You might not be aware of this but some people get paid to listen to music.

Now we’re not talking feet up and humming along. We’re talking people who intently study every note and judge how it sounds.

Their level of commitment is intense. Not only does the room they use have to be ‘tuned’ so that the walls and ceiling don’t cause interference but, according to Peter J Croissant, “We’re supposed to know our speakers inside out.”

Grand Master Audio

Peter’s job is mastering music: in effect putting the final bit of polish to the artist’s recordings so that the songs will sound great wherever they are played: on the radio, as mp3s or even off vinyl.

“We present music to the listener in the best possible way. Some mastering involves just the ordering the tracks so the album has a flow. Other times we’ll be adjusting the songs so that the album’s sound has continuity.”

Much of Peter’s work is constructive criticism of the initial mixes, giving free advice and ideas so that the musicians can return to their studio and make improvements.

Interestingly enough, Peter does have a ‘master’ plan for this region: “I’m trying to help the South’s acts get the best sound so that the area gets an even better reputation.”

You can judge Peter’s work by listening to his own band Sine Star Project or the latest recordings from: Wise Children (Southampton), Owen Tromans (Winchester), Big Num (Bournemouth).

Visit www.grandmasteraudio.com (pictured) for more info