In the Studio with Dennis Rivadeneira
Venezuelan born Dennis Rivadeneira migrated with his family to America in the 1980s. The classically trained pianist and self taught multi-instrumentalist later joined a touring production for two years, before being offered a position in New York City at Cipriani’s.
Amongst corporate events, Dennis worked with many high calibre performers for some of the world's most exclusive charity events prior to meeting and going on to assist multi-platinum 11+ Grammy winning mixer and producer Mick Guzauski.
Since then Dennis has been involved in many top-tier projects with a range of artists including Eric Clapton, Boyz II Men, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Alejandro Sanz and many other artists and producers. Dennis has also been active recording, co-producing and mixing an increasing number of international artists, working mainly out of Guzauski's Barking Doctor Studio and his own, Secret Labs. Dennis has most recently mastered award-winning projects for many international and world music artists at his own studio and still continues to mix live sound.
We recently caught up with Dennis to talk about his projects, working with Mick Guzauski and exchange nerdities on his favourite gear.
Can you share with us what you're working on at the moment?
Most currently I’m preparing to produce a record for top flamenco artist Amador De La Rosa (a gigantic talent from Spain). I’m also collaborating with artist/producer Erik Rex, working out of our tape-based writing studio. I have been working with a few more [international and world music] artists... I’m very excited to hear what we come up with.
What's your favourite stage in the music production process (mixing, recording, touring...)?
All of it, though I must admit seeing the process through [all] the stages is also very exciting.
Favourite piece of gear you used recently?
Solid State Logic L500 live console – I’m not being biased, it really is?that good. I took one to SXSW and did six bands in one day with very little help.
Let's talk influencers. Any other producers, songwriters or artists that you're inspired by?
It has all been an influence, if you think about it. But specific people...?
I’d definitely put down Mick Guzauski - hands down one of the nicest people in the industry, he’s always done a lot for me. I’ve worked alongside producers like Jim Steinman, Rob Fraboni, Neil Dorfsman, who incidentally loves to borrow one of my guitar amps (VHT Pitbull).
How did you?first start producing music?
While in school, video students needed good audio for their projects and I?started getting calls. Soon I realized that I needed to know a little more so I went and took some time?to attend Full Sail [University].?
Name your bucket-list piece of production equipment?
I was “raised” to not depend on any one piece of equipment, but if I had to?choose it would definitely be my Tannoy SRM-10B monitors.
Is there a piece of gear you no longer have access to that you miss when it comes to making music?
When I worked with Mick Guzauski I got to use some amazing gear?from different “vintages”... Old Eventide 2016, Lexicon 300, Calrec Preamps! And a beautiful EMT 140 Plate reverb I almost got to own! Damn...
Finish this sentence: If I wasn't producing music, I'd be...
Mixing it!