Meet Sound Alchemist Quentin Andrianasitera
Quentin Andrianasitera is a sound engineer whose passion, expertise, and innovative approach have left their mark on the worlds of music, film, and entertainment. Whether working alongside legends such as The Rolling Stones, Selena Gomez, or Alexandre Desplat, or taking on new challenges at Studios Saint Germain, his career perfectly illustrates the blend of technical precision, creativity, and adaptability. Today, as he sets out to establish himself in the U.S., he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of audio production.
Q: Tell us about your background and training as a sound engineer.
A: I began at EMC, a renowned school in France, where I received a comprehensive technical education that combined theory and hands-on practice. There, I gained a deep understanding of signal flow, voltage, and impedance calculations, and advanced skills in Pro Tools. This solid technical foundation enabled me to quickly become a capable assistant sound engineer, ready to meet the demands of professional productions.
Right from the start, I had the opportunity to work in prestigious studios. After an internship at Midilives in Paris, I moved to RIFFX Studios at La Seine Musicale, one of Europe’s most respected complexes. I progressed from an assistant to a resident sound engineer, working for a year on a wide range of projects.
Later, I joined the esteemed Studios Saint Germain in Paris as an in-house engineer and head assistant. Today, I’m stepping away from my role there to focus on a new chapter in the U.S., aiming to leverage my technical expertise, adaptability, and international experience to collaborate with artists and producers on the global stage.
Q: What sparked your passion for sound, and how did it influence your early career?
A: My passion for sound was nurtured early on through my musical training. I began playing piano at the age of six, studying classical music for ten years, which provided me with a solid grasp of music theory and harmony. In parallel, my father introduced me to jazz and blues, opening my ears to rich, authentic tonalities.
At sixteen, I began composing my music, exploring different sound worlds with analog and digital gear. Years later, I spent six months in the countryside, disconnected from the internet and phone, along with my piano, synthesizers, and my cat. This creative retreat allowed me to compose freely and realize that my fascination lay not only in creating music but in the entire recording and audio enhancement process. This revelation led me to enroll at EMC, deepen my technical skills, and embark on a career in sound engineering: an ambition that has been confirmed at every stage of my journey.
Q: You’ve collaborated with artists like The Rolling Stones, Louis Vuitton, Alexandre Desplat, and Selena Gomez. What stand-out moments do you recall from those experiences?
A:W orking with such iconic figures was incredibly enriching. Collaborating with The Rolling Stones allowed me to witness their level of excellence and their meticulous work ethic firsthand. My role was to ensure flawless technical support so their sessions could flow smoothly.
At Louis Vuitton, the focus was on maintaining impeccable sound quality to reflect the brand’s prestigious image. With Alexandre Desplat, one of the most respected composers in film, I learned to navigate complex orchestrations where every note matters. Sessions involving Selena Gomez taught me to handle the pressure and meet the high expectations of international productions.
Each collaboration refined my technical skills, sharpened my sense of professionalism, and prepared me to tackle increasingly ambitious challenges.
Q: Are there any particular memories or creative challenges that stand out?
A: One of my most memorable experiences was working with Alexandre Desplat. His projects demand intricate orchestration, constant vigilance over signal flow, and impeccable execution under tight deadlines. Every technical decision must perfectly align with his artistic vision, requiring focus, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Another defining challenge was my involvement in recording sessions for Emilia Perez, a project spanning a month and a half. The technical setup changed frequently, demanding great responsiveness and continuous anticipation. This experience reinforced my ability to manage extended, demanding sessions while collaborating closely with creative and technical teams. These challenges have motivated me to keep pushing forward in my craft, constantly seeking improvement.
Q: What was your role at Studios Saint Germain , and what did you appreciate most about that iconic setting?
As an in-house engineer and head assistant, I was responsible for preparing and fine-tuning equipment, managing signal flow, and providing technical support throughout recording and mixing sessions. What I loved most was the variety of projects and the caliber of the artists ranging from international icons, such as The Rolling Stones, Selena Gomez, Alexandre Desplat, Daniele Luppi, Julien Doré to up-and-coming talents like Coline Rio and Clou.
This diversity broadened my technical horizons and pushed me to constantly adapt. Working in such a renowned studio also fosters a high level of excellence, driving you to improve, anticipate client needs, and find tailored technical solutions. The direct contact with artists and producers in this inspiring environment is a continuous source of motivation and learning.
Q: How do you handle complex technical setups and high-pressure sessions to ensure a seamless recording experience?
A: It all starts with meticulous preparation: double-checking all equipment and planning for potential issues. Having backup solutions and anticipating adjustments are habits that help minimize surprises. Adaptability is also key. Each project has its requirements, and complex sessions often call for last-minute changes. Being able to react quickly while maintaining high-quality standards is essential. For example, during the Emilia Perez recording, where technical configurations changed regularly, staying flexible while preserving workflow fluidity was crucial.
Beyond the technical aspects, trust is paramount. Artists and teams need to rely on me to ensure everything runs smoothly. Building that trust involves attentive listening, timely responses to needs, and clear, transparent communication. Establishing such a relationship creates a calm environment where everyone can focus on their performance or artistic vision.
