The Local Music Scene Behind the scenes of vinyl mastering with Levi Seitz of Black Belt Mastering

Levi Seitz leads Black Belt Mastering in Brier, cutting master lacquers for high-profile artists such as Beyoncé and Pearl Jam. His journey began with a childhood passion for music and mechanics, which evolved into a career in audio engineering after he bought a four-track recorder. Seitz built his skills through various roles, including an internship at Jackpot! Recording Studio and work at Microsoft, before launching his business in 2009. He invested in a vintage vinyl lathe in 2014, allowing him to focus on vinyl mastering.

Seitz's first significant client was Pearl Jam, and he has since developed a reputation for quality work in the industry. He describes the self-employment journey as challenging, requiring constant communication with clients and reinvestment in his craft. His typical week involves prioritizing urgent tasks and managing both vinyl mastering and client relationships. Seitz’s story highlights the determination and adaptability needed to succeed in the competitive audio engineering field.