GRaham WolFE

Role at ROC Star Academy:
Recording Engineer & Producer

Hometown:
Selkirk, New York

Your musical focus/instruments you play:
Audio Production, Mixing & Mastering, Keyboards, Flute, Guitar.

When did you start pursuing music?
I started playing piano at the age of 8 years-old and picked up flute at age 10. I always had a passion for music from the very beginning and knew it would become an integral part of my life someday.

What is your musical education?
I took private piano lessons all the way from age 8 until I decided to go to college for music performance. I obtained my first associates degree in piano performance but decided to start over again and pursue an associates degree in Music Audio Technology at Schenectady County Community College. After graduating from SCCC I transferred to SUNY Fredonia to complete my Bachelor's in Sound Recording Technology and Jazz Studies.  

What are your musical influences/favorite bands?
As a producer, I find that my musical tastes expand every day in new directions, but I think some of my biggest influential artists are Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Punch Brothers, and Louis Cole.

What is your “deserted island” album?
If I had to choose, OK Computer by Radiohead.

What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve worked?
I have the pleasure of being the Front of House Engineer at Water Street Music Hall, where I get to work with big name artists all the time such as: King Gizzard, Ashanti, Jack Harlow, and many amazing local acts as well.

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you at a show?
One time during a show, I had a speaker amplifier burst into flames. Somehow we managed to contain it in time so that it didn't damage any other gear and no one at the show even noticed what happened. The show must go on!

What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?
Good songwriting is about quantity, not quality. The best songwriters are standing on top of mountains of bad songs that never made it to the record.

What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy?
My favorite part of teaching here is helping my students develop their unique sound, as well as helping them learn the tools of the trade, and then seeing them use those skills in the real world to let their music shine.