By Zach Collier
Los Angeles-based podcaster, producer, and mixing engineer Dee Kei Waddell is coming back home. A former BYU Commercial Music student, Dee Kei lived in Provo for several years. While here, he founded Cold House Studio with Jordan Ottesen, ran Reach Provo, and played sold out shows with his band Motion Coaster. Since leaving Provo he’s become a member of The Recording Academy (the organization behind the Grammys); gained a strong following on his Mixing Music Podcast; founded In The Mix Recording Studios; and published several children’s books with his wife Kayoko.
While in town, Dee Kei will be hosting a mixing masterclass. Why’s he coming back? “I’m actually returning for a single weekend to run the Utah Valley Marathon and to meet old friends,” he laughs. “I’ve been meaning to come back to where my career started to catch up with all of my old friends. The Provo music scene is home to some of the most talented artists and musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
It helps that he already knows exactly where to host the meetup. While technically still the owner of Cold House, the studio has been in the hands of Zach Boorman since Dee Kei left. “Before I left for LA, I had been looking for someone to replace me and I really felt that Zach was more than qualified to take over as the Executive Manager and Lead Engineer of Cold House Studio,” says Dee Kei. “He is a fantastic engineer and is doing great work in Provo.”
For the masterclass event, he plans to mix a song live, host a Q&A, and go over some former mixes to help attendees understand some more intermediate to advanced mixing techniques and processes. He wants the class to be flexible and to be led by the questions asked by attendees. It’s his way of giving back to the scene after being given so much. “If it wasn’t for the inexhaustible amount of opportunities in the small town of Provo, Utah, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he says.
The masterclass is from 2-5 PM at Cold House Studio on June 2. A hangout will take place from 5-7 PM. Attendance is expected to be high, so RSVPs are required. Tickets are $15, but if you use the Provo Music Magazine code “DADDYDEE” you can get in for free. Make sure to follow Dee Kei on Instagram, and check out an episode of his podcast below.