Nobody goes home humming the lights!

In the intricate tapestry of a live music performance, there’s an unseen but profoundly influential force – the Front of House (FOH) Sound Engineer. Martin Hildred, an unsung hero in the realm of live concerts, recently held a lecture titled “Nobody Goes Home Humming the Lights!” It was not only a witty nod to the importance of sound over visuals but also an encapsulation of his illustrious career in Pro Audio. 

Over the years, Martin Hildred has been the wizard behind the sonic curtain for a staggering list of top-tier artists. From setting the perfect tone for the electronic beats of ColdCut in the late ’90s to orchestrating the echoing vocals for the Vaccines in the 2020s, Hildred’s expertise has spanned genres and generations. 

His journey began with ColdCut from 1998-2002, leading him into collaborations with Roots Manuva, Kid Koala, and the Cinematic Orchestra in quick succession. The 2000s saw Hildred’s talent being harnessed by the likes of Lamb, Dizzee Rascal, and Erasure, the latter of which had him onboard in two distinct periods. Basement Jaxx, Dandy Warhols, and the Kaiser Chiefs added even more color to his varied portfolio. 

But it wasn’t just about the electronic and rock spectrums. Hildred’s expertise was sought after by artists like Yazoo, White Lies, and even the iconic a-ha. The recent years have seen him weave magic for the Vaccines, Jimi Goodwin of Doves, and the memorable Jesus and the Mary Chain UK Tour in 2015. 

Throughout the lecture, Hildred shared snippets from his vast experiences, emphasizing the pivotal role of a FOH Sound Engineer. Sound is the very essence of a live concert. It’s the haunting echo of a vocalist, the roaring crescendo of a guitar riff, and the thunderous applause of the audience – all captured, mixed, and enhanced by the FOH Sound Engineer. 

Martin Hildred’s point is clear: as the lights dim and the music fades, it’s the melodies and harmonies that linger in our minds, not the flashing lights or visual effects. In a world increasingly dominated by visuals, Hildred’s work and his lecture serve as a powerful reminder that sound remains at the very heart of musical experiences. And indeed, nobody goes home humming the lights. 

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Speaker: Martin Hildred // Sales & Marketing Manager, Linea Research

Wann: Dienstag, 17. Oktober 2023, 11:45 Uhr

Wo: Speakers Corner 1 (Hamburg Messe, Halle B6)

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