In praise of Omni Sound Project
A community that has brought me so much
Hi Omni,
It’s Meredith, and I’ve come here to reflect. Am I reflecting on my own work? Mixes in development? Musical technique? Nope. I’m reflecting on Omni Sound Project itself, this community we have right here, together, thanks to Lisa Machac’s generous work and commitment.
As you can see, I’ve been pretty involved here. I’ve now authored a Patch Bay or two in my time and appeared on the Reference Tracks podcast, and I feel extremely lucky to say that our courageous founder Lisa has become a friend. But at the start of this journey, I was but a fly on the wall, lurking, wondering if I could possibly soak in any information at all pertaining to the craft of audio as I was stuck at home COVID-schooling my children, struggling to maintain any income at all as a speech therapist, and trying to remain true to my art and purpose.
Phew!
But you know what? OSP was here for me. I still remember that first time I turned my camera on in a Zoom class and shared my shaky goals, kids just out of view, feeling like a max-level imposter. But Lisa never treated me as one—nor did Jam Phelps, Lisa Kacos, Kia Shavon, or Annlie Huang as I humbly took their classes and grew, incrementally, as an engineer, songwriter, and person.
This issue of the Patch Bay is dedicated to giving ourselves the permission we need to feel legitimate as we embark upon new creative challenges. Whether you’re an experienced producer expanding your studio knowledge or a newbie, like I was, seeking refuge among kind-hearted, generous audio types here at Omni Sound Project, know that you’ve got this. You’re the real deal.
Next up, some audio gossip…
We have an amazing opportunity for you to win a new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 interface—and all you have to do to enter is become, or remain, a paid subscriber for just $5 a month.
Call and Response
See that photo I shared up there? Why not take one of yourself in your audio element? It surprised me how empowering an exercise this was. If you haven’t done this yet (or in a while), do it now—and share it with us via email!
Speaking of stories, we bet you have those to tell, and we’re looking for submissions to this very newsletter. Share your insights with us. We’re excited to see how wise you are.
Love, Meredith