Shaping Sonic Landscapes: An Interview with Music Producer Cieran De Chaud
Ciaran De Chaud is an accomplished audio engineer renowned for his exceptional work in composing, producing, and engineering diverse projects. His notable career highlights encompass composing, producing, and engineering the culturally impactful Gillette – Nosizwe Commercial, which amassed over 508,000 views on YouTube and earned a commendation from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Additionally, he has collaborated with prominent brands such as Globacom, White Star Super Maize Meal, and Checkers, contributing to impactful advertising campaigns that underscore his talent and expertise.
Notably, his role as a recording engineer on Jon Ranes’ album “Loverboy” yielded remarkable success, with the album accumulating approximately 8.8 million streams on Spotify alone and securing the second position on Spotify’s “Top Albums – Norway” chart. Cieran’s achievements reflect his ability to compose, produce, and engineer commercial projects for globally recognized brands, garnering substantial online views and industry recognition while also contributing to chart-topping success in the music industry.
Interview:
Interviewer: Mr. DeChaud, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Your accomplishments in the field of audio engineering are remarkable. Let’s start with your work on the Gillette – Nosizwe Commercial. Could you tell us about the process of composing, producing, and engineering such a culturally significant piece?
Mr. DeChaud: Thank you for having me. Working on the Gillette – Nosizwe Commercial was an incredible experience. The process involved understanding the brand’s message and vision, and then translating that into music and sound design that resonated with audiences globally. We wanted to create something more than just an advertisement; we wanted to create a cultural touchstone that would spark conversations and leave a lasting impact.
Interviewer: And indeed, it did. Your collaboration with Jon Ranes on the “Loverboy” album has also received widespread acclaim. Could you share with us your approach to recording engineering and how it contributed to the success of the album?
Mr. DeChaud: Recording engineering is all about capturing the essence of the artist’s vision and translating it into a sonic experience that connects with listeners. With “Loverboy,” it was essential to create an atmosphere that complemented Jon Ranes’ unique style and storytelling. We focused on meticulous attention to detail during the recording process, ensuring that every nuance and emotion came through in the final mix. I believe this dedication to craftsmanship played a significant role in the album’s success.
Interviewer: Your versatility as an audio engineer is evident in your work across various mediums, from commercials to music albums. How do you approach each project differently, and what drives your creative process?
Mr. DeChaud: Each project presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s a commercial or a music album, my approach always starts with understanding the client’s goals and the audience’s expectations. From there, it’s about pushing the boundaries of creativity while staying true to the project’s vision. What drives my creative process is the desire to create meaningful experiences that resonate with people on a deep level.
Interviewer: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring audio engineers who aim to achieve the level of success and recognition that you have attained in your career?
Mr. DeChaud: My advice would be to never stop learning and experimenting. The field of audio engineering is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay curious and open to new ideas and techniques. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding projects come from stepping into the unknown and challenging yourself to grow as an artist and technician.
