Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Tripps
Billy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been immersed in music for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was drawn to the raw energy of rock, metal, and industrial music, which eventually led me to pick up multiple instruments and start experimenting with songwriting and production. Over the years, I developed my skills as a musician and producer, working both in bands and behind the scenes in the studio.
I run Empire Recording Studio in Ogden, UT, where I produce and mix music for myself and other artists. I play drums, guitar, and handle production for Lilly E. Gray. In addition, I work as a sub musician for many local artists and serve as the stage manager at Brewskis in Ogden, where I book all the entertainment and run live sound.
My journey has been anything but traditional—I’ve always approached music with a DIY mindset, favoring unconventional techniques over industry norms. Whether it’s producing, performing, or managing live events, my focus is on creating something real, raw, and impactful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any musician balancing multiple roles, I’ve faced plenty of challenges—whether it’s the unpredictability of the industry, creative burnout, or just the grind of making things happen independently.
Running Empire Recording Studio comes with its own set of obstacles, from managing sessions and technical issues to ensuring artists get the best possible sound. As a performer and producer for Lilly E. Gray, I have to constantly adapt, especially when juggling different roles in a live setting. Being a sub musician also means stepping into various projects on short notice, which requires learning material fast and fitting into different band dynamics seamlessly.
On top of that, as stage manager at Brewskis in Ogden, I handle booking and running live sound, which can be chaotic at times. Dealing with unexpected tech issues, last-minute changes, and keeping everything running smoothly takes a lot of patience.
Through all of it, I’ve learned how to stay adaptable and push forward, even when things get frustrating. The challenges have made me a better musician, producer, and live engineer, and at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a lot of hats in the music world, but at the core, I’m a musician, producer, and live sound engineer. I run Empire Recording Studio in Ogden, UT, where I specialize in producing and mixing music across genres, with a focus on creating a raw and powerful sound. I’m also part of Lilly E. Gray, where I play drums, guitar, and handle production, and I work as a sub musician for local artists, stepping in wherever I’m needed. On top of that, I’m the stage manager at Brewskis in Ogden, booking all the entertainment and running live sound for the venue.
What sets me apart is my DIY approach and ability to adapt to almost any situation. Whether it’s jumping into a live gig on short notice, producing an artist’s vision in the studio, or troubleshooting sound issues at a packed venue, I thrive under pressure and make it work.
I’m most proud of building a reputation locally as someone people can rely on—whether it’s for creating killer tracks in the studio, delivering high-energy live performances, or ensuring a seamless show as a stage manager. What really sets me apart is my ability to juggle all these roles without losing the passion or the humor that keeps it all fun.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is part of the deal in the music world. Whether it’s investing time and money into projects that might not pay off, stepping into unfamiliar roles, or putting your work out there for people to judge, it’s always a gamble.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken is committing to music full-time. Running Empire Recording Studio, playing in Lilly E. Gray, subbing for local artists, and managing Brewskis in Ogden means I’ve got a lot of plates spinning at once. There’s no safety net—if something goes wrong, I’m the one who has to figure it out.
Another big risk was pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and take on roles I wasn’t 100% confident in at first, like live sound engineering or being a sub musician for different genres. It’s intimidating, but those experiences have helped me grow and opened up doors I didn’t expect.
For me, risk-taking is necessary if you want to move forward. You’re never going to feel ready, and there’s always a chance it’ll go sideways, but that’s where the good stuff happens. Plus, the stories are way better when things don’t go according to plan.
Pricing:
- • Empire Recording Studio: • Hourly Rate: $50/hour (tracking, mixing, and production) • Full-Day Rate: $400/day (8 hours)
- • Live Sound Services: • Small to Medium Events: Starting at $200/event • Larger Productions: Custom pricing based on requirements
- • Session Musician Services: • Drums, Guitar, or Bass: Starting at $100/song (includes preparation and tracking)
- • Brewskis in Ogden: • Live Entertainment Bookings: Contact for rates and availability
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.billytripps.com
- Instagram: @billytripps
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/billytripps
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@billytripps
