Ares Multimedia Recording Studio, better known as Ares Recording, is an audio facility owned by recording engineer Ricardo Sasaki who specializes in audio for music and advertising with a multicultural background and approach to find uniqueness in every project he takes on.
Can you tell us about how and why you started your business?
I started at a very young age as a musician. After completing my studies in the conservatory of music (Bolivia), and the college for recording arts (San Francisco) I developed my career into audio, music and commercial production. I started my audio engineering career in 1988 in Bolivia, South America. There I became a partner in the recording studio Pro Audio Srl, parallel to my music career as a keyboard player with the band Octavia (two gold and one platinum plaques). I have been lucky to work from a young age pursuing my passion in music production, audio post and commercial/advertising. I moved to Oklahoma in 2004 and it was natural to continue working in the same line of work.
What services do you provide within the film/music industry?
I record and produce all genres of music, postproduction of audio for commercials and other kind of projects, such as audio restoration or transfers. I do some concert production coordination as well. Through my studio I serve as a crossover advertising facility Spanish-English, English-Spanish. Other capabilities include video production and social media marketing. It is also one of the very few bilingual facilities in the state.
Can you describe how your company has grown to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s film and/or music industry?
In the past three years my company has grown substantially, especially in the music scene, being a multicultural studio has brought a few production elements to the table that are a unique touch. I also focus on artist development, especially in the early stages of their careers.
What are the benefits of basing your company’s operations in Oklahoma?
I have lived in Oklahoma for the past 15 years and have seen a fast-growing music scene as well as a substantial increase in out of state film productions coming into town, which has allowed me to grow as a business. I am looking forward to being more involved in the audio for film industry in the near future.
Has your company experienced growth over the last 3-5 years? If so, how?
Yes, it has seen growth in the past three years, word of mouth has played a big role and a very important fact that boosted my work is that I changed my business model from a partnership to a sole ownership.
What would you consider your businesses greatest accomplishment to date?
I have been part of several projects that involve not only amazing local talent but also hand-in-hand with renown national artists, such as Dirty Red, Marcus Nand, Carmine Rojas amongst others. Working with them is a great achievement as well as a great continuous learning curve. I have done some commercial recordings for a couple of international brands, such as Kia. I recently assisted the production of the Foo Fighters concert, which is not only a personal accomplishment, but an accomplishment for the local concert industry.
Are there any recent successes your company would like to highlight related work within the Oklahoma film and music industry?
I have been part of all the new releases of Jeff Scott Wood, Esteban Sotelo, Tammi and Roberta, PG, The Cracks, Gabriela, Rinz, 9 left dead and many more.
What are you working on now/next?
Preparing an EP with Eric McDaniel and Mike Bell, Evan Phillips, Wilfro Real, and more. I co-produce and perform with the greatest local singer and Latin pop artist Lee Hernan.
What is your goal/vision for the future of your company?
Continue growing as an engineer, musician and be able to hire more talented musicians and engineers for upcoming projects.
What advice do you have for other who are considering starting a film or music business in Oklahoma?
Perseverance, perseverance, perseverance, patience and hard work.
What opportunities do you believe await Oklahoma’s film/music industry in the future?
I hope to be able to network and get more involved in the new movie and film industry, which is rapidly growing in our state.