Meet Jalipaz Nelson of Audioconfusion in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalipaz Nelson.

Jalipaz, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, when I was 10 or 11 my brother got a really nice stereo component system. This was back in the ’80s and it had a spectrum analyzer with a microphone. Basically, the mic listened to the room and then you adjusted the eq based on what the analyzer told you. I was amazed and anytime I could, I would monkey with the eq and listen to what each band of eq did to the sound.

Jump ahead a few years when I started learning an instrument. I thought I liked the guitar but, when I started lessons, I soon realized I really didn’t. So, I started playing bass and eventually my friends and I started a band. But, it wasn’t too long before my best friend/singer/guitarist told me I sucked. So, I decided to manage them. Long story short, out of necessity, I eventually recorded them. I really had nothing to record them with so, I used headphones as microphones and just did what I could. Haha!

I also had this boom-box (that I still use) to record with sometimes. Man, I wish I still had some of those recordings to see how bad they really were.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Wow, ok, this is a crazy question I’m not normally asked. I’d say its been pretty smooth but it definitely started off slow. Mainly the obstacles I’ve faced, and I think most studios probably face, is “growing technology”. Anyone with a computer can record themselves. Some of the technology they’re making nowadays even does it for you. So, you don’t even need to know how to do a particular task.

Personally, I’m a fan of home recordings and I think they have a lot of charm. I actually try to accomplish the same feeling in my own recordings/mixes. Not knowing what you should or shouldn’t do makes for a really interesting and charming sounding record but, not everyone should record themselves.

Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc? What are you most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others?
Ok. Well, I own a commercial recording studio here in Mesa, Az called Audioconfusion. It’s important to say commercial now cause everyone and their mom has a “studio”.

I mainly record bands and singer-songwriter stuff but, I have also done voice-overs, podcasts and radio commercials too.

I record all types of music from underground doom-metal to country. My latest sampler opens up with a crazy metal song straight into an 80’s Merle Haggard-ish type country song. I love it!

What do I specialize in…. hmmm… well, I wouldn’t say I have a niche really but, I am kinda known for recording bands live. Picture a band practice without vocals, (we do vocals later) that’s how I record live.

Recently though, I realized that some people thought I only recorded live and that’s just not true. I don’t even necessarily prefer it, it’s just most bands sound better live and some can’t do track by track.

What am I most proud of… well, I’d say I’m most proud of my community. Everyone I work with are wonderful people and I don’t think a lot of people can say that; say, that everyone they work with is great.

I really have no idea what sets me apart from others. I’m not a musician. I don’t think that’s too common.

I like to produce pretty raw records. Like, I don’t use auto tune or replace drums. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not what I’m into. I think that’s all.

What is “success” or “successful” to you?
Well, I think that’s pretty easy, right? Success is when people want to work with you. Success is also when you make enough money to do what you want or need to do. I think that pretty much covers that. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: www.audioconfusion.bandcamp.com I have a site (www.audioconfusion.com) but all that matters is what the end product sounds like so check out the bandcamp page.
• Phone: 480.898.9904
• Email: audioconfusionstudio@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jalipazisaudioconfusion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audioconfusion/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/audioconfusion
• Other: www.audioconfusion.com

Image Credit:
Eric Fairchild
Jim Fury Hesterman

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