Getting a Job in the Music Industry

[@Producelikeapro]

What was YOUR first job in the music industry? Comment below!

[@seantallica2020]

I’m trying to be a sound engineer and producer, starting now is not as tough because I know a couple bands and single artists, but the thought part is DOING IT. I want this to be my first in it..

[@andreirlmeier]

playing Bass for a CD produktion , wenn CD was new

[@andytullis8736]

Does signing with an Indie label count? Sergio Maggi, Linda and myself signed with a Indie label. It was fun for a while and then the wheels fell off. We learned a valuable lesson............and never again is what we learned........Side note: We did get paid for a couple of things we did for them........

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

Unofficially Busking in Berlin 1 1/2 years and then Stage Hand and quickly Crew Chef ✌ fantastic times!

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

My first real music jobs started only after joining Produce Like A Pro Academy! 😀 but my dream is appear once in a lifetime on this channel with a collab video for Produce like a Pro. Until that will be working hard on my mixing skills and portfolio :)

[@TonysMusicChannel]

You seem like exactly the kind of guy who every producer wants beside them. You're gonna have a long career... And someone is going to email you someday for an opportunity to work for you. 🎸😎

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks Tony that's awesome to hear!! I love nothing more than to help with other's opportunities too

[@rickward3727]

I was a studio owner / manager back in the late 90's / early 2000;s & you really nailed it. Eric that was an amazing story & you really painted a fantastic picture of the reality of entrance into the industry. I too went to school for recording back in the day & i remember at orientation the instructor said to the group that in a few years when we come to the end of this degree plan 3/4 of you will not make it to the finish line for various reasons. And he was right. Most did not make it to the end because the REAL PASSION was not there. There is no magic pill accept that you MUST have an incredible PASSION for making music & being humble enough & persistant enough to do what it takes. What i got from you is that you are so passionate about what you are doing that the money/fame was not your driving force. I apologize for the length of this response, but the life lessons that you addressed traslate to everything in life. GREAT JOB!!!

[@MTorresProductions]

I love how you just went out and got it and broke through. Super inspiring because many people don’t try when they get there they sometimes don’t apply.

[@Producelikeapro]

"Do, there is no try"

[@EricGPLAP]

grabbing life by the horns hahaha it's scary but worth it 🙌

[@Producelikeapro]

@@EricGPLAP haha indeed!

[@EricGPLAP]

Ahhhh was so nervous doing this video. Thank you all for Watching and liking the video and the amazing feedback!

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock Eric!!

[@shestudiossheila7423]

You're welcome, my friend : )

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

Since Joining PLAP i have gained a better insight into this industry.....I got into DJ'ing back in 1984 and did that for 12 years, since being lost in the Construction industry i have now (Christmas 2021) set up my own Mixing Engineer company.....Many Thanks to the PLAP community in giving me the confidence and self beleif to just Go for it. Keep up the fantastic work Warren, ERickkkk & Everyone in the PLAP Community.

[@EricGPLAP]

That’s awesome!!! Congrats on your starting up your mixing engineer company!!! So cool!!

[@leefchapman]

So great to hear Eric's story! Whilst things seemingly happen by chance or miracle, more often than not it's because hard work pays off.

[@Producelikeapro]

So true. Thanks for sharing, Lee

[@EricGPLAP]

What's weird is it doesn't even seem like hard work because during all of it i'm just having fun

[@matty6strings131]

Fantastic and insightful video Eric! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet and hang out with you guys at Spitfire. Congratulations on living your dream! I wish you continued success Pal.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Matty! You rock!! Till next time we hang 😎

[@Scarleaver]

So much YES for that yes-stuff. I do a lot of Live FOH Work and I basically started by saying yes and learning as I went. Knowing where you can afford the "Fake it 'til you make it"-approach is more than half the battle

[@EricGPLAP]

Absolutely!! Fake it till you make it is very real! haha But definitely have to work towards making it not just keep faking it. Thanks for watching!

[@melissabell585]

Fantastic stuff Eric, and we’re glad to have you! Hope the next 8 years are even better than the first 8.

[@Producelikeapro]

We'll make sure of it! Thanks Melissa

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

I agree! 8 years is a long time too! Anything can happen in that time. Eric is an amazing dude

[@EricGPLAP]

Cheers to the next 8 years! woohoo! haha

[@joejurneke9576]

Learning is a life long commitment. Anyone that believes you done learning when finished with school, has a cruel experience coming!

[@EricGPLAP]

Very true!! Love that even the top dogs still say they’re still learning everyday!

