Music, an integral part of culture, weaves its way into society, assuming diverse forms. It serves as a healing tool, an expressive medium, a vessel for cherished memories, you name it. Music occupies a prominent position in people’s lives, with each song evoking an immediate connection to the singer or instrumentalist—the face of the message and emotions conveyed. However, behind every track lies a team of unsung heroes working in the shadows, united in their support of the artist’s vision. Audio engineers, producers, mixers, and the creators of music spaces, among other creatives, tirelessly and selflessly contribute their talents to the anthems that shape our existence.
Embarking on a journey to unravel the enchantment behind our beloved music and the birthplaces where it thrives, it is only fitting to shed light on the extraordinary talents involved. Let’s begin with the ever-evolving role of the producer—an ancient yet complex profession within the music industry. From meticulously setting up microphones in the studio to orchestrating recording sessions and even co-writing songs, producers wear many hats. However, their ultimate goal remains simple: to elevate the project to its fullest potential.
Nestled in the creative hub of Ugly Duck Studios, we find Daniel Dabai (Dephrase), a producer and head engineer, who beautifully describes “I am a midwife for a song to come to life.” Beyond organizational prowess, a producer must possess a profound understanding of people, of the listeners, to craft music that resonates deeply. With confidence and insight, they discern what will move people to consume the music, making the producer’s craft an art of both mechanical finesse and empathetic connection.
Now turning our attention to the technical realm, we encounter the indispensable sound engineers. Masters of the overall sonic experience, they oversee the recording, editing, and mixing of audio, shaping how fans perceive and connect with a song. With their technical expertise, sound engineers transform the artist and producer’s vision into a tangible reality. Their craft harmoniously blends technology and art, harnessing the power of sound to not only deliver high-quality audio but also to evoke the intended emotions within a project. Whether you are listening to music through headphones, speakers, or live performances, sound engineers intuitively grasp the unique experiences each medium offers, utilizing their knowledge to optimize the enjoyment of music in every form.
The art of creating music encompasses more than just the final product. As demonstrated in the examples above, the professionals involved bring crucial elements to the table. Additionally, the environment in which the music is crafted holds immense significance. Whether it’s a recording studio or their parents’ basement, the space in which an artist creates directly influences the outcome of a project.
During our visits to renowned recording studios such as Ugly Duck, The Bridge Sound and Stage, and The Record Co. in the Greater Boston area, we discovered that a creatively conducive space, coupled with good resources, not only enhances the convenience of the creation process but also plays a paramount role in crafting music that possesses the power to move and transform. It is within these spaces that community flourishes, igniting collaborations and fostering the creation of music that has the potential to captivate masses and inspire change in the world.
In our unwavering support for Boston’s local music scene, we offer a glimpse into the recording studios that have graciously opened their doors to Front of House Boston. Through this intimate exploration, we delve into their captivating world, witnessing firsthand how they passionately serve and uplift the community of musicians within our city.
Ugly Duck Studios
Established in 2013 by Samuel Creager and David Chapman, Ugly Duck Studio arose as a sanctuary for their musical endeavors. Their collective passion for music propelled them to create an immersive space where they could record alongside friends. The name “Ugly Duck” pays homage to the humble beginnings of their warehouse, which, through their relentless efforts, blossomed into the proverbial swan—an aesthetically pleasing space that now stands as a testament to their artistic journey.
In 2019, producer Daniel Babai, also known as “Dephrase,” assumed the role of head engineer at Ugly Duck. Alongside skilled staff engineers Ian Bouslough and Eric Alper, and guided by Gabriel Jones as the studio operations manager, the Ugly Duck team united in a common mission: delivering exceptional audio services to Boston’s vibrant music community.
Ugly Duck offers an extensive array of top-notch audio services. From production, vocal tracking, mixing, and mastering to arranging and beyond, they cover it all. Staff engineer Ian Bouslough confidently asserts, “If you need to work with audio, and want it done professionally, doesn’t matter what it is, we can handle it”.
Since its inception, Ugly Duck Studios has collaborated with prominent entities in the entertainment industry, such as MTV, BBC, and Walt Disney. Yet, their greatest source of pride stems from nurturing and supporting emerging Boston musicians. Noteworthy partnerships include producing for local talents like “Maeko” and “Summer Cult,” as well as joining forces with Outlaud—a new record label founded by the esteemed local artist “Oompa.”
