Investing in Talent | Affordable recording studio opens in Louisville's Portland neighborhood
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of the biggest obstacles local musicians face is paying for recording time. A west Louisville recording studio hopes to break down that barrier.
“We just want to see other artists make it,” Jon Woo, owner of Soundbase Studios, said. “That’s a big goal for us.”
Jon Woo has always loved music. At just 14 years old, he knew he would become a rapper.
“What inspired me was that somebody tried to battle rap me in front of a girl I had a crush on when I was in like, the sixth grade,” he said. “I just couldn’t let that happen.”
Nealy 30 years later, he’s achieved his dream and more. Jon Woo is now a music producer. He also owns Soundbase Studios, an affordable recording space in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood.
“The standard studio time is $60,” he said. “We’re $45, and that $15 difference actually makes a big difference.”
The cost adds up fast, leaving them with fewer resources elsewhere. This cheaper option allows musicians to spend more money on marketing and getting their name out there.
Many artists spend several hours in this cozy studio perfecting their sound.
“I’ve had everybody here from Marzz to my buddy Nemo, who works with Jack [Harlow],” Jon Woo said.
He said he had a lot of help finding his voice in the music industry. He hopes to use this space to pay it forward.
“Louisville has a lot of talent,” he said. “The thing we lack is a lot of resources and infrastructure.”
Jon Woo and his business partner have high hopes for the space and big plans of starting a nonprofit to give more local talent a chance to raise their voices.
“It’s all about developing the local community, the artists,” he said. “Having them come, and being able to have a place to come, learn, create, experience.”
Soundbase Studios is located at 1512 Portland Avenue in Louisville. You can contact Jon Woo for a session on Instagram.
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