We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Leader and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was never happy working for other people and being on a schedule. I also realized early on that if I could make it work, I could make more money working for myself than someone else profiting off my skills.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Its been a 25 year slow grind to go from a small portable tape recorder to the state of the art Brick Road Studio in Scottsdale. I began working with fellow singer-songwriters and helping them produce recordings. Slowly, I built up better gear and more experience. Networking with other professional musicians helped me find a team of incredible studio players to elevate my productions even more.

Along the way, it was difficult to find proper space because I lacked the start up money to build a studio, and, people weren’t ready to take me seriously working out of a bedroom. However, I was able to find studio spaces and negotiate rates that worked, and eventually was hired to build a new studio for someone else. This changed the game for me around 2007.

I’ve learned that the music business is constantly changing. You have to keep adapting and keep up with it to stay relevant,

There is a lot of incredible talent out there that never gets the spotlight, never gets “fame” but because of the accessibility of music now worldwide, there is an audience for everyone to reach.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Top places to eat:

1. Steak 44
2, Yasu-O Sushi
3. Bario Queen
4. Fat Ox
5. Ocean Trail

Id show them to beauty of Arizona. Hikes in the desert, and climbing a mountain for sure. Got to stop by Talking Stick for some poker. Hanging by the pool at one of the nice resorts and strolling around Old Town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mark Hallman from Congress House Studio in Austin, Texas and. Sam Glaser, Glaser Music Works, Los Angeles, California.

Website: https://www.brickroadstudio.com

Instagram: @brickroadstudio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.