51Âþ»­

Setting up a successful sound studio in Brooklyn, New York has led to one 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) graduate achieving his ‘lifelong dream’.

Kieran Kaye, a 2008 Music Technology and Innovation (now called ) graduate, set up in 2016. He has already worked on projects for some of the world’s biggest brands including Versace, Nestle, IBM, Wrangler, Clarins and Kelloggs.

His days involve mixing and designing audio for TV, advertising, online and radio, as well as working with independent production companies and advertising agencies in the US and internationally.

The 30-year-old from Southampton said: “Full English came about from a lifelong dream of owning my own studio. Even since my days at 51Âþ»­ it's been on my mind.”

Shortly after graduating from 51Âþ»­, Kieran landed an internship at a voiceover and production facility in Manhattan. He said: “It was low pay, but a huge foot in the door for a 21-year-old fresh out of university.

“Just three months later my boss saw my potential and offered me his chair in one of the main studio rooms, which was fantastic.

“I learned a lot and at the end of my one-year internship he offered me a full-time position which enabled me to get my visa sponsorship. I was set - living the dream in New York!”

Five years later Kieran headed back to the UK and honed his skills, experience and creativity as a freelance sound engineer in Soho. During this time he enjoyed working with leading advertising agencies on big projects and was eventually offered full-time work at two different studios.

“The decision to move back to New York after working in London for three years was mostly career-driven. I believe that this city wraps itself around you for a reason and that reason is opportunity,” said Kieran.

RELATED NEWS

Graduating with a PhD is music to Neal's ears

Having worked on a wide range of projects, Kieran said: “I particularly had fun with a BMW project where a toy robot is attacking a dog in the back of the car.

“I enjoyed mixing this one in surround sound for cinema too and I even happened to see it when I was at the cinema, which rarely happens!”

Kieran credits 51Âþ»­ for putting him on the path to success, saying: “I loved 51Âþ»­. My course prepared me technically for my career, but I think 51Âþ»­ prepared me for the rest. University is a rite of passage and I believe I'm a better person for it.”

Last month Kieran attended an alumni event and addressed some of the 1,000 students who were in New York as part of .

He said: “My advice to any students hoping to follow in my footsteps is to say ‘yes’, but in moderation.

“I’ve taken leaps of faith so many times in my life, moving country three times, but every time it has paid off.

“I didn’t frivolously jump on a plane though. I said ‘yes’ to the idea of something and planned carefully, which is why I would advise all students to always have an exit strategy in place.”