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     Since arriving in Atlanta, Mike has accomplished more in two years than most have in ten. “I am inspired by relationships, hardships, family and business. The profession of music is a family, a community. I am inspired by collaborations.” This attitude created opportunities to work with artists like Ciara, Sean P, Lil Scrappy, Dream, J Geils Band, and established producers like Tricky Stewart, Polow Da Don, Arkiteks, and Drumma Boy. Mixdown continually facilitates the inspiration of collaboration and strives to unite the artist and consumer, “You can always find a happy medium. The only time there is no medium is the effort, thought, and long hours that go into these tracks.”

     Having earned his stripes working sessions at the world famous, Buchanon Recording Complex in East Cleveland, Ohio, Michael’s unrelenting desire for something more than proper boarding school and a Liberal Arts Education, led him to music. Bottom line, he is a college graduate who learned his engineering and production chops while working non-stop in studios on weekends.

     Growing up in the town of Hanover, NH, Mike always dreamed of a life in a fast paced environment, something with more hustle. So when his opportunity came knocking he was not afraid to meet it head-on, “It all started by rapping and dj-ing in prep school. Freestyling just for the love of sound. I couldn’t walk down the street and hear music without trying to make a remix in my head.” Then in 1999 with just a microphone and a drum kit, Mike’s fate was sealed. It was music or nothing from here on out. “My parents didn’t approve of my decision but allowed me to pursue my dream and supported me with their love regardless. After my first live performance with 500 people in the audience, I knew this was the life for me.”

     And so commenced a hip-hop career. Random freestyle rap sessions lead to Michael being offered an opportunity to work at Buchanan Recording Complex in East Cleveland. With strength and confidence Michael asserted the quality of his ear, but started in the game cleaning bathrooms and doing office work, just to be around the industry. However, within three days, with no formal training, Michael was sitting in on recording sessions, helping track and song-write records that were struggling for completion. With the education of studio life, Mike moved back to the East Coast to draw from the inspiration of the legendary Quad Studios in Manhattan. Here, Mixdown was afforded his second opportunity to test his ear and interest. For a year Michael traveled four hours to New York City to work at Quad Studios every weekend. He found himself learning exponentially with hands on experience.

     After school, desiring an all around understanding of the industry, Michael went to Spielberg Recording studios to get a West Coast education. This honed a new vibe and the knowledge of new equipment. With LA chops, Michael returned to his hometown of Hanover, New Hampshire to start his own recording studio. Though he felt there was still a great deal more to learn in the pursuit for complete knowledge of the industry. Michael came to Atlanta to explore its diverse music culture and test his knowledge at Stankonia Recording Studios.

     This led to one of the biggest breaks of his career, the opportunity to work with industry mix engineer, star, and Grammy winner, Alvin Speights. “He taught me how to survive and enjoy the life of an engineer,” Mike says with a genuine appreciation for the industry genius. Mike is unable to say enough about the games mixing wiz, “He taught me how to conduct myself and how to create the right platform from which to engage in a creative venture with music folks. He taught me how mixing is an art, and about priority and how to balance them. He has been an invaluable mentor and friend when I’ve had questions or doubts. And he always inspires me just to work.”

     Today, with complete modesty, Michael enjoys the knowledge of his hard-work and dedication, “The education I received for my profession cannot be learned from books, it takes long hours, trust, and friendship of the industries most talented engineers and producers. I am a product of all the greats that came before me.” Most of his time is split between Freelance Production, Recording and Networking throughout Atlanta’s top recording studios such as DARP, Southern Acoustic Laboratories, Red Zone, Hot Beats, Crossover, ZAC’s Recording, as well as many top artists’ private studios. The industry is relentless in the opportunities it affords Michael today, “I love developing talent as well as working with the best and brightest stars in the industry.” His insistent optimism and constant professionalism make Michael “Kix Kreative” Salvatoriello, one of the most enjoyable producer/engineers to work with in the industry today --Written by Michael Gioe

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