Music as Survival: A Marine’s Military-Spec Studio Checklist

Everyone encounters obstacles in life. Some may be more daunting than others, but we all strive to find a way to overcome and adapt to make it through. In the end, it is what we learn from experience that will shape who we are as individuals.

The Marines…and Music

Alex Dengler got more than he was expecting from the Marines. (Image supplied by Shutterstock)

I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Infantry in the summer of 2004; a choice that would change my very approach to life. From the moment one enters into this military world, three words are instilled into every Marine: Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I received average grades in High School, but there was a lack of motivation. Boot camp marked the end of my adolescence and the start of manhood. It is a commitment, to be seen through to the end thoroughly and with precision.

Now held to a higher standard, I have a responsibility to present myself in a professional manner, serve my country proudly, and be the best role model I can be. It is a commitment to country, to loved ones, to one’s self.

Music has and will always be a part of my life. It helps me through the good and the bad that life has to offer or present. It is my way of putting things into perspective. Music has in some way, shape, or form provided me with the necessary tools to achieve my goals, conquer obstacles, or simply get in the right mindset to perform at an optimal level in any given situation.

A Toolkit for Life

Now is my turn to give back to music. My commitment to music is that exactly, a commitment, not an attempt, but a thorough and complete devotion of myself.

The Marine Corps provided me with many important tools, including discipline. Discipline to keep calm under pressure, to problem solve rationally, to take the time to do it right, yet test my own boundaries in order to better understand myself and my capabilities.

There is always room for improvement regardless of how competent or accomplished one may think himself/herself to be. If one believes that there is no room for improvement, then he is selling himself short. Whether it comes from practice, study, conversation, or intuition, everyone can learn a little more and better themselves.

Pushing oneself in some aspect of life everyday will enlighten many to all that can be accomplished. It is when someone is pushed to the limit that he/she realizes true potential and willingness to survive and thrive.

No Fear

My choice to join the Marine Corps was purely to begin a new and exciting chapter in my life. I was ready to take on the world and embark on a career I would be proud of. I knew that joining the Infantry basically guaranteed a front row seat to war, as the Iraq “conflict” was at its height.

That’s what I wanted.

I am sure that I felt some sense of fear at the time, but was inundated with adrenaline and excitement to fight for my country. So, following completion of the necessary training, before I knew it I was in Fallujah, Iraq meeting with my unit, to which I was new and knew no one.

A couple hours after arriving in the city, I embarked on my first foot patrol with my new squad and received 360-degree small arms fire. My first glimpse at what life would now be about: survival.

Music became a catalyst for motivation, connection, and emotion. We as people do our best to adapt to our environment and survive the elements. Sometimes it’s easier to live, and other times our will is tested.

Tested X3

Persistence paid off, with academic recognition in the face of extreme challenge. (Image supplied by Shutterstock)

Upon returning to the States from deployment, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. This would be the first of three battles with cancer, each with increasing severity, and would prove to be a true test of my will to endure.

Fortunately, I was a Marine, trained to fight and built to survive no matter how broken or strained, physically or mentally. Up until this point in my life, music had always been the outlet for me to express myself and help guide me through difficult times. However, I learned that these experiences would change my perspective on life again, and as well give me purpose; music was to become my life’s work.

After what had felt like a lifetime spent in the hospital, my will was tested again and again, but did not break for I would not succumb. The Marine Corps brought forth the resilience needed for me to make it through, and the persistence to keep moving forward.

While recovering from Hodgkins, I applied to Five Towns College, located in Huntington NY, to pursue my glorious dream of a career in the music industry. Nothing would stop me from accomplishing my goal, not even a yearlong leave of absence from school midway to attaining my degree, due to a second cancer; a rare tumor in my jaw named Ameloblastic Carcinoma, requiring highly invasive reconstructive surgery accompanied by more treatment.

Music played a key role in my recovery and was motivation to get back on my feet; listening to music until I could move enough to play, then playing and recording music until I was back out the door.

I returned to Five Towns and finished up stronger than ever, receiving title of Valedictorian and graduating at the top of my class. Shortly thereafter, having graduated from Five Towns College and eager to begin my new career in the music industry, I was diagnosed with yet another tumor in my jaw requiring another, more extensive surgery and reconstruction and even more treatment.

Talk about a test of will… this one knocked me down pretty hard.

Nevertheless, I picked myself up, and though at times I struggled (as we all do), brushed myself off, overcame the opposition, and pushed forward.

The Audio Survival Guide

Music is my mission, and when passion and determination are added into the mix, the results can be far reaching and even astonishing.

Embark on a dedicated voyage with these guidelines. (Image supplied by Shutterstock).

I am still striving to attain my dreams, and will, for I am stronger than a war, a disease, or anything else life throws my way because I have the will to survive and prosper. Music will be my legacy.

So, as I have encountered adversity, I embrace my experience and apply it to life and music in a positive way. It has provided me with an even greater appreciation for music and the process thereof.

Whether playing an instrument, placing a microphone, dialing in a guitar tone, tuning a drum, editing, tracking, mixing, etc; I give it my all with precision and focus.

I adapt to my surroundings, feel the music and style of the artist and am creative with it. Delve in without hesitation; approach the way that best suits me to generate the best results (everyone is happy).

I thrive in the studio, being the best musician, runner, engineer, or producer I can be; hard work will produce more satisfying results.

I push myself to try new things, and don’t let frustration or stress get the best of me.

Get in a zone (be in the moment), all that I can affect is the here and now, so, clear the mind of outside interference. Preparing mentally for the day ahead, for a new project or artist(s) will ensure greater focus.

Find that meaning, the drive from within and go with it unwaveringly. No matter how down, discouraged, or frustrated one may find himself/herself, remember that we all struggle at times: The real challenge is finding the positive in a negative situation, getting back up and reclaiming that sense of self and purpose.

Consider this: While the world may throw a curve ball or two, we are creating music, so how bad can it all really be?

Alex Dengler is an audio engineer living in the New York City area. To contact him about freelance or staff audio positions, contact adengler9@gmail.com.

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