance because of the very fast changes in this industry. I always set small goals to accomplish in route of achieving the larger goals.

What are your current favorite recordings and why?

I really liked Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger." I got to see firsthand the energy and time that goes into making, tracking, and mixing one song for someone with so much talent.

What's the single best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

My mom always said, "be humble" and my dad always told me you should never be stationery in your career.

What's the single best piece of advice you can give our readers?

Never let anyone stand in your way; there are no hurdles too big. When I moved to Los Angeles I said to myself, "Get going or go home." I've never looked back.