Los Angeles Recording School alum Melvin Whitt stopped by to to update us on what he’s been working on. He says he has been so busy he admitted to only sleeping 2-3 hours a night, but that’s how he prefers it.

Melvin has been mixing and recording live sound at The Valut, an opportunity that initially started as an internship that turned into a paying job! He’s also been mixing and recording sound for Impact Entertainment Group’s artists for their label showcase. Working with the artists on the Impact label was quite the experience for Melvin, as there were many different musical styles and personality types to deal with. Fortunately, he was able to use his skills and work fast, but it was obvious to him who really “wanted to make it” and who didn’t. There were some artists who also “wanted it but didn’t want to put in the work,” he said, but for the most part, it was a great experience and he’s glad he did it.

Classes and instructors here at the Recording School taught Melvin the value of work ethics, how to deal with people and how to get in the work flow. Also, the hands-on classroom experience gave him the knowledge necessary to get in the studio and go straight to work.

Another big influence in Melvin’s career is Frank Nitty, who offered the internship at The Vault and has been a mentor for the past few years. He’s opened doors and provided the kind of career guidance all young professionals hope for early in their careers. It’s through this internship that Melvin was able to secure so many gigs, including mixing and recording “Wing Stop” by Menace featuring Ace Hood, as well as Interscope artist Rico Suavez, and recording artists Da Future, 2nd II None and Compton Menace.

Part of the reason Melvin has such a great work ethic is because he’s experienced what life can be like without it. Born and raised in Compton, he saw some of his best friends shot and killed, and others sent to jail for life. During his high school graduation he had police raid his house. After seeing what his family went through, and what others went through, Melvin decided to change his life for the better and focus on music. He’s dedicated to his music career, works all the time and doesn’t let anything distract him from his goals.

His advice for current Recording School students:

Live in the studio, look where everyone is not looking, with regards to how you can make your impact in the music industry; there’s way more out there than just rap music, and [there are] lots of opportunities for Christian music, work hard and do what you see no one else is doing.

Interview with LARS Alum Melvin Whitt