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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
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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.
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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?
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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.