Women in Pro Audio: Gracie Finch Women in Pro Audio: Gracie Finch...
Highlighting the voices and experiences of women in pro audio and live sound is essential for fostering inclusivity and inspiring change. While celebrating the achievements of seasoned female veterans is vital, it’s equally important to spotlight newcomers who are breaking into the industry and paving the way for future generations. It highlights their contributions, combats underrepresentation, and fosters a more inclusive industry. These conversations inspire change by challenging stereotypes and providing role models for future generations. Gracie Finch, an A2 communications engineer, RF coordinator, and emerging systems engineer, exemplifies the diverse talent and expertise women bring to the field. Here, she shares her journey, challenges, and hopes for the industry’s future.
Meet Gracie: A Multifaceted Career in Pro Audio
Gracie, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and now based in Orlando, wears many hats in her career. “While most of my work is based in corporate live events, I am currently on my first tour with Hans Zimmer as the stage technician,” she explains. Her role includes wiring and miking instruments, troubleshooting stage inputs, and supporting the monitor world.
Once the tour concludes, she will return to the corporate world, where she thrives as an A2. “The role requires a wide range of technical skill and experience to be great, as you are the coms, RF, and PA tech all wrapped into one,” she notes. “It is by far my favorite position as I like to be the person an A1 can rely on if there is ever a problem.”
Finding Her Path to Professional Sound
Gracie didn’t always envision a career in pro audio. “I never seriously considered a career in this industry until I was about 19 years old. Growing up, I’d see “roadies” bustling around stages at concerts and festivals like Warped Tour and thought it looked interesting, but I never really understood what it took to be in that role. While in college, I got a seasonal sales job at my local Guitar Center and was fortunate to be kept on after the holidays. That’s when I noticed a guy tucked away in a small corner of the store, tinkering with instruments. I soon learned he was the guitar tech and had been doing that job for nearly 20 years.”
Gracie began talking to him daily, asking about what he was fixing and how he got into the profession. “He shared incredible stories of touring with bands as their guitar tech, and that’s when my interest became serious. I’ve loved music since I was 12, but I also wanted a career that allowed me to develop technical skills.” Through that job, Gracie made friends with people in local bands and started seeing others running soundboards at bars.
“It made me think, ‘Maybe that’s something I could do too.’ Everything about guitars and sound completely captivated me, sparking an insatiable need to learn. About a year later, I was hired to work as a guitar tech alongside him, and over the next three years, I built my first audio skills by fixing instruments and creating pedals and amps.”
Navigating Gender Bias in Pro Audio
Her journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. “In the beginning, I struggled to understand that it is impossible for me to learn everything,” she admits. “I also faced assumptions about my inexperience due to my age, which felt exaggerated.” Despite these challenges, Gracie persevered, focusing on developing her skills and reputation.
Gracie is candid about the unique challenges she faces as a woman in the industry. “I sometimes feel like I have to do more to be seen at the same level as a male counterpart with the same experience,” she shares. “It’s exhausting trying to win over people who have already made up their minds about you.” Yet, Gracie chooses to focus on personal growth. “I try to be better than the version of myself I was yesterday and maintain the same level of integrity in all of my work.”
Another frustrating aspect is the frequent assumption that she isn’t part of the audio team. “It’s assumed I’m everything from a producer to a lighting tech, but rarely audio,” she says. “Even when I wear a manufacturer shirt, it still happens.”
Blending In
Speaking of people not believing when someone is a part of the audio team, Gracie recounts a moment when her role was truly questioned, like most women in pro audio. “I haven’t had many crazy experiences, but one moment does stand out. I was working as the RF coordinator on a corporate gig and had finished my coordination. Someone reported an issue with one RF channel late on the second show day. On my way to check it out, I started scanning with a spectrum analyzer to see if another transmitter from a separate event had popped up without my knowledge.”
