Meet Fabrice (Fab J) Jean: Sound Engineer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fabrice (Fab J) Jean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fabrice (Fab J), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
For me, since I started from scratch I had nothing to lose. Risk-taking is something I’ve always done, but I strongly believe in calculated risk. I feel like what people can perceive as risky from the outside, could also be really thought-through. For me it’s all about preparation-being prepared to take opportunities when they come. Some people might think you did it on a whim, but you’ve been planning that move for two years and it finally presented itself. There’s no high result without high risk, especially in the music industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m Fab J, a sound engineer and producer based in Montreal, Canada. I record artists, mix and master. I also produce, I’m currently the producer for the R&B singer Raven. I work at Piccolo Studios in Montreal and also mix/master from my own studio. I work in many genres, but I tend to draw influences from R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop, Afro and Pop. I think what sets me apart is my work ethic and overall vibe/human relations skills. I get along with everyone and I’m super open-minded. It’s really important for me to have a good vibe with the client in the studio. I think people underestimate the power of human relations and humility in this industry. I think another one of my strengths is that I don’t stop working until I have pushed it to my best and the client is 100% happy. To grow as a brand, word of mouth is super powerful. I never want to stop learning, and I’m constantly digging for new mixing and producing techniques in order to provide the best for my clients and grow with them. I also want to be able to always have something new to offer. I’m most proud when I create something out of nothing with an artist. Hearing the final result of a song and seeing everyone excited about it, there’s no better feeling than that.

I think I got where I am today from being consistent in my output, educating myself everyday, and forming connections. For me, since I started from scratch bootstrapping, I had nothing to lose. Being from a smaller city, I moved to Montreal 4 years ago knowing almost no one, starting from the bottom, knocking at the doors of studios, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my career. It wasn’t easy, it takes some time to gain a steady income doing what you love. It also affects your work/life balance a lot in the beginning. But slowly things change. The more you work, the more acknowledgment you get for that work, which helps you gain confidence and you can raise your price. You start to be able to work less hours in a day with more financial gain.

I have a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

People will hire you because they like your personality. Even if you’re not the best, if you’re easy to work with and people have a good time, they will hire you.

Your brand cannot be healthy if you’re not healthy. Work/life balance is important for the long run.

It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Constant effort and being prepared to seize opportunity when it presents itself is key.

Humility: don’t try to do it all, collaborate, delegate what you can.

Confidence: Be confident with your value, If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you.

Give your best every time, communicate, involve your client in your work. Never leave a client unhappy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you ever come to Montreal, you have to get a poutine. I’d probably take someone to La Banquise, and enjoy it at Parc La Fontaine. Then we might go to La Ronde, an amusement park right on the water. Then we’d head up to my neighbourhood in the Mile End for a fresh, hot bagel- a Montreal staple. If it was a date, I’d take them for a walk in the Old Port by the water, or sunset at the top of Mont Royal then cocktails at a rooftop downtown. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family for being really supportive with the career choices I make. My two brothers have always been there for support and anytime I need to brainstorm. I also want to recognize Pongofromthes, who has trusted me with his music since day one. We’ve been working together since I started engineering. I’d like to shoutout my teachers Jacques Montminy and Claude Laflamme as well as Dave Pensado for sharing with me their passion for sound. They confirmed my career path. Finally I’d like to give a shoutout to my girlfriend Raven for her support and creative input. She inspires me a lot and she’s able to hear me talk about sound and music for hours on end.

Website: https://www.fabricejeanmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbyfabj/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixedbyfabj

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZxa6kS-RNhX9TC9r2QWcrg

Image Credits
Anne-Marie Munoz