An interview with Gerard Barreto, Recording Engineer, Glamour Studios, Chicago

HR – How did you get into being a recording engineer and what keeps you doing it?

G – When I was in high school, I worked sound for the theater program and I learned a lot about microphones and other technical things regarding audio engineering. My good friend Dave’s older brother Tom would always have recording equipment around their house with which Dave and I would make little sound pieces. Tom recorded a lot of interesting experimental things and it really piqued my interest. I then went to Columbia College Chicago and enrolled in the Recording Department.

I keep recording because I’m always aiming to get the best sound, out of the best instrument, played by the best artist, to make the best possible record.

HR – What’s your favorite part of recording music?

G – My favorite aspect of recording music or more specifically making a record is the mixing process. There’s something about taking multiple tracks of recorded instruments mixing each till it’s at the right level and making it a song; it’s magic to me.

HR – Has being a musician helped your recording skills at all? If so, how?

G – Yes! Being able to understand music is integral to making great records. Having musical knowledge let’s me know when I’m getting the best out of whomever I’m recording. It’s all about the performance, and knowing when you have a great one!

HR – What are some of your favorite albums in terms of production?

G – This list could go one for a very long time but I’ll do my best to minimize it;

Of course, Beach Boys, Pet Sounds and The Beatles. Pick a record and it’ll probably make my list

Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline
Jimi Hendrix, Axis Bold as Love
Beck, Sea Change
Godspeed You! Black Emperor, F# A# ∞
Broken Social Scene, You Forgot It in People
The Walkmen, We’ve Been Had
Jim O’Rourke, Eureka
Smog, Dongs Of Sevotion
Weezer, Pinkerton

I’ll Stop there.

HR – Who inspires you?

G – This may sound cheesy, but honestly my friends and collaborators. I have to say they inspire me in the most tangible way because I get to see and experience what they do first hand, rather then read about it and imagine what it might be like to be there.

HR – What song or songs do you want played at your funeral?

G – This might be too on the head, but it’s the first thing that jumped out at me at the thought of the question.

Dress Sexy at My Funeral, Smog, off of “Dongs of Sevotion”

In addition to his work with Glamour Studios, Gerard is an accomplished musician currently playing with Love Raid and TCB (tiny cover band).He has, and continues, to make great contributions to the Chicago music scene.