Tell us about yourself- what has been your relationship to music? Do you have any current projects?
I’m Fraser Jack, I’m 20 years old. I started with music when I was about 9 or 10,
playing trombone for the Jedforest Instrumental band. I then moved on to play B Flat
Bass. And from there picked up bass and guitar. I’ve always been interested in music, all
spanning from my interest in Metallica. I enjoy recording music but I
absolutely love mixing it live.
As of writing this, I’m in Greece refitting an Amphitheatre with new truss, speakers, lights and
video wall. Coming up, I have a friend’s band to mix at Summer Camp festival in Chillicothe,
Illinois and Tall ships in Shetland. I’m working across Glasgow in The 13th Note, the Classic
Grand and St Lukes. I am also working for Sound Acoustics and Stagehire.
Why did you want to study at Riverside Music College? What benefits do you feel
there are to studying at RMC?
To me, Riverside Music College seemed the best choice of all the available Audio courses, an esteemed list of lecturers and so close to Glasgow. The available equipment was very enticing.. especially the Amec Mozart mixing desk. Also, the ability to stay studying at RMC and complete your Bsc year on campus is brilliant!
How well has the HND Sound Production course prepared you for working in the industry?
It’s been very helpful. I have been able to practise the basics time over time and really get to know a mixing console. Any questions I have had about upcoming work, Shaun (Neethling, Sound Pro Lecturer) has been happy to hear them out and help me in any way he could. Duncan (Cameron, Head of Centre) & Jamie (Cameron, Senior lecturer in Music Performance) have been truly amazing at helping me get into work and find upcoming jobs.
What is your favourite part of working in live sound engineering?
Seeing a band playing tight together and throwing themselves into it, to the audience who are loving every minute. That’s when I feel I’m really mixing for the band.. While i’m dancing behind the desk and mixing. I also love setting up systems, getting everything up and running, EQing the system and getting a room sounding good. The people I have worked with doing this job have been some of the best people I have worked with and known, so many talented and kind people.
What would be the dream live music event that you would want to do sound for?
A dream gig for me would be either mixing Front of House for Alestorm in the Barrowlands or
mixing for Korn.
What advice would you give to other students looking to transfer their skills in the
real world?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Not in college, and especially not when you’re working.
Everyone you meet will have a little trick to help you, and will be more than happy to show
you.
And throw yourself into it! Some of the work can be daunting but the best way to learn is to make mistakes.
What are your future plans?
I am hoping to start mixing for The Rooks regularly. I have had a blast so far with the guys
and the sound they make is brilliant. I think the next move for me is to start touring. Long
hours and long contracts, but you can’t get closer to the music you love than to work on the
shows.
You are one click away from beginning your
journey at Riverside Music College
Extracurricular Project Development Programme
Employers and Universities already view our students in the highest regard in terms of their skills, knowledge and professional attitude – RMCplus+, our extracurricular project development programme, aims to take this to the next level and gives our students an even greater advantage in this competitive industry.
We are unrivalled when it comes to practical learning!
