Rising Stars: Eric Milos

As we get closer to the Pro Sound Awards on 24 September, we have heard from a range of upcoming stars in the pro-audio industry, all vying for a chance to take home the Rising Star prize at the event.

Among them is engineer Eric Milos, who was only too happy to tell Audio Media International about his career so far, from his origins in Ohio to his dream of acquiring his own studio. 

Where did it all begin for you as an engineer?

I started out in my basement in Cleveland as a teenager, experimenting with a variety of recording mediums for the bands I was in at the time. Eventually, I started recording other local bands and slowly building up my studio from the proceeds of each session.

Where did you study?

I went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. There I received a bachelor of music degree in Music Production and Engineering, as well as Electronic Production and Design.

Where are you based?

I currently own Clear Lake Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California.

How old were you when you got into the industry?

I started recording other bands when I was 16; when I finished school I got my first real studio job at Henson Recording Studios as a runner when I was 22.

What made you want to work in pro-audio?

I had a Tascam portastudio when I was 11 and always enjoyed it, however a few years later I had a piano teacher that also went to Berklee and he really got me into it.

Who would you say are your biggest influences?

As an engineer I have always been a big fan of Tchad Blake. I really like his creative outlook and approach. I also like his willingness to try anything and everything.

What are the big landmarks of your career?

Acquiring Clear Lake is certainly the biggest achievement of my career thus far. However, prior to that and since then I have had the opportunity to work with a number of indie and major label acts that have been fascinating and rewarding.

Can you tell us about any recent projects? What are you working on currently?

Fortunately, we have a pretty steady flow of fantastic indie and major label stuff coming through the doors. Most recently, I tracked and mixed a full album 100% to tape; also this year I’ve worked with a number of great artists who funded their recordings through Kickstarter. One great example is Meaghan Maples.

What are your favourite items of audio equipment? What do you find yourself relying on most?

I really love my Pultec EQs, 1176s, and Allen Smart C2. Out of all of my gear those get used most consistently. The Pultec can do things to a kick drum that no other EQ to my knowledge can. The 1176s are just excellent all-round compressors and I use them with regularity on snare and vocals. The C2 is also a great mix buss compressor.

If you could work with one artist or group, who would it be?

I can’t and won’t pick one. There are too many varieties of music that I love to record for different reasons. One of the things I love most about my studio is the variety we get. One day I’ll be recording a rock band, the next hip-hop, strings, horns, folk bands, singer songwriters, you name it. Keeps my life very interesting.

Where do you want to be in ten years?

I would love to still be running my studio, working on interesting projects and possibly running a bigger network of studios and production rooms.

www.clearlakerecordingstudios.com