Rising Stars: Meet Pierce Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierce Thompson.

Hi Pierce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Always been into music. Piano lessons since kindergarten > band classes in middle school (saxophone) > Chicago Jazz Philharmonic summer camp (saxophone) > played in the band and orchestra in high school (saxophone and bass).

Used to joke about being a rapper; my parents always shot down the idea of it. In elementary school, I’d rewrite my favorite pop songs into parodies. I would often freestyle and participate in ciphers with peers in high school. I’d always find myself typing up “bars” in my notes app on my phone. I never knew that I could be a rapper until I released my first song (on SoundCloud) in college. Writing and recording it myself in addition to receiving thousands of streams showed me that there’s a realistic shot at being an artist.

Originally attending a university for business school, I didn’t care for my future/peers/path in life there. Returned home (Chicago) to enroll in a school focusing on different audio industries (Music/recording studio, stage tech/touring, etc.) I enjoyed my time at SAE Institute Chicago, graduated in 2020. I was in the audio engineering program where I learned how to use audio software and hardware, the sciences behind sound, music theory, studio maintenance, freelancing, and much much more.

I never realized that being a creative could be a feasible path of work until I started interning at Classick Studios. Started during my 3rd semester at SAE, I was an engineering intern. I got to see up close how a recording studio operates, how recording sessions with artists go, how to record artists, and how to produce with/for artists. I was able to further develop my creativity while interning; I became a better songwriter and music producer by making my own songs, collaborating with other awesome individuals, and by recording lit artists.

Classick Studios is where I gained a true appreciation and admiration for audio engineering. All of the engineers there ARE FYE (Fire). I was able to sit in on sessions and observe their craft. I saw how truly important an engineer is in the room. Being able to learn directly from people who were very giving with their sauce (knowledge) really drove me to become a better engineer. I began to assist recording sessions and then soon began to run my own sessions.

Once I truly began to get in my groove with running sessions where I’m tracking (recording) artists, I realized that being a remarkable engineer was a goal I don’t mind spending my life chasing. I was able to form genuine connections with people in the studio setting. Classick (the owner of Classick Studios) pointed me in the direction of Atlanta after I briefly brought it up in a conversation once.

Before making my move to ATL, I took two “work-cations” (work vacation) there to tap in with people in the music industry and to experience the city up close. I was able to get into studios around the city and further expand my network. Work opportunities were even presented to me, but I was unable to accept anything at the moment because I was still living in Chicago. Though I wasn’t in Atlanta for long during my visits, I was to get a positive feel for the industry and culture. I even got interviewed by QC (Quality Control Music), my first direct contact with a label/label’s studio. It was a no-brainer that my engineering/creative journey was going to take me to the A.

I’m grateful for having a network that plugs me into the right spaces/people. Nobody ever had to do anything for me, yet people took the initiative to put me in positions to seize opportunities and chase my dreams. I strive to do the same for people when I’m in the position to put them on; I’m a big believer in you receiving the energy that you put out.

Finally relocated to the south in September 2021. Continued to tap in with some extraordinary engineers (shoutout Prizzie!) and I’d pull up to studios that I learned about through people in the city. Next thing I know, I’m an assistant engineer at Sony Music Publishing’s studio. I also found myself interning at one of my favorite music artists’ studios. I’m a huge believer in interning. I know some people only see it as “grunt work,” but there’s real opportunities and learning moments all around. It’s a privilege to be in a recording studio and all these artists are paying just to get in.

I want all the smoke when it comes to work. I’m putting in my hours so I can further navigate the music industry. Even outside of the recording studio setting, I can do sound for film/gaming, stage tech work at music venues, etc. Though being a tracking engineer is my favorite aspect of audio engineering, I’m open to and seeking careers/work opportunities in other fields of audio.

^^ And that’s just about where I’m at in life right now

I hope to adventure across the entire world making music and performing while also helping musical artists fine-tune their own sounds someday. I understand how big the world truly is and I strongly believe by being open to others’ ideas, there are limitless possibilities in what can be achieved on this planet through music.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not necessarily a smooth road, but it’s an interesting road that I don’t mind following for life. There can be financial struggles at times during some stages of building a strong foundation. You can take a bunch of losses back to back, but you keep going because you’re bound to win. Everything is a lesson for the better, no matter what happens.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a freelance audio engineer. I record artists/musicians, mostly in a recording studio setting. I specialize in recording/mixing trap, drill, r&b, and afro music. I’m proud of being able to give artists a zone where they can truly glow in, it’s a priority of mine to make sure the artist can peacefully tune out from the world and be free in their space. #NoPressureZone.

I’m a music producer/beatmaker. I produce my own music compositions (instrumentals). I also arrange music presented to me for recording artists. Though I specialize in composing music for rappers, I also like to dabble in pop and indie rock style music (I’m open to making music in ALL genres). I’m known as the guy to go to for spooky sounding/angry feeling beats. I like to make music that gives listeners an experience.

How do you define success?
Success to me means turning my dreams into reality. In my career, success looks like consistent work and freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want. In my life, success looks like little to no stress and possessing everything I need. When all is said and done at the end of my life, I’ll be able to proudly say that I don’t regret accomplishing my goals.

Contact Info:

• Email: Who@Pseudonymous.net
• Website: pseudonymous.net
• Instagram: WhoPseudo
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/he_pseudo?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing