What is a studio? Is it just a room with some gear in it? By definition, yes, but in reality, it is so much more. It should be a creative sanctuary, where musicians and producers can be inspired in a natural, vibey setting, to create music and channel their inspiration.
But how do we take 4 walls and some gear, and turn it into a vibing musical space?
Interruptions Aren’t Fun
Soundproofing your entire studio room might be a little too ambitious to ask, especially in rented houses and flats, but try to create at least a part of your studio as a ‘reduced noise’ space. This could be some sort of booth (DIY or bought), or even an area screened off with some gobos, or even heavy blankets. Nothing kills creativity and enthusiasm like having the perfect vocal take ruined by some noisy neighbours making a racket. And the reduced noise not only helps with the vibe, but it also improves the quality of your productions.
Colour, Texture, and Contrast
While some studios do have plain walls, they can come across as a little boring or dated. Many studios of yesteryear were wall-to-wall ceiling-to-floor pine, but in the modern era, that comes across as a little dated.
That isn’t to say that pine look can’t be part of your studio’s aesthetic (wooden diffusers are great), but variety is the spice of life. You can use anything to create an identity for your studio; coloured acoustic traps, patterned blankets hanging on the walls. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; maybe one area has bright, bold, vivid colours, and another has a slightly colder, plainer aesthetic. It is your studio, use it to show your own colour identity.
Lighting is Mood
The quickest way to kill a vibe? Cold, clinical lighting. Harsh fluorescents can make any musician or producer visiting feel more akin to being at the dentist’s, rather than being in a creative space. There are so many lighting options, ranging from super cheap to super expensive. Having the room lit by some warmer, yellow light can give a feeling of warmth, while colour RGB lighting can make the room feel a little funkier and more modern. A lot of modern lighting (such as smart light bulbs) has app-controllable features that allow you to switch between warm and cool, multiple colours, as well as being dimmable.
If you want to go full-on into that 80s-90s feel, then don’t forget your neon signs, lava lamps, and plasma lamps.
Scent Memory
Smell is a sense that can evoke a large array of memories. It can even transport you to other places in your mind. Some smells can even change your mood. Something like a diffuser or a scented candle can really elevate the space. There is a reason that some estate agents use scents, such as freshly baked cookies, during open houses. Do, however, take into consideration that some people are overly sensitive to certain scents, so be prepared to work around that if needed.
It isn’t just about causing nice smells, but preventing bad ones. Keeping the studio clean, making sure that bins are emptied, and kitchen areas clean will reduce the chance of smells. Additionally, have some nice neutral-scented deodorant available for clients. we all know that studios can become hot and sweaty places throughout the day, and there is nothing wrong with a little freshen up.
Personal Touches Make It Real
At the end of the day, your studio is just that, YOUR studio. Don’t be afraid to show that in the aesthetic choices. Weave in some personal touches that show any clients who you are. Maybe have a stack of vinyl on display, or have some pictures taken with clients on the walls, if you are into collectables, have some on a shelf. Just a few touches that add a personal identity. And if you are a fan of, say, Star Wars, why not have a life-size Chewbacca statue in the corner of your studio? It definitely would be a talking point.
Gear Is Part of the Aesthetic
When crafting the aesthetic and vibe of your studio, do keep in mind that your gear is part of that. Having a load of rack mount gear in a rack looks and gives a better feel than having that same gear just in a pile. A bundle of ten cables looks better cable-tied together than having a loose collection. A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind, as they say.
Some gear is even great looking and has tons of lights and faders and knobs to play with, make it a fun centrepiece that can talked about.
Create Some Variety
Creating distinct zones within your studio allows you and any other users to change up the mood for what’s needed. A cozy, comfy sofa with cushions can be a casual songwriting area, whereas a chair set up at a desk with a piano can be a more serious one, a different area could be specifically for mixing, etc. This also breaks up the process, and can help you avoid being sat in the same space for the entire production process, so a nice little added benefit for your health.
A Final Thought
Creating a vibe in the studio can cost some of your budget, which might otherwise be spent on additional gear, but recording a technically perfect song doesn’t mean anything if there is no emotion and no feel to it. So if we can nurture a creative space, the final product benefits. So straighten those cushions, get comfy, and don’t forget to flick the on switch on that lava lamp, and let’s get to making some killer music.
