Employee Spotlight: Anders Kirkegaard
September 26, 2023
What drew you to Sonic Minds specifically?
I’ve been working in the live music industry as a freelance musician for around 15 years, playing with various different Danish pop acts. I wanted to explore different ways of working with music and sound, than playing live or teaching music.
I then found Sonic Minds, and started looking into music and branding, and the more I learned about the company and what they do, the more I wanted to work there.
So far I’ve been here for six weeks, and the team has been very welcoming, and trusting me with a wide array of different tasks.
What are some of your hobbies?
Spending time with my family is probably number one. And also – as a house owner, there’s always something to do, so I would also say fixing stuff in the house, or in the garden.
I also like exercising and lifting weights. And occasionally I also game a little.
Who is your inspiration?
Probably my dad, he really built a great life around him, and gave me and my sister the best possible upbringing. My parents supported me all the way when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in the music industry. Being a father myself, I’ve really come to appreciate all the things he and my mom made possible for me as a child. And seeing them with my daughter now is just fantastic.
Stop worrying about the things you cannot change. I try to focus only on what I can actually do something about, and if it’s out of my hands, I let it go.
How would you describe your musical past?
I think I kind of fast tracked it. I started playing guitar a bit late, when I was around 15, but soon after it was the only thing I ever wanted to do, so I just practised night and day, and then got into the Rhythmic Music Conservatory when I was 22.
When I started playing guitar, I was really into metal, but then I gradually got into fusion, jazz and blues. As soon as I started playing professionally, I also started MD’ing (music directing) for pop acts and got into producing also.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
It would probably be something like Stop worrying about the things you cannot change. I try to focus only on what I can actually do something about, and if it’s out of my hands, I let it go.
How would you describe your profession?
I’m an audio branding consultant, but usually people have no idea what that means, haha … I help brands create their audio identity. A lot of consulting, a lot of listening, a lot of describing and analysing, mixed with a good portion of sound design.
What are you most looking forward to work-wise?
Really just learning about audio and branding. These days I’m just taking everything in, trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can. It’s fascinating how many emotions you can convey with just short snippets of sound. I really want to explore that field. Also, the team is great! Working as a freelance musician can be quite lonely sometimes, so it’s really nice to have some great colleagues.
What is your greatest strength?
I guess my general disposition is that I’m quite calm, it takes quite a lot to get me distraught.
Also, I’m a perfectionist, but that’s probably also my greatest weakness.
That was our interview with Anders. Until next time!
