Case Study Jordan Hambling

Jordan Hambling is a dynamic professional in the live events industry, currently working as a Freelance Front of House (FOH) and Monitor Engineer, as well as an AV Technology Manager. He graduated from WaterBear in 2022 after beginning his studies online and transferring to on-site teaching in Brighton for his final two years. With a passion for music originating in drumming, since graduating Jordan has carved out a distinct niche for himself on the technical side of sound, with his work taking him from Formula E Racing to 25,000 cap shows in Portugal. 

For Jordan, the decision to study at WaterBear went far beyond the classroom syllabus. While many institutions focus solely on the curriculum, he was drawn to WaterBear’s holistic approach to the music industry and all the opportunities and support outside of the classroom. 

The college’s deep connections with Brighton’s venue circuit were a major pull, as was the access to free studio time and having its own venue. This access would prove pivotal, fueling a growing interest in mixing and production that would eventually define his career path. Furthermore, the availability of tutoring opportunities outside of scheduled hours demonstrated to him that the college was invested in his personal growth, not just his grades. 

His time at WaterBear was defined by a shift in perspective, largely driven by world-class mentorship. Jordan speaks highly of his drum lessons with Pete Riley, noting that while he entered the course confident in his abilities, Pete “opened his eyes to a whole new world of professional drumming.” 

However, it was the production modules that sparked a chain of events leading to his current role. The ability to utilise studio time allowed him to explore the technical side of music, realising he had a passion for the mechanics of sound. Jordan remains grateful to Kieron Pepper for the time he dedicated to him and his band outside of standard hours, and the tutors for answering questions without judgment. 

WaterBear was instrumental in helping Jordan realise the range of bespoke roles available within the music industry. He entered the course thinking the only path was that of a performing musician but graduated having ruled that out in favour of technical roles.  

Upon graduating, Jordan secured a position at Epic Studios as an in-house audio engineer. After a year of learning the ropes and making contacts, he took the leap into freelance work. His portfolio is now impressive and diverse: 

• Motorsport Audio: Working as an AV Technology Manager for Formula E Racing, mixing and distributing audio to spectators in locations as diverse as Tokyo and Mexico. He has also handled video and audio distribution for Formula 1 paddocks. 

• Live Music: He continues to work with Epic Studios on major events for bands like Cast, The Bluetones, Bad Manners, and Skindred. He has also gigged with Sleeper and mixed FOH for the band James in front of 25,000 people in Portugal. 

• System Prep: He has also designed and prepped PA systems for Southby Productions, deployed for major acts like Wolf Alice and the Capital Jingle Bell Ball. 

Jordan admits that building this career hasn’t been without challenges. appearing young often meant he often had to let his actions speak louder than words to prove his capabilities. He overcame “imposter syndrome” by recording his mixes to review objectively, realising that perfection is subjective, and that reliability is key. 

High Level Technical Proficiency 

Effective Networking 

Professional resilience 

Industry Insight 

Freelance Business Administration