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Issue #32 – Mentor News
by L. Swift and Jeff McQ
Rick Rooney – Planet Dallas (Dallas, TX)
Rick Rooney, owner and chief engineer for Planet Dallas in Dallas, TX, has a resume spanning over four decades, including such clients as Diana Ross, Iggy Pop, Reba, Tony Bennett, B.B. King, The Smithereens, Michelle Shocked, Clay Aiken, Stevie Nicks and many others. His current studio, Planet Dallas, has been around since 1984. Suffice it to say Rick is one of the Recording Connection’s most noteworthy mentors.
Rick checked in with the Recording Connection recently to let us know what some of his recent graduates are up to:
Ayaz Ismail “began recording in various studios in Dallas, and upon leaving my course is now recording and mixing all of his own projects,” says Rick. Ayaz is currently in L.A. meeting with film producers who are looking for new music. Ayaz writes and produces his own music, which is in regular rotation in India.
John Polizzi, another of Rick’s graduates, has stayed on with Planet Dallas as a producer and engineer. “He currently heads our music for hire department,” says Rick. “He engineers most of the student projects we bring in, for understanding mic placement, and the art of ‘just play it right.'” John is also a drum programmer, bassist and guitarist, and is currently working on producing and recording his own solo project.
John Mitchell “is a virtuoso guitarist unlike any I’ve seen,” says Rick. John is is currently recording and producing for his band I AM THE ENEMY.
John Marlin is currently doing live audio on tour with The Bart Crowe Band. “We get him in on our projects when he’s off the tour bus,” says Rick.
Mark Randall has remained at Planet Dallas to continue his education with the Recording Connection Masters Program, and carries a lot of ongoing responsibilities as the studio. “His duties include session direction, set up, mic placement, recording and producing those he is working with,” Rick says. “He has become a leading force with Planet Dallas, with complete control of sessions and mastering.”
The secret to our students’ successes under Rick Rooney’s mentorship is that not only does he work to integrate their talents into the rhythm of the studio, he focuses on mentoring them as people. “We lead students to the light,” he says. “Some find it harder to see than others, but I strive to excite them about their inner heart and souls, which is the reason they sought me out in the beginning.”
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