Last week, physician Converse announced the opening of its Rubber Tracks studios in Boston. Neighboring the brand’s world headquarters on the city’s Lovejoy Wharf, nurse the studios will serve as a creative hub for local artists and provide them with the opportunity to record original music alongside a team of experienced professionals at—get this—no cost.
Rubber Tracks Boston is the the first studio of its kind in New England, following in the footsteps of the Rubber Tracks studios in Brooklyn, NY and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“For over three years, Converse has nurtured the music community in Boston through pop-up studios and live shows,” said Jed Lewis. As Converse’s Global Music Marketing Director, Lewis is fully aware of the independent streak running through Boston’s infinite number of emerging acts—most of whose studio recourses are incredibly limited. “As a brand, we really wanted to give back. We wanted to open our doors to the music community and give them something with no strings attached.”
Stephen Konrads, 1/4 of Boston-based band Eternals, was also a member of the discussion that took place shortly before our studio tour this past Thursday. Konrads noted his time as an independent artist, and his band’s time recording with Rubber Tracks engineers and producers at Somerville’s Q Division Studios. “Recording is very expensive, and [without Rubber Tracks] we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so otherwise.” His experience was a positive one, saying “It’s an invaluable resource. Sometimes when you’re an independent artist, you feel like you’re making music in a vacuum. But this makes you feel the support around you, and it makes it so worthwhile.” Last month, his band opened for Wild Nothing as part of Rubber Tracks’ string of much-anticipated live shows at The Sinclair in Cambridge. In April, Rubber Tracks nailed down a three-day lineup of jaw-dropping acts including The Replacements, Passion Pit, Slayer, Chance the Rapper and Descendents. The residency also featured opening sets from Dinosaur Jr., Baths, Doomriders, Action Bronson and King Tuff—and of course, Boston favorites Bent Shapes, The Young Leaves, Radclyffe Hall and Michael Christmas. It was a musical frenzy for fans all over the city.
Evan Kenney, Studio Manager for Converse Rubber Tracks Boston touched further on the the troubles of a young and talented—and somewhat broke Boston artist. “For any new artist, free access to a high-quality studio and time with a professional team of producers and engineers are key to any great recording experience.”
And just what do those studios look like? After our time speaking with the team, we were give full access to Boston’s Rubber Tracks location, which showcases some of the most innovative technology and recording equipment around town. Boston’s location features four key areas designed by acclaimed studio designer, Fran Manzella: a live room, control room, isolation booth, and vesti-booth. Artists will have the opportunity to work with an experienced team to lay down original music and unleash their creative spirit.
