How would you define your main role on most of the projects you work on at the moment?
I mostly work as a recording and mixing engineer, but more recently I am also producing and often play guitar on projects that I’m working on.
Please tell us a bit about your musical background. How did you get started in the music industry? What was your pathway to your current role?
I started playing guitar aged eight and eventually got into playing in bands as a teenager. I loved the idea of recording myself and was given a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder by my parents – I instantly got the recording bug, layering up my own guitar-based pieces to start with and then recording my own bands at school.
Fast forward a few years, whilst studying for a degree in Music and Sound Recording, I went for an interview at Real World Studios and managed to secure a placement year to work as assistant engineer to Peter Gabriel, under his long-time engineer Richard “Dickie” Chappell. This was my first big step into the industry and I learnt so much in that year: assisting on orchestral sessions at AIR Studios, tracking large-scale orchestral recordings on live shows and assisting on 5.1 mixes for a concert film release. I even got to make tea on a session with Jeff Beck and ended up singing gang vocals with him and his engineer one evening!
After university I was finding my feet as a freelance engineer, working on sessions at Real World, playing guitar / keys for a few artists on tours in UK and Europe, as well as mixing FOH and operating playback for live shows.
Following a chance meeting with renowned producer and songwriter Fraser T Smith, I began a new role as his in-house engineer. Over the last 4 years I’ve worked on many sessions with him, gaining valuable experience with high-level artists and honing my engineering and mixing skills under his guidance and mentorship. He also taught me so much about production, song-writing and music business.
What or who inspired you to follow this path?
My parents were a big influence on my musical taste growing up, the house was filled with records by the likes of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Bryan Adams and Def Leppard. My Dad was very encouraging and supportive when I was playing in bands, taking me to rehearsals and gigs around the country on a weekly basis. My music technology teacher was also a big inspiration to me at the time – he encouraged me to apply to the Tonmeister degree at Surrey University which is what led to such valuable opportunities in the industry.
Are there any highlights from your work that you are particularly proud of?
In 2024, whilst working with Fraser T Smith, I engineered the Snow Patrol album The Forest Is The Path, which included mixing half of the album (alongside Mark “Spike” Stent!) and doing the Dolby Atmos immersive mixes across the whole album. I learned so much in that process and am so grateful to Fraser for the opportunity and to Snow Patrol for trusting me with their music and being such kind people!
Another highlight is a recent EP by Bristol-based punk band Grandma’s House called Anything For You which I produced, mixed and played additional electric guitar on. I loved playing around with effects and feeding in trippy delays to what was generally a straight-up guitar / bass / drums band. I love seeing how far I can push an artist into new territory without compromising their authenticity.
What’s one tip you can share with other MPG members that could help their workflow?
A change of scenery and listening environment massively helps with perspective – step away from the screen regularly, engage with the artist face-to-face and don’t get too caught up in the details.
What’s one tip you would like an MPG member to share with you?
I would love any new tips on discovering and making new connections with artists to start creative collaborations.
Do you have any words of wisdom for people wanting to get into a similar music production role to yours?
Always be open to learning, it’s a never-ending journey – the music industry, genres and techniques keep evolving so we need to constantly adapt and build on previous experiences. It’s so important to find mentors who will guide you, give you valuable feedback along the way and champion your work.
Scott’s website: www.scottbarnettmusic.com
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