Tell us a little bit about what you do professionally, and who you are as a person.

I am a mastering engineer based out of Portland, Oregon. I’ve been based out of the Telegraph Mastering studio since 2013. My background prior to audio engineering was in advocacy and community empowerment. I continue to stay very engaged in local grassroots efforts to uplift people and build bridges towards resources. I serve on the board of directors for Friends of Noise and do some behind the scenes operational work for an organization called WeShine.

What’s a non-conventional phrasing to explain what you do? 

Some call it a “dark art”, I tend to just say I’m a finisher.

Is there something that you read, watched, or listened to that changed your approach to your craft or to music as a whole? 

Essential books that shaped my craft:

Mastering Audio - Bob Katz

Audio Mastering: Essential Practices - Jonathan Wyner

What’s your advice to an artist working with an engineer for the first time? 

Do your homework. Make sure that you are listening to their work and like the sound aesthetic array that they offer. Engineers are often self employed and typically extremely busy so hopping on a call to feel out every potential client isn’t always reasonable. Once you get on the mastering engineer's schedule, if you don’t receive information, ask questions about how the engineer would like to receive your music and what you can expect from the experience. 

What’s something happening in the music industry at large that makes you feel hopeful or inspired? 

So. Much. Advocacy. In my hometown of Portland, in the Pacific Northwest, in our country. There are many organizations working really hard to advocate for quality of life issues for the music industry. Get involved. Even if it’s just supporting organizations that are doing important work with a donation or dues, but even better is to show up to events and find out how you can help. Shout out to Friends of Noise, MusicPortland, and the PNW chapter of the Recording Academy. Heroes.

Who’s someone you admire? 

Heba Kadry. She is the absolute best. Her career arch has been truly a thing of beauty to behold. And her work continues to inspire and elevate. I never tire of paying attention to what she is up to and working on.

What’s something happening in your specific field that you’re excited about right now?

I don’t know if excited is the right word, but I’m curious about how AI can augment software and mastering tools to help professionals improve their craft or may help level the playing field for folx that can’t afford professional mastering. I also continue to be curious about spatial audio and how that may influence creativity and interesting ways of hearing a mix. I’m always open to new ways for someone to be completely blown away by a musical experience.

Keep up with Amy's work at:

https://amydragon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amy__dragon/