Phil Young is an award-winning sound designer/producer with Trilix Studio. Leveraging a wealth of knowledge from working with the music industry’s biggest names, Phil refines each piece to create immersive audio experiences across music, podcasts, video and more. The audio aficionado harmoniously balances his craft with digital and analog techniques to demonstrate all the captivating possibilities available in sound.

What is your professional background?

I have been a full-time audio engineer and music producer for the last 15 years, having worked with well over 150 Midwest artists. After I graduated top of my class from the Los Angeles Recording School, I worked at Night Bird Studio in West Hollywood. While there, I worked with artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood, John Oates and Green Day. I returned to Iowa to start my own recording studio and to pursue my own sound and musical endeavors. In 2017, I was awarded a Dedication to Developing the Des Moines Music Industry award by the Des Moines Music Coalition.

What do you like to do in your free time? Any hobbies or unique talents?

I spend a lot of my free time making music and retro video art. I have played in a lot of bands over the years and enjoy making music with friends. I have had the pleasure of playing the 80/35 Music Festival many times as well as other festivals across the state. In 2021, I received a grant from the Iowa Arts Council for my work creating synchronized visual art for live music. I also enjoy building and modifying analog sound and video equipment. I also run a short-run vinyl record duplication label (VianylRecords.com) where I make handmade lathe-cut vinyl records for local bands.

What motivates you at work?

I am extremely lucky and privileged to be able to work in my dream profession — sound. I know not everyone gets the opportunity to have their dream job, so I do not take it for granted. I am motivated to give clients a finished product they didn’t realize was possible or maybe never thought of before. I love to show people the possibilities of sound!