Patrick Jae Amunson

Background and Education

Patrick Jae Amunson's early musical exposure included performances in historical European

churches with the Vienna Boy’s Choir’s sister-choir the La Crosse Boy’s Choir, which ignited his

passion for music and laid a foundational appreciation for its diverse forms. Pursuing his

growing interest in the technical aspects of music, Patrick attended the Los Angeles Recording

School (LARS), where he graduated with honors in Audio Engineering. This program equipped

him with critical skills in sound dynamics and post-production, essential for his subsequent

professional endeavors.

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During his time at LARS, Patrick also undertook an internship at Larson Studios, a renowned

post-production facility in Hollywood. Here, he gained practical experience in various aspects

of sound production, working closely with professionals on a variety of television shows. This

hands-on experience was invaluable, providing him with insights into the workflow and

technical requirements of high-level sound engineering.

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Simultaneously, Patrick worked part-time on sound design for several feature films and

numerous student projects. This work included collaborations with students from the Los

Angeles Film & Recording School and the New York Film Academy, further broadening his

practical experience and contributing to his professional portfolio.

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Patrick's academic journey continued at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he

embraced a contemporary approach to music education. He focused on integrating global

musical traditions and advanced production techniques into his studies, preparing him to

address the evolving needs of the music industry effectively.

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This combination of rigorous education, practical internship experience, and part-time work on

film projects solidified Patrick's expertise in audio engineering and set a robust foundation for

his future endeavors in the music and entertainment industries.

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Early Professional Experience

Patrick Jae Amunson's professional journey in the music industry commenced with an

internship at Larson Studios, a well-respected post-production facility in Hollywood. At Larson,

Patrick was immersed in the meticulous process of post-production sound for a variety of

television shows. His responsibilities ranged from assisting with the transfer department to

collaborating with re-recording mixers, Foley artists, ADR specialists, and other post-

production professionals. This role allowed him to understand the complex workflows and

technical demands of post-production sound, providing him with a comprehensive overview of

the industry’s standards and challenges.

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Early Professional Experience

After his formative experience at Larson Studios, Patrick transitioned to a pivotal role at

Extreme Music, a leading music publishing company known for its extensive catalog of

production music. Starting as a Digital Content Associate, he was quickly recognized for his

aptitude and innovative mindset, which led to a full-time position managing the company's

digital assets. Here, Patrick and his teammate, Tori Letzler, undertook the monumental task of

revolutionizing the management of metadata across a vast library of over 70,000 songs.

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His optimized strategies for metadata management significantly improved the cataloging and

searchability of tracks, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Patrick's efforts also

streamlined the delivery process, shifting the release schedule from a quarterly to a bi-weekly

cycle, thus accelerating the availability of music for clients and boosting revenue generation.

His work not only increased efficiency but also directly contributed to higher satisfaction levels

among key clients, including major broadcasting and media corporations.

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Through these roles, Patrick established himself as a publisher in the music industry, known for

his ability to blend technical expertise with strategic insights to transform traditional practices

and drive significant advancements in the industry. His early career achievements set the stage

for his later entrepreneurial endeavors and continued influence in the field of music and sound

engineering.

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Educational Endeavors and Mentorship

Patrick’s passion for education manifested in the Music Makers Program at the Boys & Girls

Club, in La Crosse, Wisconsin which he designed to integrate diverse musical perspectives into

children’s education. This program not only teaches music production but also instills an appreciation for cultural diversity in music among young learners.

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Personal Traits and Vision

Patrick is a beacon of innovation, leadership, and collaborative efforts. His vision transcends

traditional business models, aiming to foster a harmonious and inclusive music industry. His

leadership style is inclusive and visionary, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in

music and technology.

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Innovation and Adaptation in the Face of Global Challenges

FOUNDING AMIDST EMERGING GLOBAL CHALLENGES

In February 2020, Patrick Jae Amunson established Amunson Audio, just as the world was on

the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic. This critical timing meant that Amunson Audio was born

into a music industry facing unprecedented challenges, particularly with the disruption of live

performances. The company was created to support independent artists by providing essential

services such as music distribution, royalty management, and copyright protection, which

became even more crucial as traditional revenue streams dried up.

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NAVIGATING EARLY CHALLENGES

The early days of Amunson Audio LLC were fraught with challenges. Founded in the Twin

Cities, a vibrant cultural hub, the company encountered immediate obstacles due to the

pandemic. Widespread lockdowns, social distancing measures, and political turmoil hindered

Patrick's ability to meet with artists and potential clients. Furthermore, as a new business,

Amunson Audio did not qualify for many government relief programs, exacerbating its financial

and operational challenges.

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STRATEGIC DOWNSIZING AND RELOCATION

In 2022, facing ongoing difficulties, Patrick made the strategic decision to downsize and

relocate to Rochester, Minnesota. This move aimed to reduce overhead costs and realign the

business strategy to better suit the prevailing economic conditions. Rochester offered a fresh

start where Patrick could rebuild the business, focusing on leveraging digital tools and

platforms for remote collaborations, now a norm in the industry.

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CREATION OF THE COLABS, INC.

As the pandemic's impact deepened, the need for robust digital collaboration platforms

became clear. In response, Patrick launched The CoLabs, Inc., a platform designed to

eliminate geographical and creative barriers, enabling artists to collaborate seamlessly from

remote locations. This initiative ensured that despite physical isolation, creative collaboration

could continue, adapting to the new realities of the music industry.

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STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT AND LOOKING FORWARD

The relocation marked a significant pivot in Amunson Audio’s approach. In Rochester, Patrick

focused on slowly building a new client base aligned with the virtual collaboration model

promoted through The CoLabs, Inc. Despite the initial setbacks, Patrick’s resilience and

strategic thinking enabled him to navigate these adversities. By embracing flexibility and

innovation, he ensured that Amunson Audio and The CoLabs, Inc. could continue to support

independent artists and thrive in a changed world.

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FUTURE PROSPECTS

Today, both Amunson Audio LLC and The CoLabs, Inc. are positioned for future growth and

success. Patrick's foresight in addressing the evolving needs of the music industry has set a

foundation that not only adapts to the current landscape but is also primed to explore new

opportunities as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic. Through these platforms,

Patrick continues to nurture and recognize artists' talents globally, redefining industry norms

and providing new opportunities for artists to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

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Conclusion

Although Patrick Jae Amunson's role in the music industry is still evolving, his blending of

passions for music, technology, and community reflects a continuous journey of learning and

facilitating, exemplified by his ventures Amunson Audio LLC and The CoLabs, Inc.

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Amunson Audio LLC has demonstrated resilience, navigating challenges brought on by the

pandemic and adapting to a changing world by providing essential services to independent

artists. The launch of The CoLabs, Inc. further expanded Patrick's overarching goals,

promoting seamless remote collaborations and redefining the music industry's landscape.

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His vision transcends traditional business models, fostering a harmonious and inclusive

industry. His career reflects his commitment to supporting independent artists, nurturing their

growth, and championing those who are often overlooked. Through his work, the music world

can look forward to new opportunities and continued growth, driven by his dedication to

innovation and collaboration.