In an era where creative storytelling intersects with technology, few individuals embody this fusion more completely than Emma Staake. A Seattle-based audio engineer, digital media producer, and wellness advocate, Staake is not just a technician behind the soundboard—she is a visionary who uses sound and storytelling to create transformative, immersive experiences. From her early days in jazz vocals to her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy for mental health and equity in media, Emma Staake’s work is as multilayered as the soundscapes she designs.

Early Foundations: From Jazz Voice to Technical Craft

Emma’s creative journey began not in a studio, but on stage. A graduate of Roosevelt High School in Seattle, she was an active participant in the school’s vocal jazz program. Her standout performance earned her first place as a soprano soloist at the 2009 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival—a prestigious moment that hinted at a future filled with musical mastery.

But Emma’s artistic reach extended beyond just performance. Even as a teenager, she was an arranger, composer, and someone deeply invested in the craft of expression through sound. Her early exposure to vocal jazz laid the emotional and technical groundwork for her later pursuits in audio engineering and sound production.

Academic and Technical Training: Building the Foundation for a Sound Career

Emma pursued an AAAS in Audio Engineering Production from Shoreline Community College, graduating with honors. During this period, she mastered industry-standard tools such as ProTools and Logic Pro, and developed proficiencies in:

• Multitrack and live sound recording

• Mixing and mastering techniques

• Audio post-production for narrative media

• Sound editing for commercials, podcasts, and audiobooks

These technical skills set her apart early in her career. Her ability to work fluently across various media formats—video, film, podcast, and live sound—speaks to her adaptability and dedication to her craft.

Emma Staake’s Work in Post-Production and Digital Media

Professionally, Emma Staake has worked with notable companies including FaderPro and Funny Button Productions. As a post-production editor, she has contributed to projects that span education, entertainment, and advertising. Her work is characterized by:

• Clean, immersive soundscapes

• Seamless dialogue editing

• Precise audio repairs and restoration

• Final mastering for distribution

Emma’s attention to detail in post-production allows her to shape the emotional tone of a project. Whether it’s a podcast needing narrative cohesion or a commercial seeking punchy audio, Emma’s expertise ensures each project is polished and impactful.

Live Audio and Event Production: Precision Under Pressure

Emma’s sound design skills are not confined to the studio. As an A/V technician at Blue Danube Productions, she supports high-profile corporate and public events by handling audio-visual logistics, live mixing, and microphone distribution. These real-time responsibilities demand not only technical accuracy but also the ability to troubleshoot on the fly and adapt to changing environments.

Her past experience as a live sound engineer at Kremwerk, a well-known performance venue in Seattle, further showcases her ability to create vibrant, live auditory experiences. Her live work enables her to bridge the gap between performers and audiences, providing the kind of seamless technical support that makes events memorable.

Entrepreneurial Drive: Founder of Funny Button Productions

In her role as founder and lead producer at Funny Button Productions, Emma brings together her experience in music, engineering, and digital storytelling. This creative studio specializes in:

• Audio post-production for films and commercials

• Original music composition and sound branding

• Podcast production and editing

• Vocal coaching and voiceover support

Her work at Funny Button Productions reflects not only her technical expertise but also her business acumen. She manages client relationships, coordinates multi-phase projects, and ensures artistic vision aligns with high production standards.

This entrepreneurial journey exemplifies Emma’s ability to lead with both creativity and structure—qualities that have earned her credibility and respect in the field.

A Commitment to Wellness and Community Empowerment

Beyond the studio, Emma Staake is a passionate advocate for holistic health, social equity, and accessible wellness education. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology and Health Arts from The Evergreen State College, where she focused on:

• Community medicine

• Transformational leadership

• Research in integrative health practices

Emma founded the Evergreen Yoga Service Collective, where she provided inclusive and trauma-informed yoga programming. She has taught Hatha, Gentle, and Kids Yoga at venues like the South Sound YMCA and Breathe Olympia, and also provided private coaching for individuals with specific mobility or health goals.

Her RYT-200 certification from Yoga Alliance marks her as a trained and credentialed teacher, but her real value lies in her empathetic and community-centered approach. Emma’s ability to hold space—whether through sound or movement—is a rare and valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world.

A Creative Who Cares: Equity, Representation, and Mentorship

Emma Staake uses her platforms to amplify underrepresented voices in tech and media. She is particularly committed to:

• Encouraging diversity in audio engineering and sound design

• Creating inclusive storytelling spaces

• Supporting women and nonbinary people in media production

• Mentoring young creatives, especially those from marginalized backgrounds

Through partnerships with organizations like Rain City Rock Camp, Emma contributes to youth empowerment through music and mentorship. Her advocacy is grounded in lived experience, community practice, and a deep belief that creativity can be a tool for healing and transformation.

The Artistic Vision That Drives Her Work

At her core, Emma Staake is a storyteller. Whether through jazz arrangements, cinematic sound design, or guided meditation sessions, her work centers on emotional clarity and human connection. She views sound not just as an effect, but as a narrative force—capable of guiding mood, memory, and meaning.

Emma’s cross-disciplinary background allows her to merge structure with intuition. She brings the precision of an engineer, the heart of a musician, and the vision of a wellness practitioner into every project she touches.

Conclusion

Emma Staake is more than an audio professional—she’s a multidimensional creative, educator, and advocate whose impact is both technical and human. Her journey from jazz soloist to sound designer, from yoga teacher to entrepreneur, represents a model of modern interdisciplinary success.

In an industry that often prizes specialization, Emma shows the power of integration. She is proof that creative authenticity, technical skill, and compassionate leadership are not only compatible—they’re essential for building the future of media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Emma Staake’s main profession?
Emma Staake is a professional audio engineer and digital media producer specializing in sound design, mixing, editing, and post-production for media and live events.

2. What kind of work does she do at Funny Button Productions?
At Funny Button Productions, Emma oversees full-spectrum audio services including editing, original music composition, podcast production, and voiceover support for artists and brands.

3. Is Emma Staake also involved in wellness and education?
Yes. Emma is a certified yoga teacher and has taught community wellness classes. She also has a background in psychology and health arts, which she integrates into her creative and coaching work.

4. Can Emma Staake be hired for live sound engineering?
Absolutely. Emma has extensive experience as a live sound engineer for concerts and corporate events, and she currently works as an A/V technician in live production environments.

5. How can I contact Emma Staake for a project?
Interested collaborators can reach out via Funny Button Productions or through Emma’s professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn.