Today we’d like to introduce you to John Wales.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
After being inspired by a speaker system at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, I sought to recreate the sound system. What started as a causal hobby started to take over the living room. In the following months, I saw local shows, some with video walls, some without. I wanted to add this element to ensure this next level of production value. The video wall arrived by freight shipping in the summer of 2019, and local event coordinators Raycraft and David Kessler brought us on to do a YBN Nahmir show that September. This launched our brand of production, Subaquatic Productions. That show brought us to the attention of Marc Dunbar who brought us on for “Just Come Presents” shows, which has now evolved into Appalachian Sound Culture under the direction of Hunter Guire. Since those inaugural shows, we have had the opportunity to provide lighting designing, video, audio, and stage erection for artists such as AFK, Au5, Black Carl, BUKU, Computa, DMVU, Lil Skies, Jason Leech, Jaenga, Janson, PhaseOne, Sean Kingston, Shlump, Sippy, SOHMI, Space Wizard, Tay Money, Travis Porter, Waka Flocka, Wreckno, and Ying Yang Twins, just to name a few. Our team has been featured at festivals such as Lost Land, Elements, Submersion, and Yonderville.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not always been a smooth road; on our way back from Yonderville, we took an alternate route down the mountain, which bounced our trailer, testing our suspension to the max. COVID was an unexpected turn for the industry, but it propelled us to push towards outdoor and socially distanced events. These events also required larger stages which, until our offerings, the local scene could not support technologically.
As inventory-based startup, it can be challenging to ensure a desired look can be achieved. However, we aim to ensure that we have adaptive equipment and staff which can handle out-of-the-box thinking while ensuring the highest degree of safety.
COVID has also affected logistics networks, and receiving new equipment requires foresight and rigorous planning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Subaquatic Productions?
We specialize in stage technologies at a price point that can bring local artists and venues into the national spotlight. When artists are showcased by lighting and video backdrops that affirm their rising star status, they can amplify their voice to a broader audience. We are known for being approachable, showing off what all goes on at front of house while the performer is on stage. Audiences often go to a show and might be mesmerized by all the technology on stage but feel disconnected from the mechanism that brings that visual to fruition. Some of our favorite moments are when an audience member asks us what we’re doing, and we tell them, “Ready for this drop? Watch what these buttons do!” It’s the exclamation of wonder that motivates us.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I have been inspired by Christian Jackson’s YouTube vlog, which provides tutorials for programming GrandMA2, the industry-leading software for lighting design. Examining what made his shows spectacular allowed me to create a workflow that is efficient and powerful. Most of what we do is improvised and requires musical knowledge and on the fly selection to synchronize the lighting and visual media.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subaquaticproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SubaquaticProductions/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SubaquaticProd
Image Credits
Grayson Hall
Zach Ross
