By: Ben Goldsmith
In the heart of New York City, one name has been resonating within some of the most prestigious recording studios – Hrushabh Talapadatur.
An accomplished audio engineer with a passion for perfecting sound, Talapadatur’s journey from a general assistant at Douglass Recording to working alongside industry legends underscores his technical prowess and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Since relocating to New York City in 2021, Talapadatur has made an indelible mark on the city’s music scene. His early days at Douglass Recording, a Grammy Award-winning studio in Brooklyn, set the stage for a flourishing career helping some of the city’s most respected jazz musicians.
Here, he honed his skills amidst the hum of creativity, contributing to sessions for big bands and Broadway cast albums like “Almost Famous.” His responsibilities ranged from setting up microphones and equipment to ensuring that every instrument was primed for perfection.
Talapadatur’s commitment and skill did not go unnoticed. He has worked alongside the attention of six-time Grammy Award-nominated guitarist Mike Stern during the production of Stern’s album “Echoes and Other Songs.” Stern had a stellar cast of award-winning jazz musicians, including Jim Beard on Piano and keys, Christian Mcbride on Bass, Antonio Sanchez on Drums, Chris Potter on Saxophone
Stern, whose illustrious career spans over four decades and includes collaborations with icons like Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius, had Talapadatur work on his album for two days in the studio, not just as an engineer but as a sound partner. This was just one project showcasing Talapadatur’s ability to blend technical acumen with an intuitive understanding of music.
Beyond Douglass Recording, Talapadatur’s expertise led him to Power Station Studios NYC, a sanctuary of sound where legends like Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney have laid down tracks. In this high-pressure environment, he excelled under stress, working closely with musicians to capture their envisioned sound. Whether it was ensuring that twelve vocalists could harmonize perfectly for orchestra recordings or tweaking headphone mixes for individual artists, this is where Talapadatur really honed his chops as an audio engineer.
His role extended into mixing sessions, where producers and composers rely on his keen ear to guide post-production processes. Talapadatur’s versatility shines in these collaborative settings as he balances artistic visions with technical requirements to create auditory masterpieces.
Reflecting on his experiences across different settings—from high-stakes studio sessions to intimate songwriter recordings—Talapadatur shared insights into the varying dynamics: “Broadway musical musicians are serious and efficient; in one recording studio day, they will record 16 songs. They’re all union musicians. If they go one hour over, the costs start adding up exponentially. Because of the money involved, there’s a stress factor. But smaller sessions are lighter and more easygoing… It all depends on who the producer is.”
Talapadatur understands that each session demands a unique approach tailored to the atmosphere and personalities involved.
Talapadatur’s role with musicians is behind the scenes but necessary. His detailed work proves that dedication to music fused with technical expertise and talent can excel within New York’s competitive music scene—a story about reaching notes and creating harmony between ambition and artistry.
As we observe Talapadatur navigate through high-pressure environments with grace and navigate challenges with innovation, he continues to work with high-profile musicians at Power Station NYC, a studio with three floors of production studios.
The biggest challenge? Making an artist’s dream come true. “Musicians are detailed and focused in what they do, and they know exactly what they want,” said Talapadatur. “As an audio engineer, I want to help them get closer to their vision. You have to know what gear to use and what sounds they’re making. I want to make it sound like what’s in the producer’s head.”
Talapadatur exemplifies how behind every memorable piece of music lies an artist’s vision and an audio engineer’s relentless pursuit of sonic perfection—a melody worth celebrating beyond New York City’s soundscape.
Follow Hrushabh Talapadatur on Instagram at @osvy17.
Published by: Khy Talara
