Meet Tj Elias | Audio Engineer/Mixer/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tj Elias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tj, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My relationship with balance has always been tough for me. I have a habit of REALLY filling my schedule and tend to feel guilty about taking time off. Making records is something I’ve always loved, so being able to spend a majority of my time in the studio is a dream come true. With that being said, this drive for learning and growing in my craft and career hasn’t always yielded the most favorable results in my life outside of making records. In my earlier years of assisting I used to get to the studio by 9 A.M. for 10 A.M. sessions 6 days a week (normally taking Sundays off). I would set up and we would work for anywhere from 10-12 hours, then I’d have another 2-3 hours of clean up/editing. I loved every minute of it and still do! To me putting the time in to your craft is extremely important if you want to see results and growth.

I think over the years I’ve been able to learn that sometimes a little time off isn’t a bad thing especially when you get to spend that time off with the people you love. It can be easy to get burnt out in the music business if you aren’t careful and don’t spend your time wisely.

Now that I own my own studio and am able to make my own hours, for the most part, its easier to be able to take a morning and relax at home for a bit before going in or taking a day or two off during the week. I learned to spend those days off more fully. Whether thats my girlfriend and I planning something fun to do, taking the dogs on a hike, or even just working on our home together. I still have those months/weeks here and there where my work schedule is so full that I don’t even think it’ll end, but once I get on the other side that day I get to spend at home or on a little trip is well worth the wait!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to setup and environment for artists that feels free of boundaries, allowing them to explore sounds and helping them push through the proverbial wall. I’m always willing to try something no matter how crazy and get right down to it when inspiration strikes. I think the time, willingness to keep learning, and not to mention the amazing support system of different people in my life have helped me achieve all of my goals thus far.
Getting even to this point hasn’t always been easy. The music business, more specifically, the studio business has its ups and downs. Through all of this if you can push through to the other side and keep trucking you’re doing well!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them for a nice stroll through Criminal Records in Little Five Points and definitely stopping by El Myr for a Grizz or two! Piedmont park during the week is always a great time and beautiful and when concerts come back around the Tabernacle and Terminal West are great places to see some live music!
and there is no place better to end the night than at 97 Estoria.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel like there are so many people that have helped grow and push what I can do in the studio.

The first person to take me under their wing was a producer/engineer Nick DiDia. He really showed me what making great albums was all about and he taught me how important relationships in this business are. I think most important thing I learned from him was to just work hard and let your work do the speaking for you. Working with Nick was incredible and I met so many people through him in music business and have been fortunate enough to work in many world class studios here in Atlanta and across the country.

My business partner at Big Trouble Recording and the person I work with most on records at this time, Daniel Gleason, has also been an amazing friend and someone that has always been ready to put in the time and has an equal dedication to making great records like I do.

Instagram: @tjthunder

Other: studio instagram @bigtroublerecording

Image Credits
Kasie Gleason