ABHISHEK DUTT
251 Rollins Ave, Apt#204, Rockville, Maryland - 20852, United States
Telephone: +1 (202) 460-7045
Email: abhishekdutt82@gmail.com
OVERVIEW |
A motivated, hard-working and tri-lingual audio technology graduate with over 15 years of experience in the field of audio, music, broadcast media, education and audiovisual in India and the USA, which includes composing, programming, production, post-production, performance, teaching and many more. A successful and respected mentor specializing in teaching audio technology. An expert in the technical, conceptual and content development of broadcast media. Successfully led several creative, production, technical and multimedia teams. Designed ideas that effectively reinforced and built brand images. Profound musical knowledge being the founder member of an award-winning rock band.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS |
- Research Scholar & Adjunct Faculty at American University – Currently doing post graduate research with Prof. William Brent. Research program - Polyphonic Pitch Tracking of the Vibraphone with Artificial Neural Networks. Teaching Audio Technology courses: ATEC101 – Fundamentals of Audio Technology, ATEC225 – Digital Audio Workstation, ATEC201 – Digital Signal Theory, since January 2020
- Excellent academic record – 3.96 GPA in 4.0 scale in Masters’ degree along with writing research paper on Bollywood audio technology. Designed unique digital instrument with audio synthesis and Android DSP App with Java and pure data coding
- Audio recording, mixing-mastering, music programming, sound designing, and live sound reinforcement – Commercially released six music album, more than 100 individual music tracks, above 500 radio production. Sound design for short films, telefilm, AVs, audio films, radio dramas, documentaries, commercials, and live shows.
- Music – Played keyboards, turntable, samplers and computer music with a new-age rock band for 15 years and implemented live electronic music. Co-writer of several chartbusters. Can play multiple instruments from around the world. Knowledge about both western and eastern (Hindustani classical) music theories, instruments, vocals and other applications. Ability of creating out-of-the-box and unique live music arrangements and electronic tracks.
- Strong public speaking abilities – Strong and motivating oratory skills developed from regular mentoring practices, leading creative and managerial teams at different levels and public performances
- Broadcast - A successful media professional with enriched knowledge in bothradio & television production, programming, analysis, promotion, planning and execution.Has been an award-winning employee of one of India’s largest radio networks
EDUCATION
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- American University, DC Washington (USA) - MA in Audio Technology (Dec 2017)
GPA: 3.96
Academic Research Paper: Lip-sync (Playback singing) Technology of Bollywood (Indian Cinema) – Reasons for downfall and annihilation of Indipop (non-film) music
Paper Advisor: Paul Oehlers, DMA
Presented at: Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Conference, American University, Washington DC, 2017
Capstone Project: Android App for controlling DSP from accelerometer and touch data
Advisor: William Brent, Ph.D.
Special Project (Digital instrument design): “Computer Vision Virtual Tabla” using Pure Data
Advisor: William Brent, Ph.D.
- Sikkim Manipal University, Kolkata (India) - B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication (July 2014)
Thesis: Juvenile Crime – Print media coverage in India
CURRENT POST GRADUATE RESEARCH & ADJUNCT FACULTY |
Research: Polyphonic Pitch Tracking of the Vibraphone with Artificial Neural Networks
Brief: The spectrum of a vibraphone tone is inharmonic, and the instrument is typically played polyphonically with four mallets and frequent use of a sustain pedal. Our approach will be to leverage the classification power of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in order to classify the most distinctive moment of vibraphone note events: the transient note onset. While the spectra of the vibraphone’s 37 bars are not harmonic, they do contain unique signatures of high frequency spectral energy. We will use these distinct spectral features as training data for a multi-layer ANN capable of classifying pitches and polyphonic chords. Because our classification is based on a short time window sampled during the first milliseconds of a vibraphone note/chord event, we expect to achieve low enough latency for use in real time performance.
My key skills involved: Digital Signal Processing (DSP), extensive audio analysis, coding in MATLAB, Pure Data and C, critical listing, exploring and implementing artificial neural network systems, recording and processing, intense analytical editing, segmenting and labeling.
