 Ambience was a premiere studio at the time, and many records, commercials and industrial film soundtracks were recorded there.At Ambience, Michael met engineer Gerard Smerek, a local whiz who had production and allowing Michael to assist him recording sessions.Gerard's work ethic, combined with his reminder to become "necessary and useful" to his clients by anticipating their needs, inspired Michael to want to work behind the scenes, at the side of the artists who came into the studio.