Audeze catches up with drummer, producer, and mastering engineer Shayan Fathi

SHayan Fathi wearing Audeze LCD-X headphones in the studio

Audeze Artist Profile

Shayan Fathi

Shayan Fathi is a multi-talented artist, drummer/producer and mixing/mastering engineer based in Spain who is one of the most recognised names in the Spanish music industry. He currently runs a recording studio in Vallecas/Madrid called Camaleon Studios.
 

In His Own Words

 
I remember the first time finishing a mix, listening back in my studio on my tuned monitors and room, and not wanting to change anything, especially in the low end. It blew my mind.
- Shayan Fathi
Shayan Fathi holding Audeze LCD-X headphones

Notable Works by Shayan

Can you pick a few highlights from your work that you're especially proud of?

Antonio Lizana - Una realidad diferente

Daniel Garcia Diego - Via de la plata

Pablo Martin Caminero - Bost

Miron Rafajlovic - Trubadur

Moises P. Sanchez - Bach re inventions

Pepe R. Angela Cervantes - Olas y Arenas

How would you define your main role on most of your projects these days?

When I’m working as a sound engineer with other artists I’m the sound guide they rely on, while recording, mixing or mastering. As an active musician I know that the main goal is to hear your music as intended in your imagination. This is what I’m trying to achieve when I’m working with other colleagues. To try to make the crossfade between music and the tech part as smooth as possible.

What was some favorite music growing up and how has that evolved?

I started playing the piano at 8, then drums/percussion and simultaneously getting into recording while studying music. Mostly being attracted to acoustic music, Jazz / RnB / Latin, but also a big chunk was the influence of the Austrian/Viennese electronic music scene, where I learned a lot from great producers.

Can you name any factors that influenced the course of your musical life?

In general everything that’s musically good and sounding great, but that’s also very subjective. But as an event, in the early 2000s I would say due to the digitalisation of sound and recording, tight drums and bass with that extended frequency range that was not possible to hear before, at least not in detail.

And in the last 15 years everything that’s connected to the Latin / Afro / Flamenco / Jazz music scene.

Can you describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and how you may have overcome it?

Just if technology is in your way while you try to be creative! This is really getting better and better over the last 15 years.

What is your current favorite instrument, effect, or piece of gear?

I recommend headphones you can rely on, a Macbook, soundcard, and knowing what you are doing with software (or hardware, doesn’t matter... ). Trust your ears!

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path?

Be patient and do your best. Listen to good music and surround yourself with people with great energy. Now is the time, it’s never been easier and cheaper to make music on a very high level.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you use them in your workflow?

Bought my first mixing headphones in 2007, and switched to full headphone mixing in 2012. I do not just work with my headphones, I also listen to music and other stuff with them, to get to know them as good as possible.

The LCD-X became my main tool. Not starting nor finishing a mix without them.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work? Can you tell us what you've been working on with them recently?

My Audeze LCD-X have become my main reference headphones, I gained confidence.

I remember the first time finishing a mix, listening back in my studio on my tuned monitors and room, and not wanting to change anything, especially in the low end. It blew my mind.

I did Alfredo Rodriguez' Album Coral Way on the MM-500 (only).

Artists may receive discounted Audeze product in exchange for interviews and opinions. Audeze does not solicit specific outcomes as part of any artist agreement.