Earlier this year, we ran an article on some of the top live sound engineers in Dallas. We were properly admonished for not including Carlos Sanchez on that list, and it lit up our interest in him.
While he's not the easiest fellow to get ahold of (many live soundfolk, like Batman, are a tad elusive), a little perseverance paid off and we got to know a little bit more about the man who started as a live bootlegger, made Club DaDa sound great back in the day, and is now making Poor David's Pub's blues acts sound pretty tasty.
You have a following in Dallas! Were you aware? Your work is very well-heralded by many music people in this town.
I have worked with a lot of musicians over the years. It's still nice to be recognized for something good. Someone told me once that musicians in Austin speak of me.
I hadn't heard about Austin, but I can't say I'm surprised. What started your interest in live music?
I used to bootleg concerts at Reunion Arena and Starplex which led me to recording local bands like Little Sister, live and legally. I did that as a hobby for many years. Club Dada offered me a job because I was always around anyways.
Did parents play a role in this at all?
I am grateful that my father owned a reel-to-reel tape deck when I was five years old. I have not stopped fiddling with knobs and faders since. Thanks Dad!
Did you receive any education for learning your trade?
I attended Elkins Institute of Dallas for Electronics. I also received great help and secrets from the fine folks at Dada in the early nineties. You know who you are.
Do you have favorite local live performers?
No favorites...wait...they're really all favorites!
Most difficult live performers? My first guess is that blues folks are more laid back to work with than, say, rock musicians.
I get asked that a lot. Or, if a band has their own engineer. Is it gravy for me? I don't gauge it like that. It's all easy. I do burn more calories when the Fabulous Chickenhawks setup and play.
If you held a position with the proper political power, what changes would you implement to strengthen our local blues scene? How about to strengthen the local music & arts scene in general?
I would enact weekly free live concerts and events on the Margaret Hunt-Hill bridge. I'd remind people to be humble, and people will help you attain your goals and dreams. Don't use headphones, for they will ruin your hearing.
See also: -The 100 Best Texas Songs: The Complete List -The Ten Most Badass Band Names in DFW -The Best Bands in DFW: 2012 Edition -Photo Essay: The Tattoos of Dallas' Nightlife Scene
