Brian Anderson: Creating state-of-the-art sound at Overture

Before joining Overture Center nearly 20 years ago, technical associate Brian Anderson traveled the country designing and installing sound systems. His vast T-shirt collection showcases his tours with U2, Nirvana, Pink Floyd and Smashing Pumpkins as well as Three Dog Night, Steve Earle and Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few. If he listed all the concerts for which he managed the sound, the list would include about 5,000 shows.

Anderson’s resume includes more than concerts, too. He installed the sound system at Lambeau Field, for the Oakland A’s Coliseum and other sports arenas, and he completed sound production for high-profile events, including events with the Dahli Lama, the 1998 Grammys, political rallies and major festivals.

“I filled in doing sound production for bands for days or weeks at a time when their regular staff needed a break,” he explained. “And I contracted with other venues that needed sound production.”

Anderson is an expert in the sound industry and helped pioneer non-stop-music at festivals—so there would be no lull between bands, a real challenge at festivals. The first half of his career he was on the road more than he was home.

Andeson filled in the gaps with occasional jobs at the Civic Center in the 1980s and 90s when he wasn’t traveling. When Overture Center opened in 2004, Anderson’s friend Steve Schroeder pushed him to apply for a technician job. Anderson was hesitant to do so, not believing any Madison venue had the level of job he wanted to do.

“I didn’t think a local arts center was my thing,” he said. “But when I toured the place, I was impressed.”

Anderson and his wife had two young children at the time. After deep contemplation about working for Overture Center, he decided it was the right time and the right place.

“I’ll admit it was hard to give up good work and clients around the country,” he said.

But he was encouraged by Overture’s management team, which was keen on creating something beyond what anybody would expect in Madison—a high-quality, New York-like experience.

Through Anderson’s expertise, coupled with the right equipment and tools, he built a top-notch sound system, making Overture sound good—in fact, some people said Overture Hall had the best sound in the country. 

 “It was an evolution over many concerts and shows to make it the best,” recalled Anderson, who said he refined the system for at least two years.

Then he moved on to perfecting Capitol Theater’s sound system and later The Playhouse. In 2007, Anderson installed the sound system in Overture Hall Main Lobby.

The first 5-6 years of his Overture career, Anderson worked to improve and tune systems to get the best sound. Then began the ritual of updates.

“Electronics constantly need updating,” he said. “Speakers in Overture Hall are changed out after 15 years, and control electronics need to be updated after six years.”

Anderson keeps an eye on the latest technologies and trends, but he is adamant about investing in the best long-term solution, not the newest fad.

Over the past two decades, Anderson has helped build Overture’s tech team, including Director of Production John Penisten, who he describes as “one of the best,” due to Penisten’s strong lighting and video background and people skills. Other hires include tech teammates Mike Allison, Kyle Spradling and Lucas Etten.

“Finding the right people is essential,” said Anderson. “We have a fantastic, world-class audio team at Overture, and we push each other to be the best at our jobs."

As Anderson moves into retirement, he remembers a lot of staff changes over the years.

“It’s been interesting to see people’s different approaches to running the center and how they’ve navigated challenges,” he noted, mentioning the move from city-owned to nonprofit status, past budget issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, he noted, Overture is only as good as the people running it—from development to programming to events to backstage. The people are what he will miss most, followed by the technical challenges.

“I’ve met so many great people and made a lot of good friends,” said Anderson. “And in my work, I love figuring out solutions to challenging situations.”

Anderson’s favorite artists who have toured at Overture include Joan Rivers, who was the sweetest, nicest woman,” Emmelou Harris, Luciana Souza, Boz Scaggs and Tony Bennett.

“I was backstage talking with Bennett and his sound engineer, talking about old times. There were all kinds of gifts from audience members,” said Anderson. “Bennett hands me a bottle of wine and flowers and says, ‘Give these to your wife from me.’ He was one of the nicest in the business.”

Anderson is now moving from sound systems to custom woodworking. His side business, Anderson Custom, is keeping him busy, requiring a full-time commitment.

“I make custom cabinets and furniture,” he said. “I now understand what an artist feels like when they complete a great painting or song—something that will endure beyond their lifetime."

Thank you, Brian Anderson, for making Overture sound great, and best wishes in your retirement!

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