Luther Banks- Patchwerk Studios Mixing Technician

Hometown- Native of Atlanta Ga.

Age-42

How long have you been mixing? And how long have you been mixing at Patchwerk Studios? I have been an audio engineer since 1998, became a staff engineer at Patchwerk in 2010 and mix engineer at the end of 2015.

What is “I Do Music”? IDOMusic is an organized network for the music community powered by Patchwerk Recording Studios.

How and why did “I Do Music” begin? Powered by the legendary Patchwerk Recording Studios, our IDM program is here to empower musicians worldwide. As studio owner Curtis Daniel III has preached for years, we don't have standards anymore. Anybody can create music but a quality body of work is what is missing today. IDM is here to not talk about the problem but provide solutions. It all starts with an education on the craft, perhaps you know what you are doing but the individuals around you are lacking information. How do they go about obtaining the tools necessary to create a quality body of work? What do they have to compare it to? Through IDM a controlled network is created. A network built upon education the fundamentals of IDM rest in the four pillars; Learn, Promote, Network, and Perform.

 What actions are being taken to insure that “I Do Music” continues? We offer Workshops, Seminars, Showcases, Open Mics, Networking Events geared toward a standard music makers can follow.

 What occupations have you had in the past that led you where you are today and what occupations do you currently have? Actually college is what started my path. I entered college as an Architectural major but some of the extracurricular activities revolved around music and because I grew up playing the clarinet, drums, and singing I gravitated to those. After performing during a couple of these activities I was invited to the music department so I changed my major to voice. At the time I didn’t know how to make money while doing what I love. But once I discovered engineering I knew exactly what I was going to do. It was long road of learning and refining my skills but after running my own studio from 1998 till 2009 I started at Patchwerk in 2010 and am now a Patchwerk staff mix engineer.

What are your career goals? I have actually met most my career goals, but there’s always room to grow. From the moment I got to Patchwerk Recording Studios the goal was to become a mix engineer. But I know that being an audio engineer is a constant learning process which is part of the reason I love it so much.

 What are your hobbies and your passion? My hobbies are lifting weights, running, and anime (sub not dub). I still have a passion for music…great voices still gives me chills…musicians who take their craft seriously still put a smile on my face. And being an engineer has allowed me to contribute my skills to great projects.

What inspires you to do what it is that you do? As simple as it sounds I love music. I love being able to make a living doing it. And also thru our internship program being able teach up and coming engineers.

 What do you want to be remembered for (your legacy)? That’s something I’ve never thought about. I only focus on my impact now not necessarily what they will say about me later.