Imaging In 2019 – Brad Leask
- ImagingIn2019, Opinion, Radio Imaging
- Australia, Benztown, Brad Leask, Iron Imager, Nova 96.9, Sydney
- May 14, 2019
Welcome to the “Imaging In 2019 Series” – a blog series that interviews inspiring producers and great creators of Station Sound.
Brad Leask
This week’s #ImagingIn2019 Post features one of the most talented Imaging Producers in the world. Brad Leask is an Network Imaging Production with Nova Entertainment in Australia.
I first came across Brad when he won Iron Imager 2017 and was blown away. Not only is he extremely talented, he’s one of the good guys too – humble and always wanting to be better and it’s cool to call Brad a mate!
Welcome Brad!
1. How did you get started in the business and tell us about your role at Nova?
Playing in a band in high school lead me to discover post-production & the ‘behind the senses’ of music. From the second I walked into a recording studio I knew that I wanted to work in audio. I discovered the production side of radio through some networking whilst I was studying & boom, the rest is history.
Day to day at Nova sees me working on the network imaging team. Working across the 5 Nova stations nationally, making everything from promos, sweepers, intros, show production, sketches, online content, recording/mixing live performances & occasionally working on our soft AC station ‘Smooth’.
2. What's your opinion on the current state of play with regards to Radio Imaging?
In Australia, I think it’s exciting.
All 3 major networks here (Nova, SCA, ARN) value imaging & understand importance of high quality audio production. We are all so well stocked with incredible imaging talent.
All 3 companies are investing heavily in other audio platforms too. The demand for quality audio branding has never been higher.
3. In 2019, what do you think is more important - creativity or technical ability (or both)
Great script writing with a clear message is key. Quality technical ability to bring that script to life & making your station sonically easy to listen too, are also just as important.
The ability to interpret a script creatively is paramount.
Being able to take an already formed script/idea & creating something exciting.
If you can give your listeners, on-air talent, or co-workers goose bumps, make them laugh, cry, feel excited or nostalgic though your creative decisions when building a piece of imaging, be that by choice of music, crafting the content your working with in a creative way, creative use of acapellas & drops, or even using silence…then you’ve done your job.
4. What was the best tip you know now, that’d you wish you knew when starting out?
Knowing when to say no.
Also, appreciate the process. I used to get so frustrated at not being able to create audio that my idols, mentors or peers were making (I still do), but now I have the perspective to appreciate the learning process a little more. Enjoy it!
5. You are a previous Iron Imager Winner. What a huge achievement. What was that experience like?
Iron Imager…what an experience. I’m so grateful to have been given that opportunity.
The contest itself was intense. 1 hour to create a promo (with a hangover) in a format you’re not familiar with, on a laptop, with provided elements…in-front of crowd. Such a thrill.
I’m so lucky to have been able to compete twice…I thought the second time would be easier…but it wasn’t.
The contest aside, WWRS is an amazing conference, full of the world’s best. I got to meet so many of my idols & learnt so much. A really inspiring place to be.
Shout out to the Benztown guys for shining a light on radio imaging & putting this contest on every year.
