My name is Jeff, and I'd love to bring great live audio to your act. Whether you need a great FOH mix, monitors on IEMs or wedges, or both, I'd love to explore how I can help support your needs.
I have over 20 years experience in the live production industry. My experience ranges from live bands to theater, corporate events, houses of worship, and plenty of places in between.
In working with many different clients in multiple areas and genres, I have learned to adjust to the varying needs of each individual. Whether you need a full-roar FOH mix for a rock show, a dedicated monitor engineer so you can hear what you need when you need it, and anything in between.
Want your show or event recorded? Anything from a basic stereo to full multitrack DAW recording is possible, depending on event and system capabilities.
Strands audio is now officially certified on the Solid State Logic L300 and L500 digital live mixing consoles. We can provide on-site technical support, mixing, recording, etc. for your event with the L300 or L500. Contact us for details.
I have experience operating a wide variety of equipment. Digital console experience includes Yamaha, AVID, Midas, Roland, Behringer, and others. System tuning/tech is also possible.
I'm a non-smoker, have a current passport, and can drive vans, trucks, and trailers below CDL level.
I also have plenty of experience traveling for events and gigs. Fly-in dates and short tours are no problem. Longer tours (2+ weeks) may require more advance notice for shifting prior commitments.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Jeff Ekstrand - Strands Audio
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Either? I lean more towards digital, simply because of the added tools, recall, and decreased cost/footprint. But analog has its place, and it's always fun to get back to roots.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Getting to work with people, and seeing a crowd of fans engage with my client.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That audio guys, in general, don't care.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What has been your typical experience with a live audio engineer? What do you wish were different about that experience or experiences? How do you typically spend a day leading up to a show or performance? If you compare your musical style to one other act, to whom are you most similar?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Engage your production personnel in your process. Allow them to understand what makes you move, what the motivation is behind your songs, and what other kinds of music you like. This can help anyone from an audio engineer to your lighting tech provide you with an experience that will satisfy your needs.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My IEMs and iPhone, Macbook Air, a USB audio interface, and something to record.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have 20+ years in the live production business. I started running sound for local dance companies renting a school auditorium, spent multiple years living backstage in a theater, and countless hours traveling and working with clients in the corporate and music worlds. My home base is currently in the Pacific Northwest, where I split time between events like yours, and producing live events and services for a local church.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I enjoy working *with* the band. The more I know about your unique needs, the better solution I can provide. Sound-checks are interactive, with a balance between professional and personal that allows us to provide a great experience for your fans.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to spend some time working with someone like John Mayer. He writes great music, and really cares about the nuances of a song. He knows what he wants, and what it takes to make that happen.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My musical influences include a variety of genres. U2, Foo Fighters, Matt Wertz, Norah Jones, John Mayer, etc.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing live audio for bands, sing-songwriters, etc. Front of House or Monitors, live recording available.
- Live SoundAverage price - $400 per concert
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