With a versatile recording booth, a dedicated full band recording space, and a team of seasoned professionals, Ugly Duck Studio offers an abundant range of resources that foster inspiration for artists. Here, creativity flourishes, and musical projects find a true sense of fulfillment, bringing artists’ visions to life.
Visit Ugly Duck Studios here!
The Bridge Sound and Stage
Rooted in the vision of founder Janos “The Arcitype” Fulop, this recording studio traces its origins to a transformative moment. Following his departure from a dissolved studio, Fulop embarked on a mission to establish a new music community inspired by the core principles he discovered while immersed in the world of hip hop. In 2008, together with co-owners Alex Allinson and Owen Curtins, who himself had prior experience with a small recording studio, they set out to create a grand home base with a greater purpose. Thus, their extraordinary journey unfolded, giving rise to The Bridge Sound Studios and Stage.
“The Bridge,” the name of this remarkable recording studio, holds profound significance on two fronts. Firstly, it symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the owners to foster a vibrant community and forge meaningful connections. Secondly, it embodies the studio’s physical presence, nestled in the heart of Cambridge, MA—a central hub that bridges artistic endeavors and musical aspirations.
At the core of this creative sanctuary lie two cutting-edge recording studios and a live room, which seamlessly transforms into a captivating stage for live events. Originally inspired by the artistry of hip hop, the studio has evolved to embrace a myriad of genres, thanks to its accomplished team of audio professionals with diverse interests and backgrounds. This inherent adaptability makes the studio an ideal fit for any musical pursuit.
In addition to boasting cutting-edge sound equipment, The Bridge Recording Studios and Stage understands that the true power lies in the team’s creativity and musical knowledge. Co-founder Alex Allinson emphasizes, ” While all the best equipment in the world is fun, and most of us has gotten into this because we like gear, a comfortable and creative vibe it is the most important thing.” … ” You are not your gear; the best stuff comes from here” -Alex says pointing to the side of his head with his index finger- “It’s fun to have a bunch of bells and whistles, and I say that sitting on a studio with a bunch of bells and whistles, but you don’t really need a specific mic to make things sound cool, you are your best instrument”.
At The Bridge, a profound sense of curiosity and playfulness infuses the staff, united by their unwavering love for music. This extraordinary studio has left its mark on notable platforms like Netflix and ESPN. Delve into the captivating works produced within its walls, including the likes of BEDTIMEMAGIC, Ponyfish, and the founder’s own band, “STL GLD.”
Visit The Bridge Sound and Stage here!
The Record Co.
TRC (The Record Co.) is a non-profit community music hub, established in 2010 by Matt McArthur during his time as a student at Berklee College of Music. As a musician himself, McArthur recognized the scarcity of affordable and easily accessible spaces for collaborative music-making at the time. This created barriers on the creativity and opportunities for musicians with limited resources. Motivated by this reality, he conceived TRC as a non-profit recording space, open to all and owned by none. Today, TRC serves as a vibrant and inclusive platform for musicians to unleash their creativity and connect with the Boston community.
TRC lives by the slogan “More is More,” emphasizing that their space is just one wellspring of creativity for artists. It serves as an inspiring stop along the artist’s journey, rather than the sole destination. The Record Co. firmly believes that abundant resources empower artists to expand their creative horizons. Reflecting this ethos, their space encompasses production suites, community rooms, rehearsal studios, recording studios, and an array of instruments and tools available for guests to harness during their creative process. TRC stands as a bountiful fountain of invaluable resources.
With approximately a thousand monthly reservations spanning its various rooms, the Record Co. continues to flourish. This year, the non-profit proudly introduced Bobby Boyd as the new Director of Operations. Bobby’s outstanding work revolves around creating an increasingly inviting space for Boston artists and amplifying resources that drive the local music industry forward. Their relentless efforts ensure that the Record Co. remains a thriving hub, fostering creativity and advancing the Boston music scene.
The Record Co. is a sanctuary that empowers artists with creative freedom, enabling uninhibited exploration and fostering connections with fellow musicians. It stands as a non-judgmental space where art thrives, deeply rooted in the importance of community. With a steadfast commitment to people, the Record Co. cultivates an environment where artistic expression knows no bounds.
Visit The Record Co. here!
*Post featured image by Sasha Pedro
