We go on a journey with Christopher E. Taylor II as he directs the world on how to be or aspire
to be a great Field Recorder. Field Recording is one of the hardest fields to work or
understand. Telling the audience what it means to be a field recorder in the field might help an
aspiring recording engineer get the nerve to get out of the studio and get those sounds that
change the game. “Being a Field Recorder I get to give the world or my audience a unique
experience of sound” says Taylor.
Discussing with Taylor the many differences between a Field Recorder and a Sound Engineer. A
field recorder focuses on a specific sound without filtering out or excluding any external sounds
within an environment whereas a recording engineer focuses on a specific sound while filtering
out any additional sounds within the environment. Having this knowledge will help you
understand the nature of this craft. Being in the elements and actually gathering the sounds used
to make movies, music tracks, etc. gives the field recorder, Chris Taylor, the opportunity to give
the project an original feel without making the sound seem generic.
“This is a very aspiring job”, Taylor says strikingly with chuckles. Being a field recorder the
best thing you can do to prepare for any job is to make sure you have all the gritty tools you need
for the job, and get out there and shoot, shoot, and shoot! Having Taylor live in Dillon SC for
this interview was awesome. It allowed me to share with you the joy of what being a field
recorder gives Taylor and his colleagues. Until next time remember to stay safe by staying home
as much as possible, and wearing a mask. Check out the video here “The Life of a Field
Recorder” so you can have the full experience.