She continues, “As I walked toward the breakout room with the issue, a security guard stopped me and asked what I was doing. I explained that I was working the event as an AV technician, but he didn’t believe me. Instead, he called down to his security office, claiming I had “penetrative hacking equipment.” To be fair, the RF Explorer I was using had a long antenna, and I hadn’t received my event badge yet.
“The guard then escorted me across the property to the security office. As we walked, I tried to explain what the RF Explorer was, but he seemed convinced I was trying to sabotage the event—or the hotel itself. When we finally arrived, I explained my role at the event and demonstrated the RF Explorer to his boss. His boss simply chuckled and let me go. Needless to say, I was relieved!”
Advocating for Change for Women in Pro Audio
Gracie believes the lack of women in pro audio stems from societal norms established early in life. “We need to foster the belief that women can take on any challenge they desire,” she emphasizes. For her, small, consistent actions can create a ripple effect, encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
She also addresses industry gatekeeping, which she describes as a significant barrier to growth. “Some experienced professionals withhold knowledge and opportunities, which takes away the power to decide for ourselves,” she says. “Learning from experience is critical for growth.”
Favorite Shows
“Some of my favorite productions include the Hans Zimmer Live tour, a corporate show for SAP, and VIP parties at Super Bowl 57 and 58. What made these productions so memorable for me came down to two key factors: the people and personal growth.” Gracie elaborates, “The teams I worked with and the friendships I built during these events made the job enjoyable and easier. On top of that, the gear deployment for these productions was more complex than usual, presenting new challenges that were both exciting and rewarding to tackle.”
When it comes to elevating her career growth, Gracie mentions, “I take a practical approach by attending classes and earning certifications from manufacturers. I also make it a point to seek out knowledge and insights from colleagues whenever possible. That said, my most valuable learning experiences come from heavy repetition and, surprisingly, from the mistakes I make. Mistakes never feel good at the moment, but for me, they are the most powerful learning tools, pushing me to improve and grow in ways nothing else can.”
Inspiring Advice for Future Generations
Gracie encourages women entering the industry to focus on their own journey. “It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but it creates a negative feeling that will hurt you,” she advises. “Surround yourself with honest people with whom you share mutual respect, and your career will become so much more fulfilling.”
One piece of advice that resonated with her is, “Do not worry if you ever break anything or make a mistake. We’re techs, and we can fix it.” This wisdom reassures her in challenging moments, reinforcing the importance of resilience and collaboration
Why She Does It
When asked why Gracie does her job, she says, “I’m deeply passionate about audio science. It’s endlessly fascinating, and I can easily lose hours watching videos, reading manuals, or diving into books about the physics of sound. But as much as I love the technical side, it’s the incredible people I’ve worked with who truly make this field rewarding.”
This past May, during a corporate show for SAP, Gracie experienced a full-circle moment that captured this balance of passion and connection. “Three new hires shadowed me, and it struck me how, just two years earlier, I was in their position—new to the industry, unsure of my footing, and eager to learn. That moment allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come and appreciate the mentors and colleagues who have guided me along the way.
A Supportive Community
“Among those I’m most grateful for are three key people. First, my partner, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my journey. They’ve been patient and understanding through all the times I’ve been away from home, pursuing opportunities to grow and advance in my career.”
Gracie continues, “Next is Dean Garrow, my first mentor in adulthood, who taught me everything I know about guitars. His belief in my abilities built my confidence and helped me see that I could accomplish anything. I could always rely on him for thoughtful advice, and he never hesitated to offer the guidance I needed.
“Finally, I want to thank Brenden Edwards, my first mentor in live sound. Brenden is one of the smartest audio engineers I’ve ever met. He never sugarcoated reality or overcomplicated things, making him not just a great teacher but also a trusted friend. His insights and honesty have been invaluable to my growth.”
Together, these people and experiences have shaped Gracie’s career and fueled her passion for audio. “Their support and guidance remind me why I love what I do and inspire me to keep growing, both technically and personally.”
Follow Gracie’s adventures on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her incredible work and what she’s doing next.
Read last month’s Women in Pro Audio interview here.