Rob Kinelski is a Grammy Award-winning audio engineer and record producer known for his work with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Billie Eilish, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative producers in the business, and his contributions to the music industry have earned him a reputation as a true visionary.
Early Life and Career
Rob Kinelski was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. He began playing the guitar and drums as a child, and by the time he was a teenager, he had already started recording and producing his own music.
After graduating from high school, Kinelski attended the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where he studied Music Engineering and Production. During his time at the university, he honed his skills as an audio engineer and producer, working on a variety of projects ranging from jazz and classical to rock and hip-hop.
Upon graduating, Kinelski moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music industry. He landed his first job as an assistant engineer at Westlake Studios, where he worked on projects for artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. It was during this time that Kinelski began to develop a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to craft incredible sounds in the studio.
Career Highlights
Over the years, Rob Kinelski has worked on a wide range of projects for some of the biggest names in the music industry. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Billie Eilish – “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
In 2019, Kinelski worked as the mixing engineer on Billie Eilish’s debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” The album was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound and haunting lyrics.
Kinelski’s work on the album was widely praised for its ability to capture Eilish’s unique vision and bring it to life in a way that was both haunting and beautiful. The album’s lead single, “Bad Guy,” was particularly successful, earning multiple Grammy nominations and helping to solidify Eilish’s place as one of the most exciting young artists in the industry.
Kanye West – “Ye”
In 2018, Kinelski worked as the mixing engineer on Kanye West’s eighth studio album, “Ye.” The album was released to critical acclaim and was praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth.
Kinelski’s work on the album was particularly impressive, as he was able to take West’s often chaotic and unpredictable sound and turn it into something cohesive and powerful. The album’s lead single, “All Mine,” was a massive hit, and the album as a whole was widely regarded as one of West’s best works to date.
Travis Scott – “Astroworld”
In 2018, Kinelski worked as the mixing engineer on Travis Scott’s third studio album, “Astroworld.” The album was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound and guest appearances from artists like Drake and Frank Ocean.
Kinelski’s work on the album was widely praised for its ability to capture Scott’s unique sound and bring it to life in a way that was both powerful and immersive. The album’s lead single, “Sicko Mode,” was a massive hit, and the album as a whole was regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of the year.
Grammy Award Wins
Over the course of his career, Rob Kinelski has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won multiple times. In 2020, he won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for his work on Billie Eilish’s “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” The album also won the award for Album of the Year, and Kinelski was recognized for his contributions to the record’s success.
In addition to his work on Eilish’s album, Kinelski has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards for his work with Kanye West and Travis Scott. His ability to capture the unique sounds and visions of these artists has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative producers in the industry.
Innovation in the Studio
One of the things that sets Rob Kinelski apart from other producers and engineers is his willingness to embrace new technology and innovative techniques in the studio. He is known for his use of cutting-edge equipment and software, as well as his ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in the studio.
One of the techniques that Kinelski is known for is his use of binaural recording, which involves using microphones placed inside a human-like head to capture sound in a way that mimics the way the human ear hears it. This technique allows for a more immersive and realistic sound, and has been used to great effect on projects like “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
Kinelski is also known for his use of advanced mixing and mastering techniques, which allow him to create sounds that are truly unique and innovative. He is constantly experimenting with new techniques and tools, and is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the studio.
Impact on the Music Industry
Rob Kinelski’s contributions to the music industry have been significant, both in terms of the artists he has worked with and the innovations he has brought to the studio. His ability to capture the unique visions of artists like Billie Eilish, Kanye West, and Travis Scott has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative producers in the business.
In addition to his work in the studio, Kinelski has also been involved in various industry organizations and initiatives. He is a member of the Recording Academy and has served as a mentor for young engineers and producers through the Grammy Foundation’s Mentor Program.
Conclusion
Rob Kinelski is a true visionary in the music industry, and his contributions to the field have been significant. His ability to capture the unique visions of artists like Billie Eilish, Kanye West, and Travis Scott has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative producers in the business, and his willingness to embrace new technology and techniques has helped to push the boundaries of what is possible in the studio.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it is clear that Rob Kinelski will remain at the forefront of innovation and creativity. His contributions to the field have already made a significant impact, and it is likely that he will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of producers and engineers for years to come.
