In an era where music production is evolving rapidly, Amy Sergeant exemplifies what it means to adapt and thrive in a competitive industry – a journey that culminated in her recognition as the Rising Star at the MPG Awards.

A Rising Star in the Industry

The MPG Awards, held at London’s The Troxy, celebrated both legendary icons and emerging talents. This year, the Rising Star award went to Amy Sergeant, known for her work in indie-folk and alt-pop.

Amy’s career began in her London-based studio, Naughty Cat Records, where she transitioned from assisting renowned producers to engineering sessions for major artists like Florence & The Machine and Wolf Alice.

From Humble Beginnings to High-Profile Projects

Amy’s passion for music started in her teenage years with a simple digital 8-track recorder.

Her first hands-on experience with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) came during her school years, initially using Cubase and later transitioning to Logic and Pro Tools. This foundational experience led her to pursue a degree in Commercial Music at Bath Spa University, where she specialized in music production.

A pivotal moment in Amy’s career occurred when her band played at a wedding, leading to a connection with Toby Alington, an award-winning live music broadcast engineer. This opportunity allowed her to work as an audio production assistant at high-profile events like the Ariana Grande One Love concert and the BRIT Awards.

Adapting to Different Roles

Amy’s career is marked by her ability to adapt to various roles within the studio environment. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both software and hardware in music production. “Mixing for television is very different to mixing a studio record,” she notes, highlighting the distinct approaches required for different types of projects.

Her move to London and subsequent work with Miloco Studios exposed her to a wide range of studio setups and major label projects. This experience was instrumental in building her confidence and technical skills, allowing her to assist on projects for artists like Florence & The Machine and Wolf Alice.

Naughty Cat Records: A Multifaceted Studio

Now based at Naughty Cat Records, Amy wears multiple hats, serving as an engineer, mixer, producer, and musician.

She enjoys the variety in her work, stating, “Sometimes people need a mix engineer, or a recording engineer, or a producer or a guitarist, and sometimes people need all of those things”. Naughty Cat also functions as a micro-label, helping independent artists like Josie Beth gain traction in the music industry.

Innovative Mixing Techniques

Amy’s approach to mixing is both creative and pragmatic. She uses a combination of hardware and software tools to achieve the desired sound. “With plugins, it’s about having a colour and a flavour, not to sound like the original,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of imparting a unique quality to each track.

Her work at Spotify’s EQUAL Residency Program at Metropolis Studios further honed her skills, allowing her to engineer sessions for a diverse range of artists and projects. This experience solidified her reputation as a meticulous and innovative engineer.

Why This Matters

Amy Sergeant’s journey is a testament to the importance of versatility and continuous learning in the music production industry.

For music producers, her story underscores the value of gaining a broad range of skills and being adaptable to different roles and technologies.

Amy’s success also highlights the potential for independent studios to make a significant impact by supporting emerging artists and embracing innovative production techniques. Her recognition at the MPG Awards signifies a promising future for producers who are willing to explore and define their unique niche in the industry.

For more information on Amy Sergeant and her full production credits, visit her official website.