01/22/2023
Well, it’s been a 13 year run, but Watch City Studios is officially closing. Some of you may have had your suspicions...I have shared this news with a few trusted colleagues and my remaining clients from the last year, but here’s the breakdown….
In May of last year, after two consecutive 5-year leases, the owners of the property at 32 Charles decided to “honor" my option to renew, but only on a trial basis of one year at a prohibitively higher rent, with a mere 3 weeks notice. Caught completely unaware without a more immediate exit strategy and a facility packed with equipment, I was forced into accepting these unsustainable terms. I won’t get into the uglier specifics, but suffice to say, it’s been a year of heavy stress and financial hell just to meet the year’s requirements, much less consider what my options are as a piss-poor and independent recordist.
That said, my 30yr career in audio has never been easy. It's required far more than an acceptable amount of sacrifice. Some of you may recall my old studio, Basement 247, which closed (also after 13 years) for similar reasons. Yes, I’ve had the most wonderful experiences with some of the greatest talents, recognized or not. But the truth of the matter is, it came at the cost of my quality of life, fracturing relationships, emptying my wallet and never allowing me to progress, much less get a foothold on any of it. I’ve held out as best as I was able but there is simply nothing left for me to give. For this reason, I will not be opening another facility. Music is far too important a part of of my life and mental stability to continue to support a roster of clients and all it requires of me. I must break with the business pretense of it so that I might somehow reclaim the art of music production on my own terms, in my own way.
I simply must give my heartfelt and eternal thanks to the countless artists, friends and supporters of Watch City and Basement 247. I do not look at these circumstances as those of failure or surrender. There are quite literally hundreds of projects, albums, singles and other media bearing the Watch City/Basement 247 stamp…and many more who’s credits to myself and the studios remain unseen. I have had the honor of working with some of the finest artists and talents…locally or otherwise. They are a source of pride and love that I will carry with me for years to come. As for the true supporters…Nick Zampiello, Tim Waltner, Joe Streeter, Even Ruscher, Joel Simches (and so many more…forgive me), I am unable to express the extent of my gratitude, respect and love for your faith and confidence in my madness, your undeniable skills and wisdom and most of all, your friendship.
Lastly, to the studio’s feline counterparts….October, the blackest of black cats, who kept the punks in line at Basement 247…where you are now there will be many a fresh thumb to bite into…and of course, Watch City’s Telefunken…who will miss you all as much as I as we venture onward to new creative possibilities together.
Keep your eyes and ears open for the final Watch City releases in the months to come. Let’s just say, I won’t be going down quietly. When have I ever?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love, Art and Music to all of you.