[@darrenross9168]

Hi Eric, Very inspiring to hear your story, you worked hard and stayed committed, good on ya! all the best.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you! You rock!

[@IFeeeeelGood]

I've apprecieted very much the change in the opening them song! Btw great video by Eric

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much!! 🙌🏻

[@IFeeeeelGood]

@@EricGPLAP happy birthday Eric

[@EricGPLAP]

@@IFeeeeelGood Thanks so much!! =) You Rock!

[@willemmoller6736]

Lovely to get to you know you better Eric! Cool video. You absolutely nail it, I've been in this business for nearly 40 years and I'm still learning new things every day, it's what keeps me going. You keep rockin'!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you so much Willem!! That's epic! 🙌

[@originalvonster]

Hi Eric, thank you for the video. Very inspiring. Warren has mentioned you a lot in his videos. I was beginning to think you were an imaginary friend. 😂 I look forward to finding out more about your journey to engineer and what you have learned along the way.

[@EricGPLAP]

hahaha I exist! 🙌 Thank you @originalvonster for watching and your kind words!

[@stevemaggioraofficial]

You’re the best, Eric! Thanks for sharing your story, and hope to see you on camera much more in the years to come!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Steeeeeve!!! Thanks brotha!!

[@Producelikeapro]

I hope so too!

[@KernSound]

I was a car salesman in the early 80's and playing in a band at the same time. Told the band we needed to go into the studio to record a demo for work. When we did the engineer was complaining about working to much and I asked "do you want someone to train?" and he said yes. I quit my job the next day and showed up at the studio. John (the owner and the engineer) brought me in and pointed to the person behind the console and said he will train you. That's when I met my mentor Dr. Richie Moore. I truly believe that "Luck" is being ready for the moment to happen. Eric is so right about being a yes man, and I also think that you have to have the attitude that there is nothing you can't learn and do. Always say yes even when you have no idea how to do it. I did that when I bought my first DAW, (Sonic Solutions) and decided I was going to do film sound design. I've done music (worked with Eddie Money, Greg Kihn, and Pete Esconvedo), live theatre sound design(over 300 professional productions), and have three feature films to my credit. Learning is a constant thing for me, and one of the reasons I'm a member of PLAP.

[@EricGPLAP]

That's so awesome Norman! Thank you for sharing your story! Great to get to learn more about our PLAP members =)

[@Beatledave7]

Good for you Eric! You’ve done everything right & been lucky enough to hook up with a gem of a human being … Warren! You were engaging in front of the camera… & if you didn’t say you were shy…nobody would know. Keep up the good work & congrats on being a part of team Warren! 😎👍

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Beatledave7! Luckily I think talking to the camera as just talking to my friend helped I think with my shyness, it was fun =) More to come!

[@skywaystereoband848]

Eric, I am very proud of you and what you have accomplished so far in life. Keep your feet planted on the ground and keep learning. I want to see more of you in front of the camera, and to Warren I’ve learned so much through your videos keep them coming, uncle Steve (Chicago)

[@EricGPLAP]

Steeeeve! Thanks so much for watching that's so awesome!!!! hahaha i'm sure i'll be back for more videos!

[@joejurneke9576]

Terrific story Eric! You did everything right. Excellent model for new entrants, or anyone else for that matter!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing, Joe!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you so much Joe! You rock!

[@edgarfigueroa5511]

great story!!!! in an age where internships are very few and far between, there are still people that work the old fashion way and that give opportunities as they were given back in the day when they started. Thanks for sharing and thanks to Warren for giving us this window to peek into every once in a while and learn this business. keep on rockin !!!!!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Edgar! Internships are definitely harder to find which is sad but thankfully they're still out there! 🙌

[@brigittebmusic]

Super inspiring to hear your story, Eric! You have great camera presence! ✨I like what you said about always continuing to learn-that is so true!

[@EricGPLAP]

yaaay thank you Brigitte! =)

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

Eric absolutely Rocks, this message is truly packed with the most important lessons 💪 Yes, we want more Eric in front of the cam 😎

[@EricGPLAP]

haha ahhh so weird being on camera, thanks so much Ady!!

[@Producelikeapro]

You did great Eric!

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

@@EricGPLAP Haha You're doing great in front of it man!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@HitTheRoadMusicStudio yes!!

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

Erickk, Can you do a Vid of you Setting up a Session (Recording or Mixing )for Warren, bit like a behind the Scenes Documentary..........Nice of for Telling your Story and fantastic progression. All the Best.

[@EricGPLAP]

This is a great idea!! Might happen 😉

[@bobbeals2893]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!! Eric, you...da...man!!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Eric rules!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Bob!! I'm just trying my best hahaha you tha man!

