Networking Powerhouses: 10 Things to Know About Studios Serving as Networking Hubs
Music studios, beyond their traditional function of facilitating the creation and recording of music, have increasingly become powerful networking hubs. This shift is transforming the opportunities for local musicians and revolutionizing the way they forge connections within the industry. Here are ten things you should know about these dynamic spaces:
Multiple Roles: Studios that function as networking hubs serve multiple roles. They’re not just a place to rehearse and record, but are also environments where musicians can connect, collaborate, and form valuable relationships.
Industry Exposure: These studios frequently host a variety of artists, producers, and industry professionals. This diversity exposes local musicians to different genres, styles, and methods, helping them broaden their musical horizons.
Collaboration Opportunities: Studios open doors for collaborations. Being in the same space with other artists might lead to impromptu jam sessions, which could evolve into collaborations and even joint projects.
Learning Opportunities: Musicians can learn from watching others work, picking up new techniques or approaches to making music. They can gain insights from seasoned professionals, providing invaluable learning experiences.
Potential Partnerships: Through networking, musicians can find partners for various aspects of their music career, from songwriting and production to promotion and distribution. These partnerships can help musicians expand their reach and influence.
Record Deal Prospects: Industry professionals often scout for talent in such studios. This visibility increases the chances of local musicians being spotted and potentially securing record deals or management contracts.
Shared Resources: These studios often promote a communal culture where musicians share resources, be it musical equipment or knowledge about the latest industry trends. This networking environment fosters a sense of community and mutual growth.
Events and Workshops: Many of these “hub” studios host networking events, workshops, and masterclasses featuring industry experts. These events provide opportunities for musicians to learn, network, and showcase their talent.
Career Advancement: A networking hub can significantly speed up a musician's career advancement. The connections made can lead to gig opportunities, industry recognition, or mentorships that could catapult a local musician into the limelight.
Camaraderie and Support: Beyond all the professional benefits, these studios create a sense of camaraderie and support. They become a space where musicians can discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and provide support for each other's journeys.
A studio that doubles as a networking hub, like SoundPlex Studios, holds immense potential for local musicians. It offers much more than a physical space to create and record music. It becomes a nurturing ecosystem, facilitating growth, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. The connections formed within our walls can shape a musician's career, providing opportunities that extend far beyond the recording booth.
8 Essential Ingredients: What Every Local Musician Needs in a Rehearsal and Recording Studio
As a local musician, finding the perfect rehearsal and recording studio can significantly impact the development of your sound, your performance, and overall musical career. The right studio provides not only a place to create and capture your music but also serves as a nurturing environment for artistic growth. Below, we delve into eight critical aspects that musicians should look for in any rehearsal and recording studio.
As a local musician, finding the perfect rehearsal and recording studio can significantly impact the development of your sound, your performance, and overall musical career. The right studio provides not only a place to create and capture your music but also serves as a nurturing environment for artistic growth. Below, we delve into eight critical aspects that musicians should look for in any rehearsal and recording studio.
We offer all eight at SoundPlex Studios.
Sound Quality
First and foremost, sound quality is paramount. Look for studios with high-end recording equipment and well-designed spaces that promise crystal-clear sound reproduction. Acoustics should be a top priority, with the studio offering well-treated rooms to manage sound reflections and ensure clean, undistorted recordings.
State-of-the-art Equipment
An equipped studio is essential.
While some musicians might have their gear, a studio with a variety of top-notch microphones, amplifiers, and digital audio workstations (DAWs) can provide the versatility needed to capture the best of every performance. In addition, consider studios that offer instruments like keyboards, drums, and guitars for added convenience.
Comfortable Space
An inspiring and comfortable space is critical
As a musician, you'll spend hours in the studio, so look for well-ventilated, spacious environments that stimulate creativity. The aesthetics matter, too - studios designed with a unique, artistic touch can inspire musicians and make them feel at home.
Professional Engineering Staff
A competent and friendly engineering staff can make a world of difference. A sound engineer who understands your genre and able to provide valuable input can significantly enhance your recording process. They should be able to assist in setting up, provide sound mixing and mastering services, and guide you to ensure the best possible quality recording.