Teaching: ATEC101 – Fundamentals of Audio Technology, ATEC225 – Digital Audio Workstation, ATEC201 –Digital Signal Theory
Other research assistantship: Implementation of Jack Audio, for AU Choir’s first of its kind, total remote, virtual and synced live performance.
MASTERS LEVEL RESEARCH WORK |
Academic Research Paper: Lip-sync (Playback singing) Technology of Bollywood (Indian Cinema) – Reasons for downfall and annihilation of Indipop (non-film) music
Abstract: This paper analyzes the history of Indian music scenario where Bollywood playback singing has played a major role in causing a critical setback to the Indian non-film music category which further resulted in its obliteration. The study also compares the song-dance spectacle and the fixed format songs of Bollywood with the experimental and futuristic approach of the 1990’s Indi pop music. The properties of the playback singing have also been discussed highlighting the factors like “hero worship” and “non-realistic larger than life” quotient, which were the key factors for the monopoly. The paper is a journey through a chronological timeline of consequences, supported by historical facts and examples, which helps us understand the logic behind the Bollywood playback singing dominance, the rise of commercial “independent music” category of the 1990’s, drawback and inconsistency of Indipop, and the final annihilation. The study ends with a brief discussion on the current scenario where non-film music seems to see some light of hope.
Capstone Project: Developing Android App for controlling DSP from accelerometer and touch data
Brief: An Android app was developed which is useful for DJs and live electronic musician where any smartphone can be used as a controller. Mainly accelerometer and touch data were tracked to change values of different DSPs in real-time. Any effect parameter can be manipulated by horizontal, vertical, left right tilt, movement of the phone and also by finger tap, tap and drag, two fingers tap and many more. Extensive Pure Data programming was used to create the DSP controller. The PD controller was then converted to an embedded library by LibPD so that it can work within Android Studio. The language Java was also learned in the process of developing in Android Studio. Currently, I am enhancing the project by taking it to the next level of designing for consumer usage.
Special Project: Computer Vision Virtual Tabla using Pure Data
Brief: As the final project of digital instrument design a computer vision virtual TABLA (popular Indian percussion instrument) was created where a user can make actual tabla playing hand and finger gestures on top of a simple black table to play actual tabla sounds. This instrument would not only act as a midi tabla but also any tabla player can play different kinds of Indian percussions (most of them have similar gestures). In addition to that basic western drums with wide variety of tones can also be played just by making the tabla gestures. All existing virtual tabla apps or VSTs has to be played from a keyboard or generic finger tap. This instrument can let the real acoustic table players expand themselves to electronic music world. The main concept behind the instrument was to cut the limitations of electronic music to a keyboard and expand to a variety of real not-keyboard-like-instruments, starting with tabla. Extensive PD programming with GEM was used, especially an object called PIX_MANO was highly explored, which helped to gather real-time contour data from moving image captured by a simple webcam. Besides playing samples, the DSP control, volume, loop, bank/instrument select, and many other features can be also controlled virtually. Apart from extensive coding, the camera setup with light management was also a big part of the project. A high-end Linux OS computer was used to handle this complex graphic data processing. Taking this to the next level, I am planning to participate in various digital instrument design competitions. Also thinking of using 3D printed models of the instruments (tabla in this case) to replace the simple black table.
MENTORING EXPERIENCE |
Adjunct Faculty – American University – Washington DC, USA Jan 2020 – present
- ATEC101 – Fundamentals of Audio Technology, ATEC225 – Digital Audio Workstation, ATEC201 – Digital Signal Theory
Peer Tutor - AU Academic Support and Access Center – Washington DC, USA Sept 2017 – Sept 2018
- Tutored audio technology students for the ATEC Digital Sound Synthesis course
Corporate Trainer at 92.7 BIG FM– Kolkata, India Dec 2010 – Dec 2012
- Conducted mandatory radio training sessions for every newly recruited professional of different departments (sales, marketing, programming, operations, technical) at all levels of hierarchy, who used to join from non-radio background
Audio Technology Mentor– Kolkata, India March 2007 to Aug 2007
SMPAI (Samrat’s Modelling and Performing Arts Institute)
- Taught audio technology courses to classes of 20 – 23 students, thrice per week
- Mentored singers and musician in learning new age digital audio technology
- Created curriculum and course materials
- Designed innovative ways of teaching
Private lessons – Home Studio – Kolkata, India Jan 2006 – June 2010
- Given one-on-one private mentoring to more than 50 students in music programming, audio recording, mixing, mastering and live sound
- Created curriculum and course materials
- Developed innovative ways of teaching
- Most student working successfully in the music, film and TV industry or abroad for higher education
MUSIC AND AUDIO EXPERIENCES |
An acclaimed Indian musician with expertise in both Indian and Western music. Have been effectively juxtaposing creativity and technology while continuously experimenting with Indo-Western fusion music. Besides playing keyboards, guitars and drums, sound knowledge of playing harmonium, tabla, and many other Indian ethnic and folk percussion and melody instruments.
