Sue Pelino is a sound engineer at Broadway Video (http://broadwayvideo.com) in New York City. Here, she provides insight into her career and some of its highlights.
How did you get involved in the audio business?
“The first time I was in a recording studio was when I was 10 years old. My dad was working in television production at the time and was friends with a great jingle writer/engineer, Rod McBrien. I was so excited when Rod offered to have me come in for a recording session. He thought that I was going to play ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ on ukulele, but instead I brought a seven piece band and played two originals and a Carpenters tune. I think I played a Gibson Dove that day at Electric Lady Studios. I was mesmerized and it was at that moment when I got the bug!”
What is it like working at Broadway Video?
“The best thing about working at Broadway Video is being surrounded every day with such creative — and fun — co-workers and clients. BV is my second home and we are family. Our studios have a great, creative vibe, which has everything to do with our legacy and being in the Brill Building. My mom also worked on the 4th floor of the Brill in the late ‘50s for a film composer named Bob Harris, who wrote the theme to Spider-Man!”
If not a sound engineer, what would you be?
“If I wasn’t an audio post engineer for television, I would either be a full-time musician/songwriter or I’d design guitars for a company like Martin. I have a great vintage guitar collection, which includes a 1969 candy apple red Fender Stratocaster (my favorite); a 1957 TV yellow Gibson Les Paul Special; and a Nancy Wilson signature Martin. Playing guitar is definitely my passion. When I was turning four years old, I was walking down my block in Queens with my grandfather when he asked me, ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ I answered, ‘A guitar.’ When he asked what kind, I said, ‘I’d prefer a white electric guitar,’ which was based on the Josie and the Pussycats cartoon! Three summers ago, I had the beyond-the-bucket-list thrill of singing background vocals on tour with the rock band Heart!”
Do you have a favorite kind of project?
“I’ve had the great opportunity to work with so many interesting artists and actors, including Meryl Streep, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Carole King and Alicia Keys, but the one person and session that stands out to me was mixing Elton John’s The Red Piano with the legendary producer Phil Ramone. Phil was a great friend and instrumental in my career.”