Robert Sewell Orb Recording Studio's Head Engineer Gets Real

At the tender age of 25, producer and engineer Robert Sewell has already worked with exceptional pop artists such as Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, One Republic, Taylor Swift, and many more. After starting as a freelance engineer in Austin, Sewell began working with local artists and bands, and he was offered the opportunity to be the head engineer and studio manager at Orb Recording Studios after working with one of the owners prior to opening day. Sewell’s drive, dedication and his love for music continues to be seen and felt through the work he produces. Here, Sewell speaks to The Culture Trip about his day-to-day responsibilities and how working hard is essential in any industry.

What is what is your day-to-day work like?

My day to day varies. Usually, I wake up, get some coffee, answer emails, read and write a little bit, definitely listen to new music, and then from there I’ll hit the studio. Like I said, every day is different. Sometimes I’m working with the artists recording something, producing something. Sometimes I’m just mixing. Sometimes I’m writing. Every day is different.

What is the most memorable thing you have done?

If someone who is trying to do what you are doing, what advice would you give them?

The best advice I would give someone else trying to do this would be to work hard every single day, to be cool with others, to build those relationships, and just show up. Whatever opportunity you may have or think you may have, just show up and do what you can. If you’re interning at a studio, show up everyday and do what you can, even if it’s mopping. Just being in the environment and showing up everyday… your opportunity will come. I think a lot of people that I’ve known – friends and people that I’ve met – they never get that opportunity because, for whatever reason, they don’t show up everyday. They give up too easily. That opportunity is waiting for them, but it never happens because they never show up. So I would say just work hard and show up everyday and be cool with others.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Jeez, if I wasn’t doing this, I would probably… I don’t know, probably be living under a bridge somewhere. Honestly, I have no idea. I was flipping burgers before this. I would probably still be flipping burgers now.

If you could hang out with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

If I could hang out with anyone in the world right now it would probably be Max Martin. He is my biggest idol and biggest inspiration, and I would love just to pick at his brain and get advice from him and just see what makes him tick.

How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as someone that just really worked hard, that everyone really loved working with and someone who made great music.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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