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Brian McTear
Host of Weathervane Music's Shaking Through doc recording series. Record Producer at Miner Street Recordings, Phila.
Professional Background
With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Brian D. McTear has established himself as a highly respected record producer, musician, and owner of the notable Philadelphia recording studio, Miner Street Recordings. His expertise in music production is matched only by his ability to cultivate and mentor emerging talent, making him a cornerstone of the Philadelphia music scene. Throughout his journey, McTear has worked closely with a variety of esteemed artists in their early stages of development, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Among the celebrated artists McTear has collaborated with are Dr. Dog, Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Meg Baird, and Marissa Nadler. Each of these partnerships has contributed to their artistic evolution, showcasing McTear's ability to guide musicians in discovering their unique sound. His work has not only shaped individual careers but has also influenced contemporary music as a whole.
In 2010, McTear gained notable recognition for producing the track "Meet the Frownies" with the band Mr. Twin Sister as part of an early episode of Shaking Through. This track played a crucial role in Kendrick Lamar's breakout single, "The Recipe," highlighting McTear's influence stretching into the mainstream hip-hop realm. Moreover, in 2011, he mixed Joan Osborne's Grammy-nominated blues album, "Bring It On Home," further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier audio engineer and producer.
Education and Achievements
Brian McTear's academic journey began at The Hill School, where he fostered his early interest in Latin and Classical Languages. He continued this pursuit at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he achieved an outstanding 4.0 GPA in his major and a cumulative GPA of 3.96. This dedication to education reflects McTear's commitment to mastering his craft, which he has seamlessly translated into his professional work.
McTear is also recognized for his role in nurturing the next generation of musical talent. As a natural teacher, he has mentored a diverse group of young engineers, including Matt Poirier from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Matthew Schimelfenig from Lotus and Cayetana, and Jonathan Low, who won a Grammy in 2018 for his work with The National. Under McTear's guidance at Miner Street Recordings, these individuals have developed their skills and emerged as influential figures in the industry.
Community Engagement
Beyond his work at the recording studio, Brian McTear has been actively involved in the music community, serving as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Weathervane Music Organization. This initiative focuses on promoting and supporting emerging artists, providing them with the resources and exposure necessary to thrive in the competitive music landscape.
Personal Life and Perseverance
Brian's personal story is equally inspiring. Growing up in a family of seven children, he shares a unique bond with his youngest sister, both of whom live with cystic fibrosis (CF). This rare and life-threatening condition has shaped Brian's perspective on life, teaching him resilience and a deep sense of empathy—qualities that he brings into his work with artists. Despite the challenges posed by CF, McTear has defied expectations, leading a remarkably healthy life and using his experiences to connect with those he collaborates with in the studio. His background has undoubtedly enriched the artistic processes he oversees, fostering a nurturing environment for creativity.
Achievements
- Over two decades of experience as a prominent record producer and musician.
- Founder of Miner Street Recordings, a reputed recording studio in Philadelphia.
- Production and mixing contributions to several acclaimed albums, including Joan Osborne's Grammy-nominated "Bring It On Home."
- Mentorship of notable engineers and artists, contributing to their professional growth in the music industry.
- Successful collaboration with notable artists, helping to shape their sound during the formative years of their careers.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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