Rich Coffey’s “Nature Suite” – Getting Back in Touch with the Natural World

Rich Coffey’s “Nature Suite” – Getting Back in Touch with the Natural World

Blog
Story by Wesley Orser, one of Barry's former Hofstra students who sat in on a mix session for Rich Coffey. In the midst of widespread lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, many residents left isolated in their homes have been reminded why long walks and fresh air are so important to one’s mental health. It was a complete coincidence that I was asked by Barry to write about one of his recording clients, Rich Coffey, and his ongoing “Nature Suite” project right as these nationwide lockdowns started to take effect. Still, unexpected circumstances nevertheless informed the importance of what Coffey is trying to communicate through his music. Coffey’s “Nature Suite” invites listeners to develop a further appreciation of nature by evoking its tranquil effect and beauty through music. Featuring a…
Read More

Anita Molinaro: An Aspiring Artist at 80

Blog
Story by Wesley Orser, one of Barry's former Hofstra students who sat in on some recordings with an aspiring artist in her 80s. There is a long-standing idea, especially in music, that creativity has an age limit. Perhaps the most common concern for an older aspiring artist is that it’s too late to start pursuing their craft. Those mental roadblocks can keep someone from finally taking up an instrument or learning to sing. They didn't stop Anita Molinaro. Anita Molinaro Anita is an 82-year old grandmother from Finland. She starting writing music at a young age, but never received any formal training. Recently, she was inspired to channel her natural talent into recording original songs for the first time in her life. Anita has an advantage younger musicians don't when they're…
Read More
Staying Organized 2: Advice for a Music Producer

Staying Organized 2: Advice for a Music Producer

Blog
I recently shared a blog post about getting organized as a creative professional. In this post, I’ll go more in-depth about how I organize projects as a music producer. Half, if not more, of the job is just making sure everything’s prepped and ready to run smoothly. A producer’s expertise is often in forecasting problems that might arise—gaps in communication, flaky collaborators, changes in creative direction—and making a plan airtight enough to support productive improvisation.   Determining a scope of work It’s tempting to just start working and see where things go, but most projects are easier when both the music producer and artist understand the scope of work. In the case of entire EPs and albums, this means deciding which songs to use, often sifting through years of ideas that…
Read More
A Q&A with Intern Jake Santiago

A Q&A with Intern Jake Santiago

Blog
My interns continue to make me proud; Jake Santiago sent in these thoughtful insights about his time at the studio. Hopefully mentors and mentees reading along can learn from each other's experiences. Having interns always reminds me of the importance of being organized, and of students following their inquisition to improve their careers. Questions by former intern & assistant Brianna Caleri. Why did you choose to pursue this internship? I chose to pursue an internship with Barry because of recommendation from one of his other students. We go to the same University and he did his internship with Barry and said he might be able to help me set it up. I am very grateful to Barry for taking me in. Music has been a part of me since the…
Read More