Deepali - Mixing Magic
Deepali Mistry
Freelance Sound Engineer
BSc Music Technology
Deepali felt underrepresented in the audio industry and wasn’t sure that a career in music or sound was actually realistic long-term. At BCU, she took advantage of every opportunity offered to her, gaining placements that have since turned into an exciting freelance role as a TV sound engineer. She has been able to travel the world working at huge events such as UEFA Euros 2024, Glastonbury, UFC and Rugby World Cup to name a few!
“Following the footsteps of my family, going to university was always my goal. The unique life skills and opportunities for self-exploration always appealed to me. I had an interest in Music and Sound, but found it hard to understand which careers were actually available in the field until I visited an Open Day at BCU.
BCU was a no-brainer. The degree offered a diverse range of modules and opportunities to gain hands-on professional experience. It seemed like it was one of the only universities I researched that didn’t just focus on one element of the audio industry. I liked that the course enabled you to be creative and scientific, and the lecturers nurtured our skills in each area. From learning the core theory like the physics of sound, understanding the importance of acoustics and, becoming aware of how audio translates to the digital world – you quickly become a professional of your craft. Also, having the opportunity to study with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on our doorstep was a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to produce music.
I was encouraged to delve into the research and development side of audio and actually submitted a demo project I had created to NIME 2022 (the international conference for New Interfaces for Musical Expression). To my surprise, my application was accepted, and I was officially published as an author in 2022 because of it! Now as a graduate, I can see how the course has broadened my knowledge and has made me a well-rounded sound engineer.
I suffered major imposter syndrome when I was applying, and during my first year of university. Being a woman of colour – there isn’t a lot of us in the industry and so the representation and assurance that someone like me could actually be successful in this industry wasn’t there. People also tend to lean into the stereotype that the music industry is unreliable and difficult, and not a good way to make a living, which made me feel nervous to start the course and pursue audio as a career. I was very fortunate to have a supportive family who saw the passion for my craft and supported my decision.
Throughout university, I had lots of opportunities to engage with professionals from the field, which even led to work experience placements at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Redditch Palace Theatre. This built my confidence and helped me to apply the theory I was learning to the real world. I owe a lot to my lecturers at BCU, who really emphasised the importance of networking in the creative industries. I also worked closely with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, producing recordings and events and eventually becoming Head Sound Engineer at Conservatoire Theatre Company.
As of 2024, I am a Freelance Sound Engineer for TV Broadcast and Live Music Events. I am drawn to the adrenaline and excitement of being somewhere new, working on something different and being challenged to make sound work its magic on various TV Broadcasts. I’ve also had opportunities to travel as part of my work, which feels like I’ve hit the jackpot! My job and the success that has followed has definitely shut the voices that told me a career in audio would amount to nothing.
When I’m on a job, I am found rigging all things sound at a sporting event somewhere around the country (or world). I act as the eyes on the floor, delivering the Sound Supervisors specification and ensuring all equipment communicates back to our trucks, aiding the Sound Guarantees.
The progression I have made within a short period of time has been my greatest achievement. I have had the privilege of travelling the world, working on major events like Glastonbury, Commonwealth Games 2022, Volvo Ocean Race, the King’s Coronation Concert, UFC, Solheim Cup, UEFA Euros 2024, Rugby World Cup to name a few!
I have definitely come a long way since my first year at BCU. I have learnt to not doubt myself and acknowledge that a great engineer is one that in constantly learning something new and there should never be any shame in having gaps of knowledge (just make sure you’re willing to fill them in!)
Graduating from a university that built the foundations of the engineer I am today makes me proud to be a BCU alumni. It may sound cheesy, but I do have so much I owe to my lecturers and the course they built for us. Their attention and care to our individual careers made me realise I made the right choice in picking this university.”
