Access All Areas is an ALWAYS LIVE series that takes a peak behind the curtain of the live music industry, to spotlight many of the individuals who contribute to our state's thriving scene. Artists, promoters, tech teams, venue managers, bookers and everything in between, we are sharing behind the scenes access to them all.

We got the chance to speak to Alicia Saye, a sound engineer, production assistant and music tech, who's been in the game for over 10 years.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do for work!
I’ve been working in the music industry as a Sound engineer for over 10 years. I currently work at PBS106.7FM 3 days a week as a Production Assistant, Box Hill Institute 2 days a week as a Music Tech at their Music and Production department and on the side I occasionally mix live gigs and record bands under my own business, 'Cult Ritual Audio'.

How did you get into your line of work?
I started playing music in bands when I lived in Sydney about 18 years ago. After moving to Melbourne and playing live more regularly I became interested in what happens on the other side of that world. I have the sort of brain that constantly wants to know what's going on and why things work the way they do. Off I went to study and was spat back out in the DIY scene I was already a part of. Honourable mention to Cable Ties for convincing me to mic them at Laneway one year, which then turned into us spending a few years on the road together as a team. Also, honourable mention to Sarah Blaby who convinced me to apply for the job at PBS which I've now been at for 8 years.

What draws you specifically to the music industry?
It's exciting! You get to work with people's passion projects and help them get to where they want to be. Whether it be live or recorded, I get immense satisfaction in seeing people feel comfortable and happy about something we've worked on together!

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Its got to be the work hours (mainly night work) but that’s also manageable. Sometimes keeping on top of new tech also as it’s a constant stream.

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Having people thank me for a great job and seeing them excited about their new release. As someone who wants to be in EVERY band and be a part of EVERYTHING, working the sidelines is basically living vicariously through someone else’s excitement.

Who are other music industry professionals, in your field or otherwise, who inspire or influence you?
First three off the top of my head are Sarah Madigan, Nico Wilson and Sylvia Massey. Fastidious in their own right. Also Paul Maybury at A Secret Location Sound Recorders who is endlessly giving me advice about recording and also letting me squeeze into his studio.

How does music play a role in your life outside your day job?
I've been playing music for years, so that’s my community. I currently play in a band called HACKER, previously, Infinite Void, Deep Heat, The Diamond Sea. All of which have circled around similar friends/ scene.

You can check out Alicia and HACKER on their BandCamp HERE and keep up to date with their latest shows. You can also check out PBS106.7FM's YouTube page, where they've been punching out some great mixes and video content in their new studios HERE!