In a world where sound design and digital media production continue to push boundaries, there are a few trailblazers whose work both inspires and elevates the industry. Among these rising talents is Emma Staake, an audio engineer, editor, and creative consultant based in Seattle, Washington. Known for her remarkable ability to blend artistic vision with technical expertise, Emma has carved out a unique space for herself in the rapidly evolving world of sound and media.
Her journey into the realm of audio production isn’t just about mixing sounds or editing video—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the passion to educate and uplift others. In this article, we dive deep into the world of Emma Staake, uncovering her roots, exploring her work, and understanding the driving forces behind her impressive career.
The Early Spark: A Musical Foundation
Emma’s affinity for music and performance began early, nurtured through her studies at Bellevue College, where she focused on Jazz Studies, Music Theory, German, and Philosophy. Notably, she was part of the “Celebration” Vocal Jazz Ensemble, one of the college’s renowned groups. This early musical training laid the foundation for her understanding of rhythm, harmony, and the emotional nuance that defines great audio work.
Her diverse academic interests hinted at a mind curious about both art and structure—a perfect combination for the world of audio engineering and media production.
A Multi-Disciplinary Academic Journey
While many professionals in the audio space follow a straight technical path, Emma’s educational route was much broade1r and richer. After Bellevue, she continued her academic journey at The Evergreen State College, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology, Health Arts, and Transformational Leadership.
This unique degree wasn’t just a pivot away from music—it was a deeper dive into human connection, community engagement, and holistic approaches to storytelling. These themes remain a critical part of Emma’s work today, as she often emphasizes empathy, communication, and inclusivity in her projects.
Later, she solidified her technical credentials with an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Audio Engineering Production from Shoreline Community College. This gave her hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and workflows, rounding out her skill set with technical mastery.
Professional Life: Carving a Niche in Audio and Post-Production
Emma Staake has worn many hats in her career—post-production editor, live sound engineer, audiovisual technician, educator, and entrepreneur. Each role she’s taken on adds another dimension to her evolving story.
FaderPro: Where Creativity Meets Technology
Currently working as a Post-Production Editor at FaderPro, Emma assembles final audio and video products for a range of educational music content. FaderPro is a platform known for its production tutorials featuring some of the biggest names in electronic music. Working in this fast-paced and innovative space allows Emma to stay at the cutting edge of music education and content creation.
Her responsibilities go far beyond simple editing. She collaborates with creatives, coordinates remote workflows, and ensures that the final product reflects both technical precision and artistic intent.
Blue Danube Productions: Crafting Immersive Experiences
At Blue Danube Productions, Emma takes on the role of Audio Visual Technician, focusing on the technical side of live and streamed events. Here, she handles soundboards, lighting rigs, and visual installations, making sure every cue hits perfectly.
This role highlights her adaptability—whether it’s a corporate event or a live concert, Emma brings the same level of detail and care. She’s a master at creating immersive environments that elevate audience experience, proving her ability to balance art with logistics.
Funny Button Productions: A Creative Venture
In 2018, Emma founded Funny Button Productions, a studio and consulting brand offering creative audio solutions for film, narrative, and commercial media. The studio is where she fully flexes her creative muscles, overseeing sound design, music scoring, dialogue editing, and consultation for independent creators.
This entrepreneurial leap speaks to her leadership and vision. Emma didn’t just want to be part of the media industry—she wanted to shape it. Funny Button Productions is the realization of that goal, serving as both a creative outlet and a platform to uplift other artists.
Educator, Mentor, Leader
Emma’s contributions extend well beyond production and editing. She is also a teaching artist, having worked with Rain City Rock Camp, a nonprofit that empowers youth through music. There, she coached young bands on songwriting, performance, and teamwork.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes self-expression, confidence, and collaboration. By guiding the next generation of musicians, Emma continues to build a legacy rooted not just in her own success but in the success of others.
Her past work as a voice and piano instructor at 4/4 School of Music also illustrates her belief in foundational training and mentorship. Whether it’s young children or adult learners, Emma’s impact is deeply personal and transformative.
Technical Mastery and Creative Versatility
Emma Staake’s technical expertise spans a wide range of tools and disciplines:
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Software Proficiency: Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro X, iZotope RX for audio; Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro for video editing.
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Live Sound Engineering: Mixing for concerts, managing PA systems, live monitoring, and stage setups.
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Music Composition: Scoring for short films and promotional media.
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Vocal Coaching: Building confidence and vocal range in aspiring singers.
But what sets her apart is the way she uses these tools—not just to produce clean audio, but to tell emotionally resonant stories.
Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future
Emma is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech and creative industries. As a queer woman navigating predominantly male fields, she’s conscious of the importance of representation and accessibility.
Her future goals include developing educational programs to support aspiring sound engineers from marginalized backgrounds and continuing to mentor young creators. Emma envisions a more inclusive and dynamic creative world—one where everyone’s voice can be heard, both literally and metaphorically.
She’s also looking ahead to working on large-scale commercial and film projects, where she can continue to innovate and push boundaries in sound design and production.
Final Thoughts: A Creative Force Worth Watching
Emma Staake represents the future of media and sound design. She’s not just technically skilled—she’s visionary. Her blend of artistry, technical excellence, empathy, and leadership puts her at the forefront of a new generation of media professionals.
Whether she’s mixing a live show, editing a masterclass for an international audience, or guiding a young musician through their first performance, Emma brings her whole self to the task. She’s thoughtful, creative, and deeply invested in the power of storytelling through sound.
In a world that’s increasingly driven by multimedia content, creators like Emma Staake aren’t just valuable—they’re essential. As she continues to evolve and expand her work, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing much more from her—literally and figuratively.
For more insights into creative professionals shaping the future, visit Mating Press, your source for deep dives into media innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and rising talent in tech and arts.
