On Thursday, April 7, 2016, The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter, in association with the Producers & Engineers Wing, hosted the latest “Grammy Pro Up Close and Personal” event at The W Atlanta Buckhead Hotel. The gathering featured an intimate conversation with Grammy Award–nominated producer Butch Walker (Pink, Katy Perry, Weezer) and Grammy Award–winning producer Dave Cobb (Shooter Jennings, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton).
The evening began with a cocktail reception and mixer. Afterward, attendees moved to the W’s ballroom for the program.
Atlanta Chapter Sr. Executive Director Michele Caplinger and Chapter President Thom “TK” Kidd took the stage to welcome VIP guests and thank sponsors. Then, Maureen Droney Managing Director, P&E Wing and Recording Technology, provided an update on the P&E Wing’s national initiatives.
Following a video montage highlighting Walker’s and Cobb’s accomplishments, the two took the stage for the main event: a candid conversation and Q&A session with these two recording luminaries. Event sponsors included City National Bank, Delta, DTS, Sean O’Keefe Events and W Atlanta Buckhead.
Walker provided his perspective on the creative process in terms of songwriting and production. “It’s hard to schedule creativity; you just have to let it come when it comes,” Walker said regarding his perspective on the creative process in terms of songwriting and production. “There is no end to failures. There is always going to be a pitfall. Once you overcome the fear of failure, it allows you to get back on your feet. You can’t be scared to tackle it and overcome it.”
Cobb commented on his recent double-Grammy win at the 58th Grammy Awards: “Being there and receiving two Grammys just doesn’t seem real. I left in a daze.” An audience question led to Cobb summing up his essential elements for making a record; he replied, “A good song, great talent, and a great studio are how to make a great record.”
“The evening was a total home run, ” says Droney. “The insight, information and inspiration provided by these hugely successful industry pros is an invaluable resource for our members, and we were glad to see such strong participation. Butch and Dave are dynamic, creative and engaging, and it made for a terrific discussion. Kudos to our Atlanta Chapter and our sponsors for another successful event.”
For information about The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter, go to www.grammypro.com/chapters/atlanta.