Versatility and Flexibility
Versatility in a studio allows you to experiment and grow. Look for studios that offer a range of spaces for different requirements - intimate rooms for solo acts, larger rooms for bands, or spaces for live recording. Flexibility in terms of time slots is also essential, catering to those who might prefer late-night sessions or early morning rehearsals.
Post-production Services
While the focus is often on the recording process, post-production services like mixing and mastering are equally important. Some studios offer comprehensive packages, taking your tracks from raw recordings to polished, radio-ready songs. These services can save you time and ensure a consistent sound quality.
Networking Opportunities
A studio that doubles as a networking hub can open doors for local musicians.
Studios frequented by a variety of artists, producers, and industry professionals provide opportunities to connect and collaborate, potentially leading to future partnerships or even record deals.
Affordability
Lastly, cost is a significant factor for local musicians. A studio should offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of facilities and services. Some studios offer block booking discounts or memberships that can help artists save money in the long run.
In conclusion, a rehearsal and recording studio is more than just a place to practice and record; it's an integral part of a musician's journey. By considering sound quality, equipment, space comfort, staff expertise, versatility, post-production services, networking opportunities, and affordability, local musicians can find a studio that not only meets their immediate recording needs but also supports their artistic growth and career progression.
The right studio — SoundPlex Studios — can amplify your music in ways you never imagined!
The WoodRoom Online Gallery Is Now Open!
The WoodRoom’ at The SoundPlex®
An update from us here at The SoundPlex®, we’ve just updated the ‘WoodRoom’ section of our virtual tour and photo gallery to include photos of our legendary ‘WoodRoom’ event space! click on this link to view the gallery, and be sure to share with your friends and family! We are all looking forward to a tremendous fall season here!
102.9WMGK SELECTS SOUNDPLEX®!
The SoundPlex® organization is pleased to announce a brand new partnership with 102.9 WMGK that will see SoundPlex’s world renowned recording studio become the sole official sponsor of 102.9 WMGK’s House Band Competition! In the Philadelphia radio market, 102.9WMGK has long been a high water mark of all that is best in music, and the station has long supported local artists. In this manner, The SoundPlex’s goals align precisely with that of 102.9 WMGK, and this partnership will serve to benefit the region’s music industry. The SoundPlex® will work with the winners of the contest to create several songs in the recoding studio - along with filming the process utilizing The SoundPlex® A/V team.
5 Awesome Vintage Photos Of The SoundPlex®!
These vintage photos of The SoundPlex® are mind blowing! Share these on your social media and be sure to tag us if you have any memories of our building!
1. Taken from the loading dock of what is now ‘The WoodRoom’, The SoundPlex® was operating in 1915 as Perkins Ice & Dairy Processing Facility!
2. In 1949, The SoundPlex® was occupied by the ‘Tru-ade Bottling Co’, of Camden, NJ!
3. This photo from 2011 shows SoundPlex® Studio still being built and restored!!
4. This photo shows the original foundation upon which The SoundPlex® is built at 6713 Rudderow (then known as 249 Rudderow Ave.) and the driveway space that it shares with 6701 Rudderow Ave today. This 1900 photo shows the foundation stone which was later bricked and built upon to create the brick structure we all know (and love) today as ‘The SoundPlex®’. This bedrock is still the basis of most of the property while ‘The WoodRoom’ (which would be to the left of the taker of this photo) is the oldest portion of the building from the form that it knew in this photo in 1900.
5. Not a photo, but a wonderful illustration of the MACK® delivery trucks utilized by The E.S. Perkins Co. for delivery of milk and ice to the Camden County area. This was drawn from the same perspective as seen in photo 1!
10 Reasons To Choose SoundPlex® Studios
There are plenty of reasons to choose SoundPlex® Studios for your next recording project…but here are our top 10!
The Gear
We’ve got it all! From a real Hammond B-3 with Leslie rotating speaker - to Neve 1073s channel strips, Neumann and RCA-Victor ribbon microphones, pristine AD/DA, boutique Universal Audio®, Neve®, and Focusrite® tube and solid state compressor/limiters, a brand new Mara Machines 1” 8 track tape recorder, drum kits, world-class monitoring systems for playback and recording, a beautiful ebony baby grand 88 key piano - and MUCH MUCH more.
