Hectic days and weeks of managing, creating music and recording are the life of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Ethan Barrette ’12.
Barrette currently works at Addiction Studios in Nashville, where he partners with talented artists and producers to create music.
His passion for recording technology started in high school when he bought his first electric guitar and started a band with his friends. He then would work with basic equipment to record their music.
“I already knew I wanted to start down a career path in music when I found out that I could study the technical aspect,” Barrette said.
Barrette started his education at the UW Oshkosh in fall 2008. He described himself as an eager freshman ready to study music and was immediately taken under the wing of Walter “Wally” Messner, who is retiring in July from UW Oshkosh’s recording technology program.
“Wally Messner was right there at the start,” Barrette said. “From the first class I had with him on my first day, I knew it was going to be fun and I would learn a lot from a man who is a well of information and wisdom.”
During his time at UW Oshkosh, the music program required Barrette to learn music theory, ear training and to take weekly lessons. His focus was on classical music and jazz guitar.
“I had considered other schools with a focus on the technical side, which didn’t require any music training,” Barrette said. “Looking back, I don’t think I’d have come as far as I have without it.”
Since graduation, Barrette has been working in Nashville. He started at QUAD Studios and eventually ended up at Addiction Studios, a private studio owned and operated by Journey keyboard/pianist Jonathan Cain and producer/engineer David Kalmusky.
Some recent projects he’s been working on have been for famous bands and musicians like The Fray, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Journey and Emerson Drive. He works on managing, engineering recording sessions, assisting other engineers and producers, and repairing and building gear.
Barrette advises students to never stop learning and to never be afraid to take leaps and try for something, even if you aren’t sure how.
“There’s so much information at our disposal,” Barrette said. “And some advice from a friend who has never failed me is to show up on time, work your butt off and don’t be a jerk.”
Messner has been an influence to Barrette, who describes Messner as kind, intelligent and fun. Barrette said he was the type of instructor who would answer questions at any time of day, and even call students to remind them of their exams.
“We had a lot of fun in our recording classes and made a ton of memories and lifelong friends,” Barrette said. “Wally was at the heart of that. He also has the coolest vintage car collection. I definitely wouldn’t be having all this fun in Nashville, if it weren’t for him.”
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