Audio Media International, in association with Genelec, presents the latest in its series of Next Generation Spotlight interviews. Here, we catch up with engineer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Aryanne Maudit, who discusses career origins, industry challenges and plans for the future…

What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Ary and I’m a multi instrumentalist, producer and sound engineer based in London. I recently founded AM Production, which offers audio services such as mixing, production and recording with a special focus on women, LBGTQIA+ and all the minorities in the music industry. The objective is, aside of creating and crafting great music, to level the gender gap in the music industry and make it a more inclusive environment.

What inspired you to get into studio work?
I have always been fascinated by technology and production. Being out of studio facilities and rehearsal rooms in Amalfi Coast (south of Italy), I saw myself forced to improvise a studio in an abandoned summer house. From there I developed a strong interest in mixing, recording and  microphones. This interest became even bigger when I moved to London where I played as a session guitarist for punk rock bands in small recording studios across the city. It was in 2018 I decided to take the engineering and production career seriously and become the person I always wanted to have around in the studio.

Tell us about your route into the industry?
I started as a lead guitarist in rock and punk bands from an early age. When I moved to London I auditioned for bands and I started touring the country right away. That allowed me to meet a wide range of people. Working for Live Nation and warehouses also helped me shaping my route into the industry.

Tell us about some of the key projects you’ve worked on over the past 12 months?
In the last year I have been involved if a few projects. I recently launched a contest for women, LGBTQIA+ and BAME backgrounds to apply for a free mix, production or recording called Mixed By a Woman with the aim of helping to level the gender gap in the music industry and make it a more inclusive place, in line with the whole AM Production ethos.

I engineered and mixed the debut EP of P.O.M.E. who has also been featured on Vive Le Rock Magazine, plus other minor projects. I also collaborated with Music Production For Women with a short tutorial about EQ .

What is your approach to work in the studio?
My studio approach is very versatile: Firstly, it is of vital importance the artist I’m working with feels comfortable and is in the right mindset to deliver the best performance. Moreover, at the moment I don’t own a big recording studio facility but I dry hire studios. I try to keep the recording process open to possibilities, according to the gear available.

Who/what have been some of your biggest influences in your career to date?
My biggest influences always came from the musicians I admired, such as Joes Strummer and Florence Welsh. I highly admire producers and mix engineers like Marta Salogni and George Daniel. I never had a mentor, but recently I came across Katie Tavini and the 2% Rising group – that has been game-changing, as they are giving great industry advice to all women, non-binary and minority producers.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the industry?
Unfortunately, most of my challenges have been related to gender and nationality. I won’t go into details because I’m a person who always try to stay positive and I believe the facts and music always speak for you and help you move forward.

What projects do you have coming up?
I am scoring a short Italian movie due in 2021 and working on my portfolio of music for media. The pandemic situation motivated me to consider different fields and has been both inspiring and unexpected.