23db Productions

06/02/2026

Earlier this year, I had the distinct honor of shadowing a legend at the 2026 Grammys at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles: .jones Leslie Ann Jones.

As the House Mix Advisor, Leslie represents the pinnacle of what we strive for at 23dB: absolute technical precision paired with an ear for the soul of the performance.

Shadowing Greatness

In our world, you never stop being a student. Standing at front of house during a Grammy-level production isn’t just about the technology; it’s about the decision-making under pressure. Watching a master like Leslie Ann navigate one of the most complex audio environments in the world reinforced the principles we use every day at 23dB Productions.

Whether we are engineering a multi-book series for a major publisher or a complex remote recording, we apply that same ‘Grammy-level’ scrutiny to every frame and every frequency.

I’ve written a full breakdown of the technical takeaways from that day and how we’re applying those specific high-stakes lessons to the world of remote audiobook production.

Shout out to the legendary producer Mike Clink of Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction for taking this picture!

Read the full story and our approach to ‘shadowing greatness’ here: https://open.substack.com/pub/tutamenurbanus198807/p/elevate-your-audiobook-studio-quality?r=2ax2hq&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Mentorship

06/02/2026

Earlier this year, I had the distinct honor of shadowing a legend at the 2026 Grammys at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles: Leslie Ann Jones.

As the House Mix Advisor, Leslie represents the pinnacle of what we strive for at 23dB: absolute technical precision paired with an ear for the soul of the performance.

Shadowing Greatness

In our world, you never stop being a student. Standing at front of house during a Grammy-level production isn't just about the technology; it’s about the decision-making under pressure. Watching a master like Leslie Ann navigate one of the most complex audio environments in the world reinforced the principles we use every day at 23dB Productions.

Whether we are engineering a multi-book series for a major publisher or a complex remote recording, we apply that same 'Grammy-level' scrutiny to every frame and every frequency.

I’ve written a full breakdown of the technical takeaways from that day and how we’re applying those specific high-stakes lessons to the world of remote audiobook production.

Shout out to the legendary producer Mike Clink of Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction for taking this picture!

Read the full story and our approach to 'shadowing greatness' here: https://open.substack.com/pub/tutamenurbanus198807/p/elevate-your-audiobook-studio-quality?r=2ax2hq&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

05/28/2026

Following the fantastic response to my May 8th presentation on Storytelling for Businesses, I am excited to keep that momentum going. I’m hosting another in-person workshop at the Small Business Center to help you make that shift. The next presentation is called Using Your Podcast to Attract Clients & Build Authority for Small Business Owners (In-person) June 2 2pm-3:30pm.

Registration link in the comments👇🏾

05/19/2026

For executives, consultants, and authors, a low-quality recording or a clunky DIY setup creates a low-status impression. But traveling to a commercial studio takes up precious billable time.

At 23dB Productions, we fixed that with our Zero-Friction Audiobook Infrastructure.

We drop a compact, custom 23dB Standard Remote Audio Kit directly to your location. Equipped with a broadcast quality microphone and audio interface, the entire system is monitored and managed remotely by our expert engineering team in real time.

We brought this exact broadcast standard to major projects like NBA legend and 5x NBA champion Bill Cartwright’s Audible biography, Living Life at the Center, and high-impact titles like Misled.

If your book is designed to change your industry, your audio needs to project undeniable authority.

👉 Comment below or send a DM to bring the 23dB Standard to your office.

04/29/2026

In this episode of The Art of Music Tech Podcast, host Fela Davis sits down with five-time NBA champion Bill Cartwright to discuss his remarkable journey from a small-town upbringing to the highest levels of professional basketball and now, audiobook storytelling.
Cartwright shares the powerful story behind his distinctive voice, the result of a career-altering throat injury that required multiple surgeries and ultimately reshaped how he communicates, leads, and listens. He reflects on how this challenge became a strength, influencing his approach to teamwork, coaching, and life.
The conversation dives into the foundation of his success, including a childhood rooted in hard work, discipline, and persistence, as well as the mindset that carried him through high school, college, and into the NBA. Cartwright also offers insight into his time with the Chicago Bulls, the importance of preparation over talent, and how embracing a role contributed to championship success.
Beyond basketball, he discusses entrepreneurship, lessons from owning businesses, and the inspiration behind writing his book, a story shaped by faith, guidance, and following opportunities rather than forcing outcomes.
The episode also explores the future of storytelling through audio, as Cartwright partners with 23dB Productions to bring his book to life using remote recording and AI-assisted voice technology, making his story more accessible despite vocal limitations.
Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reflection on resilience, adaptability, and the impact of consistent effort, on and off the court.
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Want a consultation from 23dB Productions? Book time with us at 23dBProductions.com.
The Art of Music Tech Podcast YouTube: https://youtu.be/olUTxrfhg8MFollow and like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/23audio/Instagram: more content check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3UhWucbZWyCftr3ELbQ8bg

04/23/2026

Today feels like one of those full circle moments.

The release of Living Life at the Center by 5x NBA champion Bill Cartwright audiobook is officially out on Audible and it also marks 12 years of building 23dB Productions. A huge thanks to Renetta Gunn-Stevens and her Sophisticated Press Team for bringing us in on this project!

From recording live concerts to producing podcasts to now helping bring powerful stories like this to life in audio this journey has been anything but linear. But every step led here.

Working on this project is a reminder of why we do this storytelling that carries weight, voice, and legacy.

And on World Book Day it feels even more meaningful to celebrate how stories continue to evolve moving from the page into audio and reaching people in new ways.

12 years in and we are just getting started.

If you are on Audible take a listen to Bill Cartwright’s story. Proud to be part of bringing it to life.

Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Bill Cartwright is a renowned NBA legend, and five-time champion from Sacramento, California. An alumnus of the University of San Francisco (USF), and a team member of the original "The Dons." Bill's illustrious career as a player and coach has...

04/17/2026

Most business owners don’t struggle with video…

They struggle with what to say on camera.

In honor of Small Business Month, I’m teaching a FREE workshop on May 8 at Central Piedmont Community College Small Business Center on how to create simple, clear, and engaging video content.

No fancy setup. No experience needed.

Just real strategies you can use immediately.

🗓 May 8 | 2–3:30 PM
📍 Charlotte

👇🏽 Link below to register

RSVP by April 24 to secure your spot.

In today’s digital landscape, video is one of the most powerful tools small businesses can use to build trust, increase visibility, and connect with their audience—but creating content that truly resonates requires more than just hitting “record.”

04/15/2026

Every 3 years, and I set a 60-minute timer and just create. No AI, no outside help. Just pure, raw creativity to see how far we can push the envelope. Must complete in 60 minutes.

As we gear up for the next round of sessions, here is 3 of 4 pieces we’re dropping before the main event begins.

- Afflatus Jam

04/11/2026

Every 3 years, and I set a 60-minute timer and just create. No AI, no outside help. Just pure, raw creativity to see how far we can push the envelope. Must complete in 60 minutes.

As we gear up for the next round of sessions, here is 2 of 4 pieces we’re dropping before the main event begins.

- Afflatus Jam

04/10/2026

Every 3 years, and I set a 60-minute timer and just create. No AI, no outside help. Just pure, raw creativity to see how far we can push the envelope. Must complete in 60 minutes.

As we gear up for the next round of sessions, here is 1 of 4 pieces we’re dropping before the main event begins.

- Afflatus Jam