Founder-Member “EESHAAN” (Bengali Rock Band) – Kolkata, India May 2000 -Aug 2016
Keyboardist, Rapper, Composer, Music Programmer, Sound Engineer, Music Video Director & Editor
- 1st new-age rock band in Bengal to experiment with & trendsetter of Bangla rap in India
- First of its kind genre of music in Eastern India
- Featured in all leading dailies, magazines, TV channels and radio stations of West Bengal
- 2 original albums, 2 music awards
- The albums were in the top Bengali music charts for several months after release
- 30 original compositions, 7 music videos, 22 commercial compositions, more than 1500 live shows
Head/Owner of SYNCINC. - Kolkata, India May 2013 - March 2016
- Self-owned film post-production studio, a team of sound engineers/designers/recordists/mixers, dubbing directors, scriptwriters, video editor, motion graphics designer and a huge pool of voice talents
- Music composing & programming, mixing, mastering, producing, visual productions and similar jobs for different clients, TV channels and radio stations
- Voice-over artist and consultant for Zee Entertainment Enterprise
- A popular name in media consultation, TV & radio client solution for branded entertainment
Senior Video Editor and Audio Engineer – Kolkata, India Jan 2008 - Oct 2009
Genus Marketing Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Audio restoration, Video edit, motion graphics and DVD authoring
Music Composer – Kolkata, India May 2005 - Oct 2005
123Greatings.com (Intrasoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.)
- Composing and producing MUSIC CLIPS for 123Greatings.com
- Editing, Mixing & embedding music in the E-Cards
Owner of Sonic Colors Studio – Kolkata, India May 2002 - May 2010
- Composing, music arranging, music programming, sound designing, recording, mixing and mastering, music video and private video shooting and editing (besides works with Eeshaan)
BROADCAST EXPERIENCES |
Executive Producer - Colors Bangla (Viacom 18) – Kolkata, India April 2016 – July 2016
- Effectively produced fiction shows with new and innovative ideas
- Closely worked with and supervised editing, graphics, audio and on-air promo team
- Built strategies to successfully promote the shows and increase audience reach
- Solely responsible for all coordination, archiving and administrative part of production and broadcasting within a strict deadline
Programming Manager, Sangeet Bangla – Kolkata, India Dec 2012 – May 2013
- Headed & managed the entire programming team which includes producers, show directors, editors, scheduler, cameramen, animators, sound engineer, VJs, copywriter, and operations etc. Program ideation, planning, FPC innovation and new show launch. Music compilation strategy. TAM (Television Audience Measurement) analysis & strategy building. TV promotion planning for upcoming Bengali films
- Oversaw coordination, managerial and administrative part of a television production and broadcasting
92.7 BIG FM (Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd.) (Roles below) – Kolkata, India
Joined as Executive Audio Engineer Feb 2010 - March 2011
Promoted to Promo Producer April 2011 – Oct 2011
Promoted to Senior Producer Nov 2011 – Dec 2012
Responsibilities at different levels of the entire tenure:
- Audio Production – Composed, recorded and mixed promos, capsules, packaged links, interstitial, commercial spots, capsules, mention, tags, voice-overs, jingles, theme songs and stationality. Also produced scripts for promos & jingles
- Produced Breakfast show – Designed shows, ideated and prepared content, music innovation, rating analysis, developed promotion plans, on-ground activation, managed on-air and on-ground consoles during on ground live shows
- Music Manager - music library management, scheduled music for all day parts, music database and metadata maintenance, archived music, market analysis of songs, music innovation, genre segregation, music royalty management, radio content development of music programming, log management, music policy and innovation,
