From Running Tracks To Running A Studio, How Producer Xavier Dunn Balances Work & Life
Everybody gets in a slump sometimes. I’m all too familiar with the feeling of grinding hard, seeing results, and yet the feelings of burnout still loomed. I couldn’t quite ignore the feeling getting stronger by the day.
I needed to find a way to ‘empty the trash’ of my mental state, if you will, before entering ground zero of crash out city (population: me). One might be encouraged to “release your inhibitions”, as my queen Natasha Bedingfield would say.
Someone else familiar with the need to feel the rain on his skin, per se, is singer-songwriter Xavier Dunn, who runs his own recording studio in Surry Hills, Sydney. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that he’s constantly navigating busy days with clients and his own music catalogue, not to mention his mental state.
So, with that in mind, I sat down with Xavier for some intel on how he navigates his hectic life as a multi-hyphenate creative without crashing.
Creating work rhythm and flow
Being an award-winning musician, Xavier is a creative powerhouse. Spending hours in his studio every day, often on his own, Xavier says he’s “always on the lookout for creative endeavours to keep [his] mind stimulated.”
Xavier’s usual day in the studio has him multitasking like a pro. Whether it’s “playing cello, guitar or bass in order to keep [his] tracks interesting” or “braving the sunlight outside [his] studio to exercise”, he’s always thinking of ways to make sure his clients’ sound aligns with their unique identity — whilst keeping his mental state in check, too.
This type of complex, musically inclined perspective derives from Xavier’s upbringing. Coming from a highly musical background, Xavier explains how music has been a natural part of his everyday life since his childhood.
“My mum and dad are music teachers,” comments Xavier, who also has three musician brothers. “[Growing up], I was in the choir and jazz band. [I also played] bass, guitar, piano and drums. So the music thing was very integral to my upbringing, and I honestly didn’t know anything different,” he explains.
Having lived, breathed and slept music for his entire life, Xavier realised that although music is what he loves most, he might not be going about it the right way.
“I used to go into music and go full throttle at the business, and nothing else really took precedence. It was just […] music and making songs for people, no matter what the hour was, work[ing] until late,” Xavier reflects.
Acknowledging this potentially unhealthy dedication (and edging closer to burnout, mind you), Xavier decided to make some changes.
Seeing the bigger picture (with contacts)
After trialling out different methods to break up his day, Xavier found the perfect vehicle to free his mind from the endless sound loops back at his studio.
“It’s really easy to get in the studio and [then] get lost in the studio, so I found that going out for a run is really good [for me],” stated Xavier, who’s unlocked a new passion for the pastime.
“I think the running really helps with getting outside and forgetting about everything, so when I come back it’s all fresh,” comments Xavier, who goes on to point out that running makes him feel “really invigorated, [and] ready to do [his] job” by the time he gets back to the studio.
With this newfound hobby, Xavier started to notice that something was getting in the way of his impressive Strava routes.
“With my prescription, my glasses can get pretty heavy,” comments Xavier. “My glasses love to slip down my nose when I’m running, and if they fall off, I’m for sure never finding them again.”
Grimacing at the thought of losing his favourite pair of glasses, Xavier comments that “contact lenses are a lifesaver when it comes to exercising.”
“I love wearing Specsavers easyvision contact lenses while running,” says Xavier, who now religiously trades his glasses for a fresh pair of contact lenses before heading out for a much-needed run sesh.
Expressing that he “love[s] running because everything leaves his head,” Xavier acknowledges that he “work[s] way better if [he’s] more balanced,” solidifying this wind-down method as a successful addition to his work-life balance journey.
A balanced life is music to your ears (and eyes)
Although working hard at your job is a great value to have, grinding hard day in and day out simply isn’t sustainable. Like Xavier, it’s important to step back and see the bigger picture — that a harmonious work-life balance is an imperative part of productivity, too.
If you too, find yourself wanting to perfect that work-life balance, perhaps contact lenses can lend a helping hand to get you out of that rut (touching grass isn’t that bad, I promise).
Specsavers offers free contact lens consultations that you can book in-store or online. After the team shows you how to use your contact lenses, they’ll throw in a free trial pack so you can get on to kickstarting your wellness journey.
Side note: I might actually start running. I never thought I’d see the day, but consider me converted. Catch me on Strava, besties.
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