
Grammy Nominated Alum Shares Berklee Wisdom with His Student Sister I thought graduating with a double major would be the key to success, Carlos Perez de Anda BM '14 tells his sister Andrea, but it was the relationships I built that truly opened doors.
By
Andrea Recalde
February 6, 2025
Carlos Perez de Anda BM '14
Image by Ricky Montaner
Many of us at Berklee dream about turning our time here into a successful and fulfilling career in the music industry. Still, the path isn't always as glamorous as we imagine. As a current Berklee student, I have found myself wondering how to make the most of this experience and if many of the things I do here will benefit me in the future.
Luckily, I didnt have to look far for some real-world insight-my brother, Carlos Perez de Anda BM '14, graduated with a double major in music production and engineering (MP&E) and electronic production and design and has since built a successful career within the industry. While at Berklee, he won the MP&E/EPD Dual Major Award; since graduating, he has worked with artists such as Beyonc , Alicia Keys, and Shakira. He's got one Grammy nomination and two Latin Grammy nominations under his belt. Currently, Carlos works as the studio manager and chief engineer at Alacran Studios in Miami, Florida.
As his sister, I have seen him grow, struggle, and flourish into the person he is today. I recently had the opportunity to interview him, giving him the space to share his insights from the perspective of a successful former Berklee student.
In our conversation, Carlos discussed the realities of moving to Los Angeles right after graduation, the challenges of working with major labels, and why the best advice is never to work for free. He also stressed the importance of finding balance, staying true to yourself, and being patient in an industry that often feels like a race against time.
If you could return to your years at Berklee, what would you do differently? What advice would you give yourself?Id take it slower-theres no rush; thats the first thing Id say to myself. Im proud of graduating with a dual major in MP&E and EPD, but I wish I hadnt rushed through semesters or felt the need to graduate quickly. Id skip the condensed summer semesters, and I wouldnt change anything except my mindset from, I gotta graduate, to, Lets enjoy this.
How did you find a music-related job after Berklee? How essential is it to make connections here?Making connections is the most important aspect of building a career-more important than your major, essays, or GPA. The relationships you form at Berklee are invaluable and will be crucial to your success. After graduation, job prospects often dip, but your network will start to resurface and create opportunities. Getting a job right after Berklee can be tough, especially in a saturated industry. You may have to start from the bottom, so its important to create consistently and reach out to others.
I thought graduating with a double major would be the key to success, but it was the relationships I built that truly opened doors. . . . It's not what you know, it's not who you know, it's who knows you.
It's not what you know, it's not who you know, it's who knows you.
- Carlos Perez de Anda BM '14
What was it like moving to LA right after Berklee? What advice would you give to people considering that for their path?First, choose a city you genuinely like; if New York differs from your vibe, you won't enjoy it. I recommend visiting the city youre considering to get a feel for it, for example, and understand the transportation options. I had family in LA, which helped, but coming from Boston, where you dont need a car, I quickly realized LA requires one. Dont rush; you have more time than you think.
How was your first experience dealing with major labels or contracts? What do you think is a common mistake people make when dealing with the business side of things for the first time?First, sort out your finances; if you work for a label, youll have a W2, making tax filing straightforward. For freelancers, create your own company to manage billing and taxes effectively. My early experiences with major labels were frustrating because they often delayed payments. Now, I get ahead by asking for a PO [purchase order] number and required forms before sending invoices to ensure I will be paid on time. Be persistent and assertive; pursue what youre owed, especially when it comes to major labels and artists, so you are credited the way you're supposed to. Always confirm details in writing, ideally through email, and consider signed contracts for extra protection.
What do you look for in people who apply to be a part of your team?Im picky when selecting team members. First, I prioritize a positive attitude; I want people who learn from their mistakes and contribute positively to the rooms energy. Second, I look for those willing to do whatever it takes and help without constant prompting. Common sense is so important, as is being attentive to detail and knowing when to talk and when to listen. Id prefer someone with the right attitude over someone technically proficient but who needs to improve in the areas that say who you are.
Do you have any other advice for current students?Its good to recognize and enjoy the different phases for what they are. We often live our current phase while thinking about the next one, which prevents us from enjoying the present. Start developing habits like eating healthily and exercising, as your body will remind you that you needed to have done that earlier. One of the biggest things to remember is that theres always a deal to be had, and its never a good idea to work for free. Instead, find ways to negotiate value, as even internships offer valuable experiences.
Andrea Recalde is a songwriting and music bus
Most recent headlines
09/11/2025
Dalet today announced a transformative leap forward for media operations: Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) that unifies the Dalet ecosystem under one natura...
06/10/2025
France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...
17/09/2025
Tech Focus: Audio Training, Part 2 - Manufacturers Offer Extensive Online Learni...
17/09/2025
Tech Focus: Audio Training, Part 1 - A1 Shortage Remains a Major-League Challeng...
17/09/2025
It was the ultimate convergence of pop culture and literary prestige: Last night, Dua Lipa brought her Service95 Book Club podcast to the stage for a special li...
17/09/2025
During August, streaming's share of TV viewing in Mexico showed an increase of 0.4% compared to the previous month, accounting for 25% of TV viewing.
Discl...
17/09/2025
CYPRESS, Calif. FOR-A America has named Jo Aun as senior manager of product engineering, a new role responsible for guiding the planning, development and rollou...
17/09/2025
PlayBox Neo, in partnership with CIS Group, a leading provider of media and broadcast technology solutions, has successfully deployed PlayBox Neo's Dual Cha...
17/09/2025
In a relationship that mirrors societal advances in sustainability, Brightline Lighting and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Headquarters have en...
17/09/2025
Clear-Com is proud to support the world-class productions of Alley Theatre, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit resident theatres in the United States. With...
17/09/2025
Arch Platform Technologies (www.archpt.io), a pioneer in automated, scalable cloud infrastructure for high-performance workflows, today announced a Strategic Co...
17/09/2025
Over 300 selected decision-makers from start-ups, corporates, and VC funds worldwide will gather for the third edition of the event, united by a single goal: to...
17/09/2025
Telestream, a global leader in media workflow technologies, is excited to announce that its flagship Vantage platform and its next-generation AI capabilities re...
17/09/2025
Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions that profitably connect the right content to the right audience, proudly announces its three Best of Show...
17/09/2025
In a move to further establish a firm foothold across South East Asia, PlayBox Neo, the well-respected name in broadcast playout and channel branding, has appoi...
17/09/2025
Wisycom, a global leader in advanced wireless audio solutions, announced two major wireless solutions at IBC 2025 (Stand 8.D30). This includes the Portable RF-o...
17/09/2025
Six Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards The recipients were recognized for their contributions to acclaimed programs Severance, The Studio, The Penguin, SNL50: The...
17/09/2025
Applications Open for Berklee in Santo Domingo The weeklong contemporary music program will run January 5-10, 2026.
By
Colette Greenstein
September 17, 2025
...
17/09/2025
Ukrainian Students Find Creative Consonance' at Berklee Valencia Through ELIA's UAx Platform, six students from Kyiv joined Berklee Valencia for a week...
17/09/2025
Earlier this year Avid announced Kenna Hilburn as its new senior vice president of product. Recently Hilburn was promoted to Avids new Chief Product Officer, su...
17/09/2025
Transatlantic collaboration combines experience and agility to drive innovation in network design and delivery
Luxembourg, September 16, 2025 - SES, a leading ...
17/09/2025
NEW YORK Madhive has announced that the Fox Television Stations have joined its Live Sports Marketplace....
17/09/2025
SYRACUSE, N.Y. Sony Electronics has announced that it is partnering with the Newhouse School at Syracuse University to provide state-of-the-art equipment, hands...
17/09/2025
SAN JOSE, Calif. Roku has announced that the first smart projector using its Roku TV operating system, the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube, is now avail...
17/09/2025
Wednesday 17 September 2025
UK artists capture icons of stage and screen, inclu...
17/09/2025
Jo Returns to FOR-A as Senior Manager of Product Management and Engineering...
17/09/2025
For the Moon Safari anniversary tour, AIR opened the doors to their backstage. Just a few hours before the Paris concert, DPA met with two key figures of the te...
17/09/2025
Auditions will be held in Dublin, Cork and Galway
The County Parade returns f...
16/09/2025
SVG All-Stars: Leigh Michaud, Manager, Remote Operations, ESPNThe UConn grad rose from ESPN's mailroom to become one of its most valuable ops leadersBy Bran...
16/09/2025
Live From IBC 2025: Friday's Latest From Halls 1-4, Outdoor Exhibits in Amst...
16/09/2025
Live From IBC 2025: Saturday's Latest From Halls 5-7 in Amsterdam By SVG Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025 - 17:00
Print This Story
The SVG Europe and ...
16/09/2025
Live From IBC 2025: Sunday's Latest From Halls 8-10 in Amsterdam By SVG Staff
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 17:00
Print This Story
The SVG Europe and...
16/09/2025
Live From IBC 2025: Monday's Latest From Halls 11-14 in Amsterdam By SVG Staff
Sunday, September 14, 2025 - 17:00
Print This Story
The SVG Europe and ...
16/09/2025
Amazon Prime Video Picks Up Four Hours of Early-Round Masters Coverage in 2026 By Jason Dachman, Editorial Director, U.S.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 10:15...
16/09/2025
VERSANT Inks Deal for League One Volleyball as Women's Sports Rights Slate G...
16/09/2025
ESPN VP, Corporate Communications, Katina Arnold Named SVP, Disney Advertising C...
16/09/2025
IBC 2025 in Review: SVG Europe's Full Collection of Video Interviews From th...
16/09/2025
Hace una d cada, la m sica latina representaba apenas el 8% de las reproducciones globales en Spotify. Hoy, constituye m s de una cuarta parte (27%) de toda la ...
16/09/2025
A decade ago, Latin music made up just 8% of global Spotify streams. Today, it a...
16/09/2025
Spotify is expanding our video lineup with a new partnership with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios. For the first time, acclaimed content from ITV Studios is landing...
16/09/2025
At DSEI 2025, James Dunne of L3Harris Maritime UK chaired a panel on aligning the supply chain to the warfighter, where leaders discussed modernising support fo...
16/09/2025
Calrec has strengthened its collaboration with audio metering expert RTW by integrating RTW's new TMxCore metering platform across its full range of Argo IP...
16/09/2025
College Football Scores Top Telecast in August with 16M+ Viewers on FOX, Followe...
16/09/2025
Collaboration marks the first SSP integration of Gracenote IDs, enabling show-le...
16/09/2025
AMSTERDAM The organizers of IBC2025 are reporting that 43,858 visitors from more than 170 countries attended the event, which had more than 1,300 exhibitors and...
16/09/2025
Wooden Camera announces the release of its new Accessory Collection for the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55. The highlights of this collection include vital power soluti...
16/09/2025
Anton/Bauer, a leading manufacturer of mobile power solutions for broadcast and cinematic equipment, has announced the launch of Anton/Bauer Fleet Management, a...
16/09/2025
Teradek, a leading provider of video transmission and live production solutions, today announced the launch of Prism Jetpack, a groundbreaking 5G video contribu...
16/09/2025
Astera, the leader in wireless LED lighting solutions, announces the ultra-versatile SolaBulb. Building on the success of the Astera bulb family, SolaBulb intro...
16/09/2025
As the world gathered at TED2025 to explore the provocative theme "Humanity Reimagined", Clear-Com , supported by NETGEAR networking infrastructure, delivered f...