Meet Andrew Pike | Audio Engineer & Music Producer

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

Hi Andrew, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance has always been an important juggling act. As a full time audio engineer, moonlighting as hip hop producer and rapper PIKE it’s easy to keep these identities separate. Finding time to lock in and focus needs to be a priority. It is something I have struggled with and have developed a system that works best for my needs. Early in my career as I was learning the ropes, trying to make money and taking any extra work I could get, it was a challenge to balance. Less responsibilities as a college graduate early on helped. Working till 3-4am and sleeping in until noon was the norm (it helped my wallet to have sleep for breakfast.) As I have progressed in my career I have gotten more confident in my skills, steady in my relationships and solid in my bank accounts. This foundation has given me the ability to pick and choose when to work and when to prioritize my mental health, rest and relaxation. This balance has allowed me to keep pushing towards my goals while many of my peers or former clients have left the game all together.

Think about it this way, even as an artist trying to build your brand on social media no one wants to see you work 24/7. They want to see your life outside of music, they want to connect with you in other ways that make you happy. If a fan can see another side of you in a way outside of music and on a more personal level the deeper that connection can become. I may still have that “money on my mind” mentality but I also find time to relax, play games, golf, ski, work around the house, and now be a father.

I have never been part of the “no sleep gang” or make beats, hang in the studio until 6am kind of producer. Maybe that is just part of my rap Dad aesthetic, my studio doors close early if I have a morning tee time booked! Especially now that I have a young son I want to be there for bed time, and around to go to the park in the morning. I never found those late night sessions productive or conducive to my creativity anyway. I would much rather make beats or record in the morning or afternoon. Take a break to go out to dinner, hit a brewery or walk to the park. Enjoy an evening with my family and then get back to it and still hop in bed around midnight. Being disciplined about my due dates and commitments and professional in my communication with clients around my personal time is key to finding time for this balancing act. Having that solid foundation allows me to put in that extra time and really push myself when those amazing opportunities come along with tight deadlines.

Just like music, everyone’s lives are unique and everyone’s idea of success looks different. It is up to you to understand your responsibilities and find time to navigate your days to reach your goals. Don’t feel guilty about taking a day off, the rest may be more beneficial to your art than forcing something. When I get overwhelmed I make lists and tiers of work from most important to least and plan ahead. This life organization can help you scale a career without jeopardizing your free time and mental health.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is PIKE, I am an audio engineer and music producer. My work ranges from self-help audiobooks, deep dive podcasts on a wide range of topics to recording, mixing or producing several genres of music for artists and TV. I was always reminded in college that this music industry was tough. To get lots of work you needed to be versatile. I took that to heart and worked to expand my skill set. One of the things that sets me apart is the one stop shop approach I have taken to music. To be able to take your idea, produce, record, mix, master the record and then take that to the stage as your DJ. To then help with the back end, getting the business done correctly, releasing the song properly and helping to market. That experience in all of those facets is so helpful in working with others and navigating this complicated and difficult profession.

All of this takes a lot of trial and error and lots of hours of practice. I am most proud of my drive and desire to accomplish my goals without giving up. This career is something I love and is now become a part of my identity so there is no fall back option. I have to overcome challenges because a musician is who I am, not just a hobby to turn off and on. If I have learned anything it’s to celebrate the small victories. When looking back those small steps helped me travel a long ways. Keeping my head down and putting in the work has helped me reach goals that were just pipe dreams years ago. Now they are just items to be crossed of a list and the next set of goals just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week in Denver will definitely depend on the season. Lets say you are visiting in the summer. That way we can skip i-70 ski traffic and ridiculous ski pass prices.

Red Rocks is a must, if we can find tickets! If not lets head up in the morning for a hike.

Coors Field is also on the list. Lets grab some cheap rock pile seats and walk around the stadium most of the game. We can watch from the rooftop or sneak down below to catch the action.

Breweries are a dime a dozen we can hit 10 in an afternoon in Rino.

There is usually a festival or event, maybe First Friday Art Walk, maybe a Beer or Food fest in Civic Center or downtown on Larimer would be in the cards.

For food we can’t go wrong with tacos. Also one night if we catch a late show or bar hop we can swing by Marquis or Benny Blancos for a slice of pie depending on which side of town we are in.

Then to chase the hangover lets roll a J, head up into the mountains for a hike and maybe another brewery stop at lunch!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the wifey. My biggest supporter and sounding board for ideas.

Shoutout to friends and family. A well timed “I am proud of you” text can really push me to keep going.

Website: www.4d2dproductions.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/4d2d

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pike4d2d