Recent Halifax Audio Engineering program grad Justin “Grubby” Gaudreault has kept busy working as a DJ, Producer, Audio Engineer, and the list goes on…W e recently caught up with him to talk about his experience, and his recent DJ gig at the Mercedes Benz Startup Fashion Show:

Congrats – we see that you were recently involved in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Start Up Competition in Halifax. What a great experience! 

I actually graduated in April 2012, and even though I’m done school, I will always be learning. This event gave me further experience of performing at a fashion show, working with large groups, and maintaining deadlines.

How did you get involved in the show?

I received an email from an IMG representative saying that I was recommended to them about booking me as the event DJ.

Before the event, I had to meet with all of the designers and discuss what music would be played for their sets. During the event I had to remix the songs to make them longer to meet the time needed for the models to walk on the catwalk.

Sounds like an awesome event (check out the event photos on the Mercedes Benz Start Up Facebook page)!! So tell us, how did your start as a DJ?

I was looking for a school that could help steer me in the direction I wanted to take in the industry. When I started school I was a self taught DJ/Producer of electronic music. I felt that I took it as far as I could on my own. When I found this school I knew right away it was for me to get audio/DJ training. Now I’m a DJ/Producer/Remixer/Sound Designer/Audio Engineer.

Taking the Audio Engineering program has allowed me to be pretty versatile within the industry. I work with bands and artists now producing beats, recording vocals, editing music, consulting on sessions in many different genres. , I have also done some sound design for a web series titled “PJ Henson and His Amazing Space Adventures!” also I have done Location Sound for the video “Listen” – Honouring Canadian Veterans as well as continue to DJ and produce in my solo career.

What do you like about the audio and music industry? 

I like a lot of different things about the industry really, but one thing I really like is helping artists see their ideas turn into a reality.

What is the one thing you would tell potential students about your experience at College for Arts and Technology?

I would tell them that you get out what you put in, do as much volunteer work as you can, make connections in the industry, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Making the decision to attend this school as completely changed my life, not only in the audio industry but as a person also.

What was your favourite part about the program? There was too many favourites to list really but if I could pick a few I would have to say, The connections you make, The knowledge of the instructors, and discovering that there is a lot more to the audio field than what most think.

Thanks for chatting with us today Justin! How can people find you online?

You can find me on Soundcloud, Twitter, Facebook.

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