presentation on music analysis, competition tracking, clock innovation, generating and analyzing MIS, music refreshment, overall station soundscape design, promo placement, plan & grid
- Audience research - RAM (Radio Audio Measurement)reports, demographic & psychographic study, developed and implemented strategies, client solutions
- Additional Responsibilities - Sunday evening show RJ & producer, voice over, AV- Productions, strategized programming plans, corporate trainer, planned and executed intellectual properties like music, television and film awards. Helped marketing and client solutions team to plan & execute radio campaigns
AV EXPERIENCES |
Senior AV Tech - American University – Washington DC, USA Sept 2017 – Dec 2018
- Audio and video recording and post-production
- Live sound reinforcement - Setup, mixed and produced live sound
- Design and installation of new AV space
- Repair and maintenance of AV equipment
- Troubleshot complex AV signal flow
- Trained university faculty, staff, and students in learning space audiovisual technology
AV Tech - American University – Washington DC, USA Sept 2016 – Sept 2017
- AV equipment setup around the campus
- Classroom technology assistance and event support
- Recorded AV orders
- DVDs and digital audio files creation and compilation
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment replacement
PRESENTATIONS |
Master’s academic research paper: Lip-sync (Playback singing) Technology of Bollywood (Indian Cinema) – Reasons for downfall and annihilation of Indipop (non-film) music
Presented at “Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Conference”, American University, Washington DC, 2017
Undergraduate final thesis: Juvenile Crime – Print media coverage in India
Presented at Sikkim Manipal University, Kolkata
Corporate Presentations: Spokesperson for the radio station in various national and regional corporate summits and conferences. Presented demographic research-based content development plans like station launch, show launch, on-air persona launch etc.
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS |
- Twice received American University Audio Technology Award and scholarship (2017)
- Outstanding performance in Digital Instrument Design - First of its kind "Computer Vision Virtual Tabla" with intense audio synthesis coding (2018)
- Winner of the Biggest Band Hunt of Eastern India, Band-e-Mataram (2005) and Plug-n-Play (2000)
- 92.7 BIG FM - Award for Teamwork (2012), Service Leadership (2011), Excellence in Execution (2010), Three times Special recognition award for creative programming (2010 – 2012)
- ZeD Career Academy, Kolkata (India) - Certificate on Audio Editing, Video Editing & SFX (October 2006)
- Boston’s Computer Institute, Kolkata (India) - Diploma in Basic Computing, Multimedia, Web Designing & Computer Programming (May 2002)
- EXTRON Certified "Control Specialist" and "Emerging 4K Technologist" (2017 – 2018)
SKILLS |
Technical
- Audio Software: Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Nuendo, Cubase, Adobe Audition, Nexus, Native Instrument Komplete (Massive, Kontact, Absynth, Guitar Rig, Battery, FM8, Studio drummer, Reacktor etc.) Spectrasonic (Atmosphere, Trilogy, Trilian, Onmisphere, Stylus), Addictive Drums, Hypersonic, Cakewalk Z3TA, SwarPlug, Waves, Isotope Ozone, Antares (all products), Melodyne, TRax, Wave Lab, and many more.
- Video and graphics: Adobe Premiere, After Effects, FCP, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Adobe Encore, Elastic Reality
- Programming Languages and Environments: MATLAB, Pure Data, Supercollider, Octave, C, C++, Java, Android studio, HTML, DHTML, CSS
- Broadcast: NexGen Digital
- Broadcast Scheduling: Power Gold
- Highly proficient with Windows and Macintosh, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Audiovisual: Most of the product configuration, GUI design and programming software from leading companies like EXTRON, Crestron, SP Control
- Academics: Blackboard & Canvas
- Different types of microphone
- Different types of mixers/mixing board
Languages
- English - fluent
- Bengali - fluent
- Hindi – fluent