Meet Scott “Scooter” Smith | Audio engineer and producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott “Scooter” Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott “Scooter”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I loved everything about records. I always thought “how did they make this?” “Who are these people?” So from a young age, I wanted to be involved in making records and music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For over 32 years I have had a passion for music. I treat all my clients music with respect, giving it my attention and time to help create something unique and amazing. I want to help them tell their story and achieve their goals with their recordings.

My journey as an audio engineer has also traveled outside of the studio and into live sound, letting me live a double life as a live sound engineer. I am currently the lead audio engineer at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College and Front of House engineer and Tour Manager for Chevel Shepherd. I am also involved in several festivals such as the Moab Folk Festival, Four Corners Folk Festival, Pagosa Folk and Bluegrass and the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.
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Also through the years, I have lead a secret double double life as a bass player. As a member of Celeste Krenz’s Goodbye Band, I preformed on Celeste’s album Slow Burning Flame which was produced by Tim O’Brien and reached number 11 on the Gavin Americana chart.

I feel all of these experiences give me unique skill sets to bring to my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Durango, Colorado means a trip out into the surrounding mountains is a must. I would start with an interesting and historical way by taking a day trip on the narrow gauge train along the Animas river to Silverton, Colorado. Durango and the surrounding areas have many unique Ancient Puebloan sites so a visit to Mesa Verde National Park and Chimney Rock National Monument is a must. Of course, the dates of the visit should be planned around going to one of the local music festivals such as The Four Corners Folk Festival or the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown. After the excisions into the mountains there are plenty of great restaurants for unique meals and craft beverages.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My high school band instructor, Rick Argotsinger, was always very encouraging and pushed me to look into a career in recording. My wife, Jennifer Smith, has also been very supportive of my career. We have been married 30 years. She has put up with a lot of late nights!

Website: www.scottscootersmith.com