Will Madera

“I always mix with emotion,” he affirms. “I don’t follow techniques. I follow my heart. That’s my forte during the live show. When it comes to the studio, I don’t follow rules either. It’s just all about what comes naturally.”

Those instincts continue to drive his success. In 2006, Wil became the Front of House Engineer for international mega-star Pitbull. Along the way, he established himself as one of the industry’s preeminent sound aficionados.

Beyond his live duties during historic gigs at Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, Wembley Arena, and the World Cup 2014, he mixed and co-wrote Pitbull’s “Echa Pa’lla (Manos Pa’rriba)” featuring Papayo—earning a Latin Grammy Award for “Best Urban Performance.” As Pitbull’s The Bad Man Tour sold out shows everywhere in 2016, he earned the prestigious Pensado Award for “Live/FOH – Excellence in Live or Front of House Sound.” Moreover, the likes of Daughtry, and Austin Mahone have sought him out to run of Front of House on tour, while he’s engineered and mixed for Gente de Zona, Papayo, and more in the studio.

He found his passion for sound at a very young age. Growing up in Washington Heights, NY, he began mixing talent shows and school productions in junior high.

“I loved music, but I didn’t want to play an instrument,” he says. “So, I learned how to do sound. Sound is everything in my life, and it has been for as long as I can remember.”

Graduating from the Institute of Audio Research in 2001, he spent the next five years, cutting his teeth with countless Off Broadway plays and local productions throughout the New York area. Pitbull drummer and band leader Omar Tavarez reached out after hearing his work in 2006, offering him the gig. Since then, he’s remained a cornerstone of the icon’s legendary performances.

“I’ve learned so much from Pit,” he goes on. “He gives me that energy and pushes me to keep working harder and harder every day. He’s truly been an inspiration.”

Expanding his own repertoire further, Wil, co-produced, and engineered the title track of Pitbull’s tenth full-length album, “We Are Strong” [feat. Kiesza]. He constantly clings to his instincts, transmitting both energy and emotion through his mixes.

“Music is very emotional,” he leaves off. “I want to transmit that and leave people feeling joy from the sound.”

Career Highlights

• 2016: Pensado Award for “Live/FOH – Excellence in Live or Front of House Sound.

Favorite DPA Microphones

1. 4099 Instrument Microphone  I can place this mic anywhere and it gives me the exact sound of whatever instrument i place it on....