Studio Secrets A to Z

Oliver Ackermann is an American musician, producer, and inventor best known as the founder and frontman of the experimental rock band A Place To Bury Strangers and the creator of the boutique effects company Death By Audio. Renowned for pushing the limits of sound and volume, Ackermann has built a reputation as one of the most innovative figures in modern noise rock and shoegaze.

Born in the Allentown Pennsylvania, Ackermann began experimenting with electronics and music at a young age, developing a fascination with distortion, feedback, and the raw physicality of sound. That obsession eventually led him to form A Place To Bury Strangers in New York City in the early 2000s. The band quickly became known for their explosive live shows, immersive walls of sound, and a dark blend of post-punk, noise rock, and shoegaze. Their recordings and performances earned them a cult following worldwide, and the band has toured extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Parallel to his work as a musician, Ackermann founded Death By Audio in 2002, a company dedicated to building handmade guitar effects pedals designed for extreme sonic experimentation. The brand’s creations, known for their aggressive distortion, unconventional circuits, and bold aesthetics have become staples among musicians seeking unique textures and unpredictable tones. Death By Audio has grown into one of the most respected independent pedal manufacturers in the world, while still maintaining its DIY ethos and artist-driven approach.

Ackermann’s creative output extends beyond traditional songwriting and gear design. He has produced records, collaborated with artists across underground and experimental scenes, and continually explores new ways to merge sound, electronics, and performance. His work often blurs the line between instrument and machine, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection, malfunction, and overwhelming noise.

Whether onstage engulfed in feedback or at a workbench soldering new circuits, Oliver Ackermann remains dedicated to expanding the possibilities of sound. Through his music, inventions, and relentless touring, he continues to shape the landscape of experimental rock and inspire a new generation of artists to embrace chaos, creativity, and volume.
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Nick Richards is the founder and frontman of the iconic ’80s band Boys Don’t Cry and creator of the world’s first A.I. record label.

Before the band and record label, Richards got his start by purchasing London’s famed Maison Rouge Recording Studios, where he worked with legendary acts like Duran Duran, Queen, Tears For Fears, Wham and so many more incredible artists. It was during this time he launched Boys Don’t Cry as an in-house studio project, making the most of late-night downtime.

These days, Richards is organizing star-studded ’80s benefit concerts and releasing music through his new A.I. label, HEADGAMES.

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Nick Richards is the founder and frontman of the iconic ’80s band Boys Don’t Cry and creator of the world’s first A.I. record label.

Before the band and record label, Richards got his start by purchasing London’s famed Maison Rouge Recording Studios, where he worked with legendary acts like Duran Duran, Queen, Tears For Fears, Wham and so many more incredible artists. It was during this time he launched Boys Don’t Cry as an in-house studio project, making the most of late-night downtime.

These days, Richards is organizing star-studded ’80s benefit concerts and releasing music through his new A.I. label, HEADGAMES.

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Anthony J Resta interviews Ali McGuire, a mix engineer and producer, about her mixing process and techniques. Ali discusses her work with Joji and 88 Rising, highlighting her use of vocal chains, including the 610 and SSL EQ, and her preference for Valhalla reverb. She shares her approach to vocal production, emphasizing the importance of layering and saturation. Ali also talks about her personal journey and the themes in her music, which reflect her healing process and self-acceptance. She mentions her upcoming album "On One" and a workbook she wrote, "The Inner Compass," to help others achieve self-awareness and personal growth.
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Ali “AMAC” McGuire, is a platinum mix engineer turned speaker and mental health advocate who knows that story firsthand. After working with Joji, Murdabeatz, Kelly Rowland, Shordie Shordie, Post Malone, and more, Ali realized that outward success doesn’t always mean inner peace.

Now 13.5 years sober, she shares her Inner Compass framework to help others - especially creatives and young adults -  build lives rooted in purpose, not pressure. Her framework has been shared across stages from Stanford, Rowan University, University of San Diego and beyond.
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