[@LauraMusgraveMusic]

Brilliant to hear your story, Eric, and the lessons you've learned along the way! Also loved the 'marvellous' intro 😂

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Laura!! =) haha the intro had me laughing!

[@ShiningHourPop]

Well done Eric.Honestly, you were great in front of the camera.

[@EricGPLAP]

awhh thanks so much! it definitely was scary but It was fun!

[@PlanetsandtheWater]

This is so beautiful :_) Glad you're in the path you love!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot =)

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Great video Eric. Hats off to you good sir. Hope there are more videos from you to come.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Joey!! I'm sure i'll be back with more! =)

[@Le3eFrereBrunet]

Might be shy, but it shows you understand that you have to get out of your confort zone to learn/ improve. Keep it up!

[@Producelikeapro]

He’s the man!

[@EricGPLAP]

Absolutely! Can't stop the learning and improvement! haha Thanks so much for watching!

[@maddietourmaline46]

This is terrific and props for putting out there all the things which I certainly feel held back by sometimes! It's hugely encouraging and greatly appreciated.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you so much! So happy it's encouraging and appreciated

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Madison! Eric Rocks!

[@tripwillie2]

Great Video Eric ! This type of content is very encouraging for everyone. I just let my 14yr old son watch. I was a little older than 20 when I started, yet I'm still very young in learning and working toward a career in music. Thanks for the advise !

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks amazing! Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Super wonderful video! It’s so great to see Eric solo on this wonderful channel! I’m super proud and happy for you my awesome friend! And huge thanks to Warren for all the good he does to people! Hope we can make an interview with you Eric for my channel on this topic how you got into the industry for my channel! You super duper Rock! And you are growing super fast 👏👏👏 wishing you HUGE success in everything you do! You deserve only the Best! Go Eric! Go TeamEric! 😀👍🔥🔥🔥

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Alexey! You rock my friend!! Absolutely we should do that interview!

[@FOHguy]

My first job. 1978 I was a runner and stage hand at non union venues. My name is what I do now. 😁

[@laxbold]

oh man, this video is so inspirational! Thank you so much for all the tips and you make me so happy about your history!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@Cashnova_will_be_a_goat]

Appreciate your story man!!!! hope all is well on your side of the world, Thank you for the content

[@MarcBecker_Music]

Thank you for sharing your story, Eric. Great video.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Marc!

[@serge1643]

Eric, everything's fine, don't worry, you're doing great!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you serge!

[@butterfly2385]

how cool...awesome story...here's mine...I am a mature aged female learning music production at university in Australia...I have cried many tears over the Pro- Tools program...lol...the young people are heaps better than me and many of them are very good...But music is so awesome, I just can't give up...lol...thanks again for your story...✌💜😁

[@EricGPLAP]

A lovely story it is with drama and suspense in it too! haha Never give up! Because music is just too awesome to give up =)

[@L.Scott_Music]

You've been doing really great and are a great model for anyone trying to get into this occupation. You did great work on my stuff too.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much man!!! Means a ton =)

[@JonathanBaker1000]

What an inspiration Eric. All power to you!💥

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! He is!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Jonathan!! Woohoo! haha

[@paulEmotionalaudio]

Awesome job Eric. Just goes to show, attitude goes a long way. I think a lot of us have a very similar start in the industry to you my friend.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Paul! and I totally agree, attitude is very important!

[@rudolfbaethge282]

Nice video Eric! Luck can get you in the right time and place and even the gig. Yet, retaining the job and earning trust has nothing to do with it. That's just all in you. Congratulations!

[@EricGPLAP]

Perfect summary! Thanks so much Rudolf!

[@gilbertspader7974]

You could play Johnny Galeki in the “ What happened to Johnny Galeki Story’.

[@EricGPLAP]

Hahahaha love it!

[@davidsch.5903]

Great video Eric, thank you very much for these insights!

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock David!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you so much for watching David!

[@miltonex]

Wow!!! What a great video thank you Eric!!!! You are living the dream!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Milton! Eric is the man!

[@mikestukes801]

Totally appreciated Eric 🤓🎼😎

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! So do we!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you for watching Mike!

[@bradtaylor255]

It's difficult! Moving to America to pursue a career is next on the list!

[@Producelikeapro]

I hear you! I did it and it was a long journey!

[@bradtaylor255]

@@Producelikeapro if you'd have stayed in the UK, do you think your career could have prospered as well as it has?

