Al Machera is a music engineer, producer, and remixer who worked on hip-hop recordings during the 1980s and 1990s.
Engineering Career
Al Machera began his career as a recording engineer in 1989 at Studio Center in Miami before moving to Power Play Studios in New York City. In 1990, he joined Salt-N-Pepa, engineering and producing recordings for the next nine years. His credits also include work on the soundtracks for Step Up (2006) and Notorious (2009).
Remixing and Production
Machera remixed Salt-N-Pepa's "Whatta Man" for its 1993 video version.
Idol Makers Collaboration
Machera's Idol Makers work included engineering for Salt-N-Pepa.
Later Work
In 2004, he partnered with Steve Burdick to create Bur-Mac Group Inc. and purchase Westlake Recording Studios, where he serves as CEO and co-owner. The Los Angeles studio complex has hosted major artists including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Beyoncé. In 2014, Machera founded Fr8 Train Media Group, a full-service music house specializing in songs, music cues, and sound design for licensing, operating from the same Santa Monica Boulevard address as Westlake Studios. That same year, he earned credits on compilations like 90s Anthems: The Ultimate Collection. In January 2016, he opened Crē•8 Music Academy, offering music production courses in partnership with Westlake Recording Studios.
His later work spans recording studios, music licensing, and education.