The Engineer
Our Randy Weaver is a GENIUS of recorded sound. With over 40 years experience, you’re in safe hands while Randy is behind the mixing console - you’ll never be disappointed in the result…and he’s one of the industry’s nicest humans.
The Sound
Looking for a BIG studio sound - no better place to look than a BIG studio. Looking for a tight sound? we do that too! Consult with us on the sound you’re looking for, and we’ve got the experience, space, and ability to bring your recorded sound dreams to life.
The Facilities
In short, we’re massive! We’ve got parking for 50, private lounges while you wait for recording tasks (or other musicians to finish overdubs or mixing), full kitchen facilities, showers, enough space for TOUR BUSES and much much much more. Check out our virtual tour!
The History
It started life as a factory, became Dick Clark’s New Jersey area offices during his time hosting ‘American Bandstand’ in Philadelphia, it was an assembly, administration, and recording studio for the famous VICTOR RECORDS - and now…its the incredible community performing arts staple known as The SoundPlex®. We’re just getting started!
The Value
You won’t find better value! SoundPlex® Studios delivers the best value for a major label caliber professional recording facility in the entire music industry….no joke! We love music and we want to make it with YOU.
The Vibe
Don’t let the largeness fool you! We GET vibe. Incredible works of art, comfortable and chic seating for guests, high ceilings, and some very groovy murals and lighting make this space an artists HAVEN in which to make any kind of music.
The Size
SoundPlex® Studio was originally built to be the largest live room on the east coast - and it meets the those standards today! The room is capable of fitting a full size 100 piece orchestra or a solo artist…all with the same live of intimacy and professionalism.
The Location
We are in the cradle of the music industry, Camden County, NJ - just 10 minutes from the beautiful city of Philadelphia (and less than 90 minutes from New York City). We are located in an easily accessed, green, peaceful mixed residential area. You’ll fall in love!
The Support
We’re here for you! We don’t want our relationship with our artists to end at recording….we know how hard it is to get your music ‘out there’…and we want to help! If you need help promoting and marketing your recording…. talk to us! we can help!
SoundPlex® Open To Public For First Time!
A musical destination combining live shows, state-of-the-art music recordings, and uniquely customizable special events spaces has arrived in Merchantville, N.J. The SoundPlex® is opening its doors on May 8th, 3-7 pm, May 14th, 3-8pm & May 15th, 11am -3pm to give VIP music performers and music fans a special first look at our spacious and unique venue, which features a best-in-class recording studio and 3 live event rooms. Relax in our 1,500-square-foot club lounge and see our amazing rehearsal, performance and recording space for singers/songwriters and bands.
Only a *limited number* of guests will be admitted. Save your spot today!
Where?
6713 Rudderow Ave
Merchantville, NJ 08109
Parking: Onsite-Backlot, Street Parking, Across Street Lot. Signage
When?
Held In 3 Sessions: May 8 from 3 pm-7 pm May 14 5pm - 8pm. May 15 11 am-3pm.
Please RSVP!
RSVP with the number of attendees as we want to assure a socially safe environment. Also, if you know other music lovers and/or fellow musicians that may be interested in this unique recording and live event space, please reply with those attendees' names and email addresses as well.
Benefits of our Artist Memberships:
Discounted Recording/Mixing Sessions
Priority Reservations to Perform at Ticketed Live Events
2 Hrs Recorded Rehearsal Time
Retail Space Pre- and Post-Shows
Promotional Assistant Plan (Management, Marketing, Branding, Distribution, Publishing, Merchandise Development).
Benefits of Fan Memberships:
Access to rehearsals/recording sessions
Special events
Entry to SoundLounge pre and post shows
Discounted merchandise
Special pricing for venue rentals
All this and more for as little as $29 per month!
*We are capping the number of memberships. Reserve your spot before it sells out!* Call or email now for early signup. Check our Facebook page and our studio Website for details as they become available. The SoundPlex® website will be updated frequently as more info becomes available.