[@leefchapman]

@@bradtaylor255 Great question!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@bradtaylor255 no! Simple as that. I was able to land here and create new relationships, also been being a musician first meant I could do multiple things!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@leefchapman indeed!

[@andytullis8736]

Erickkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!! Great job young man.....I enjoyed the hell out of this video, Thank you for sharing your story.......Looking forward to the next chapter of your journey in the music business. You have a hell of a great boss............

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks, Andy! Maybe one day Eric will be my boss!

[@andytullis8736]

@@Producelikeapro 🙂

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Andddddyyyyyyyyyyy!!! hahahaha

[@andytullis8736]

@@EricGPLAP touche Erickkkkkkkkkk 😃

[@VKJ85]

More camera time Eric, this is good stuff! Appreciate it. I have 0 internships. Just selflearning electronic music, mixing and mastering. The time n effort put into it to see a difference in quality matters. I'm just a hobbyist.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes!! More Eric!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Self learning! Such an important lesson I wish I mentioned in the video! Always so good to see the quality of your work go up with the time and effort put in! Thanks for watching VJ!

[@BassByAdam]

Great video Eric - thanks for sharing your story!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for watching!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Adam! =)

[@whoakayno]

Eric is the man, what a awesome story sir

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock Conor!

[@EricGPLAP]

only trying to live up to your awesome-ness good sir! 🙌

[@danboruchowitz9803]

Hey Eric! Keep up the great work. You found the best possible place to develop and learn the trade.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Dan! I absolutely agree =) Blessed for this opportunity!

[@MidnightBlueMovies]

Thanks for telling us your story Eric.

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Midnightbluemovies! I'm happy people are enjoying the video!

[@mledoux28]

Thanks for sharing, Eric. This is inspiring.

[@rogergray]

Way to go !!! You are a rock star !

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! He certainly is!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Roger!! 🙈

[@rogergray]

@@EricGPLAP keep up the great work. Never forget. It’s the song that matters. Everything else is just glitter.

[@joejurneke9576]

You’re the man Eric!

[@Producelikeapro]

Eric is!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Joe! You the man!!

[@shawnwait6207]

Awesome... We ❤ you EEEERRRRIIIIICCCC

[@Producelikeapro]

Errrrrrrrrriiiiccccccck!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Shawn!!! ☺️☺️☺️

[@jeffwalther]

Good advice!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jeff!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Jeff ☺️

[@JeffyG]

Great story! So few young people have the creative gumption to make opportunities happen. Instead, they’re waiting…. for nothing

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jeffy!

[@splashesin8]

Eric! ❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Errrrriiiiiccccck!

[@EricGPLAP]

Audrey! ❤️ haha

[@eyesglow1777]

I literally just finished my first day of my first ever job and this comes up bahahha now you’re making me want to quit

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha why? Because it looks like a lot of work?

[@leefchapman]

@@Producelikeapro People apparently don't like food or think it exists in the industry!

[@EricGPLAP]

Don’t quit! During all these internships I was working at Carls Jr flipping burgers then at Petmarts dog hotel haha Gotta make money somehow in the meantime haha

[@dannytruitt8]

Great job, Eric!

[@Producelikeapro]

Eric rules!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Danny!!

[@Achase4u]

IT'S ERIC!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Errrrrriiiiiiiicccck!

[@EricGPLAP]

So nervous! Haha but I did it!

[@Achase4u]

@@EricGPLAP Thank you for doing it!

[@nigelbentonakauapoap3691]

Good lad, well done... if I had my time over I'd be doing the same... enjoy!! 😎👍

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Nigel! Builds my confidence knowing i'm on the right track of things

[@adamwarren8893]

I have two questions potentially for a FAQ Friday. When it comes to Stemming instruments, do they typically include reverbs and delays? Or are they left out…or printed as seperate FX Stems? Second question is about recording order. I’m recording my own songs at home and getting all the guitars, bass and vocals down before getting a drummer in. My thinking is if I have a full track for the drummer to listen to, they’ll be able to “lock in” to the feel and emotion of the track. Am I shooting myself (and my songs) in the foot by waiting to record the drums last?

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks for the FAQ questions Adam! I’ll add them to the list!

