Sound Engineer Neil Neilt Thurston Reflects On The Pressure & Pride Of Working On K.O’s Album “Phara City.” As K.O’s long-awaited album Phara City hits streaming platforms today, one of the unsung heroes behind the sonic masterpiece has shared a powerful reflection on the intense journey behind the scenes.
Renowned sound engineer Neil Neilt Thurston took to social media to express both the pressure and privilege that came with mixing for one of South Africa’s most iconic hip hop artists.
“Hearing your mixes on a huge system is intimidating as an engineer! Over a year of hard work comes down to one moment!” Thurston wrote. “I was very proud of my work! And so honoured for the opportunity to work with a legend @mrcashtime.”
That “one moment” he refers to is the culmination of over a year’s worth of meticulous engineering—balancing frequencies, sculpting space, and perfecting every detail so that each track delivers maximum impact. But beyond the technical, Thurston’s message carries emotional weight: the vulnerability of putting your craft on display at the highest level, and the pride that follows when it lands right.
K.O has a reputation for sonic precision and lyrical dominance. Phara City is no exception, blending street storytelling with polished production, and Thurston played a critical role in ensuring every bar and beat hits with clarity and power.
As Phara City finds its way into speakers across the country and beyond, Neil Neilt Thurston’s mix stands as a quiet force behind the record’s sonic identity—a testament to what can happen when passion, pressure, and professionalism collide.
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