Q: Did your previous role at SBO PRODUCTIONS, focused on recording for film, television, and events, influence how you work today?
A: Absolutely. My time at SBO Productions taught me rigorous organization. Each project required careful preparation ensuring all equipment functioned smoothly, sessions were ready to go, and client expectations were fully met. This approach instilled a methodical mindset and attention to detail that remains central to my working style today, regardless of a project’s nature.
Q: As an EMC graduate and Avid-certified Pro Tools specialist, what technical skills do you consider essential for a sound engineer?
A: I would group these essential skills into three main categories: tool mastery, signal understanding, and adaptability. First, being fully comfortable with software like Pro Tools, consoles, and both analog and digital gear is crucial. This proficiency ensures efficiency and flexibility. As a Pro Tools-certified engineer, I can attest that it’s at the heart of most modern productions.
Understanding the signal is vital. A deep knowledge of signal flow, phase principles, impedance, and recording techniques guarantees high-quality capture from the start. This technical foundation is indispensable for problem-solving and optimizing available equipment.
Finally, adaptability has often been underestimated but is essential. Every session, whether in a studio or elsewhere, has its constraints. Quickly adjusting configurations, handling last-minute requests, and working effectively under pressure are qualities that truly set an engineer apart.
Q: Are there any emerging technologies or tools that excite you?
While many emerging technologies are fascinating and open up new possibilities, I remain convinced that what matters most is the music itself and the artists behind it. Regardless of the tools used, the primary goal is to capture the artist’s intention and emotion.
Certainly, advances like immersive sound or AI can enhance certain projects. But to me, the heart of the job remains the ability to use whatever tools you have intelligently, whether cutting-edge or not. Some of the greatest records in history were made with very basic equipment but benefited from a perfect understanding of sound and strong artistic choices.
Q: Collaboration appears key to your work. How do you foster a productive dynamic with artists, producers, and other engineers?
A: Collaboration starts with listening. Understanding each person’s artistic vision, their specific goals, and any constraints is essential. By asking the right questions and paying attention, I ensure everyone feels heard and understood.
Clear, transparent, and responsive communication builds trust from the outset. Maintaining a positive, professional attitude, even under pressure, helps create a supportive environment. I also strive to anticipate technical or logistical needs to avoid disruptions that could hinder creativity.
Respect and a collaborative mindset are fundamental. My role is to offer technical support, discreetly and efficiently, while giving artists and producers the space they need. This approach encourages fruitful exchanges and successful projects.
Q: With such a varied portfolio, do you have a preference between working in music, film, or live events?
A: Each field has its unique attributes and challenges, but if I had to choose, I’d lean towards music production for records. I love the creative process of making an album: the attention to detail, time spent capturing authentic performances, the atmosphere, and the collaboration with artists to bring their vision to life.
That said, I also enjoy immersing myself in the film world occasionally. Translating emotions into music and sound in sync with visual storytelling is something I find deeply engaging. In short, while my heart lies in recording music, working on films from time to time enriches my perspective and broadens my range of experience.
Q: Any advice to aspiring sound engineers looking to break into the industry?
A: At my level, the essential qualities to grow professionally are perseverance, confidence, and humility.
Perseverance, because it takes time and a lot of effort to make your mark. The early stages, such as internships and first gigs, can be tough but every project, no matter how small, is a chance to learn, improve, and make valuable connections.
Confidence in yourself is crucial. It’s not always easy in such a competitive industry, but you have to believe in your abilities, be ready to face challenges and stand by your decisions. Confidence grows with experiences, through curiosity and a desire to keep getting better.
Stay humble and open-minded. Learn from others, adapt to situations, and always respect the work of artists and colleagues.
Q: What specific challenges or opportunities should they prepare for?
A: The challenges and opportunities are unique to each individual. Some will grapple with technical hurdles—mastering new tools or solving real-time issues during a session. Others will face human challenges, like establishing good communication with artists or coping with pressure. Opportunities often arise unexpectedly: meeting a mentor, landing a prestigious project, or working in a stimulating environment. The key is to stay alert, open, and ready to seize those opportunities when they come.
Ultimately, everyone must forge their path. The industry is vast, and there’s no single way to succeed. Most importantly, remain true to yourself, be patient, and keep learning at every step.
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects, collaborations or personal goals?
A: I’m thrilled about the projects I have coming up, though I can’t share details, yet. They present new opportunities for me to collaborate with talented artists and teams, and to take on exciting technical and creative challenges. Each new project is a chance to continue learning and evolving in a profession I’m passionate about.
I am focusing on several objectives. I will begin working with Andrew Wells, a U.S.-based producer. It will be a great opportunity to immerse myself further into the American music scene. Also, I plan to continue certain collaborations with Studios Saint Germain remotely. My long-term goal is to expand my network and partnerships, particularly in the U.S., and take on projects that will help me keep learning, adapt to different styles and workflows, and develop both my technical expertise and versatility. This transition phase is incredibly exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing where these new opportunities lead.