[@TheMrComentarista]

Hey, I really don't want to disrespect Eric as he seems like a great guy and happy with what he does, and that is absolutely great. But as an aspiring producer I ask myself: Is all of that really a good way to get to be a producer? Isn't all of his practice more the work of a technician than a producer? Isn't it better to study production, mixing, DAW, etc.? Again, I really hesitate to say this as I totally respect what he does and him as a person and the video was interesting and he seems like a really sweet guy, so please don't take it as an attack or insult. Whatever makes us happy is what we should do! But these questions come to my mind after watching this video. Thanks a lot for all of your content

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much for the comment and not taken as an attack or anything negative at all! I think your idea is absolutely right as well! 🙌🏻 Really I don’t think there is any right or wrong way as long as you continue working towards your goals, don’t wait for it but go out and get it. Of course easier said than done haha I think my story is more of just getting into a studio, working on music and my goal was to be a recording engineer first. Now as an engineer my next goal is (aside from getting better at that and keep learning) is to learn the ways of being a producer. So now I’m paying more attention to Warren and the way he interacts with artists and his production/writing style. I never know if I’m doing anything right though haha I’m just taking it all day by day and just happy to be where I am, still making mistakes and still learning haha

[@TheMrComentarista]

@@EricGPLAP Great to hear from you! I completely understand that, at the end of the day, you have been working towards your goals, while having a job that you enjoy and loving and living it moment by moment and that is a big win in life and a privilege not that many people can enjoy. Congratulations!

[@The_Absurdistt]

Warren, you have been replace............... LOL, just joking. But really, Eric is a star in my opinion. Great vid Eric!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes!!! Errrrriiiccccck, you’re up!

[@EricGPLAP]

Awww thanks so much J S! ☺️ I try my best haha

[@shestudiossheila7423]

#TEAMERIC!!!!!

[@EricGPLAP]

Yeaaaaaaaa!!!! Haha 😎

[@fedbysound]

Great video!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Slow.Learner.Devolution]

Does anyone have tips for managing the books when you start making money as an engineer? Or how about things like, what to put on your promotional/business website?

[@EricGPLAP]

Great questions Carlitos! I’m going to add these to our FAQ list to possibly be featured and answered by Warren on our next episode

[@Kineticartist]

whats shakin gonzo!

[@EricGPLAP]

Hahaha just my nerves on camera!

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

#TeamEric

[@EricGPLAP]

Yessss!! Eric’s unite! #TeamEric

[@cyranogrier6705]

"I was lucky enough to have a connect at.." The motif of this industry.

[@Producelikeapro]

What connection? Haha he cold emailed me! Eric comes from an Latino LA family with no connections to the music industry. He emailed me by searching ‘LA Producers’ on Google!

[@cyranogrier6705]

@@Producelikeapro sorry, "I was lucky enough to have one of my teachers have a connect to epitaph records."

[@cyranogrier6705]

@ 1:48 mark

[@EricGPLAP]

That’s true For that internship, but all the rest was me reaching out myself. I wish I had known I could’ve done that in high school because at that age I really thought the music industry was this god like untouchable VIP area only industry haha

[@rolandmdill]

Would have hired him as well

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed!

[@EricGPLAP]

Haha thanks so much Roland! ☺️

[@EricGPLAP]

Haha thanks so much Roland! ☺️

[@davidasher22]

Hey Eric… just blink 3 times at the 3 minute mark of the next video if you are in trouble. 😂 jk. Great story and I’m sure Mr. Stockhol… I mean Mr. Huart is a wonderful guy to serve…. I mean “work” for. 😝 🎶 😟

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha shhhhh…..Errrriiiicccck is safe, I promise…aren’t you Eric? Haha

[@davidasher22]

@@Producelikeapro 😂 😂

[@EricGPLAP]

Hahahaha 🤣😂🤣 love it, thank you David!!

[@davidharris2712]

looks like to me your getting more involved than you know good luck

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! It’s all about Errrriiiicccccck!

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you David!! =)

[@abhishekc1458]

Great

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Abhishek =)

[@DJSTOEK]

🖤

[@surelysound]

🙌👏👏

[@EricGPLAP]

Thanks so much Surely Sound ☺️

[@saafindia]

👍

[@EricGPLAP]

Thank you Safindia! =)

[@kckazcoll1]

this was interesting, but the music was a bit loud and distracting at times

[@EricGPLAP]

thank you for the note Kaz! Will make sure for future videos it’s not distracting ☺️

[@TheRedStateBlue]

have rich parents who can support you for the first 5 years of your career that you have to work for free. not much different from a journalism career.

[@andreirlmeier]

and he ended up being warren's snapper

[@Producelikeapro]

With me he’s engineered Ace Frehley, Slash, etc almost every major Session player, been on a bunch of top 40 albums.

[@andreirlmeier]

@@Producelikeapro I was hoping that you recognize german humor

[@Producelikeapro]

@@andreirlmeier haha I have lot's of German friends and business partners, not quite their sense of humour Haha