TROY HIGHTOWER

Troy Hightower has been a presence in entertainment for almost four decades, rising through the ranks in music and television, wearing various hats of intern, assistant, engineer, producer, studio owner and internet pioneer. Music and sound have always been part of Troy’s life, starting with turntable mixing in his Bronx bedroom as a teen. He parlayed that into working as a deejay for clubs, radio and special events in Rhode Island while attending culinary college. After earning a BS in food service management, he realized that his first love should be his profession, and headed to Northeast Broadcasting School in Boston.

On Troy’s return to New York, he began interning and assisting at music studios. One night, he had a chance to take over for a weary engineer at the Apollo Theatre’s studio and mixed Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz”. This first single went Gold, and the album, on which he mixed several songs, went Platinum. After working house engineer positions for several years, he decided to step out on his own to freelance. Hightower Productions, Inc. was established in 1995. He worked extensively with major and indie music labels, including traveling abroad to clients in France, Australia, England and Portugal. His work earned many gold and platinum sales awards.

Opening a small project studio gave Troy the ability to service clients directly. After the terror attacks in 2001 downturned the economy, decimating record label budgets, Troy knew he had to find a new angle. He hit on the idea of making services available to those who don’t have funds or time to spend hours in-studio, but want Hightower quality. The trademarked “Mix By Mail”, which allows clients to send music files via internet to be mixed without the client present, created a buzz in industry circles.

Not satisfied with one industry, Troy then put his talents and education to work in television. He began training for TV audio from the ground up, including the latest equipment, as well as assistant duties, to be more effective as an engineer. He worked freelance at Fox News, SportsNet, All NBCs, ABC, CBS, Court TV, WWE and Al Jazeera.  Attention to detail and conscientiousness made him a name among directors and hiring departments. He has been at ESPN in Connecticut as Audio Engineer, then Lead Audio Operator for more than a decade, sometimes being tapped to travel for remote events. He continues to do music work with new artists and long-time clients who appreciate his style.

Since relocating to Connecticut, Hightower Productions has expanded to include live sound reinforcement for broadcast events, conferences, theater, churches and the like, providing equipment and Troy’s mixing services to clients in Connecticut, New York and beyond. He also does consulting for those wishing to set up or improve sound systems.

Troy is a self-described “workaholic” who craves challenge and a pressure-cooker environment. He has a talent for understanding mechanics and technology, and is always becoming proficient on new equipment and programs. He also is married to a (mostly) understanding wife who has been with him for the entire run, and two daughters and a dog who idolize him. He continues onward and upward, infusing the entertainment industry with his remarkable abilities and vibrant persona.