Studio Profile: Kindred Studios

Answered by: Tim Slattery (Events booker/Administrator/Sound & Lighting/Bearded bloke at the front desk)

What's the studio set up you have there equipment-wise?
In the performance space we have a 24-channel Allen & Heath desk, Quest Monitors, Nexo PS15 FOH and a vast collection of impressive outboard gear and mics. Please see full technical specs at our newly revamped website: kindredstudios.com.au.

We've also just opened up our big new acoustically designed Deluxe Room, which features RCF FOH, Quest Monitors and a 16-channel Allen & Heath desk with separate outs so you can record directly into your computer's interface. 

Any tips for artists entering a studio for the first time?
Make sure you rock up, have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. Also, make sure you check out our photographic/video shoot studios and our dance studio.

Which notable artists have worked at the studio?
The Bamboos, Blue King Brown, Baptism Of Uzi, Wild Dog Creek, Big Yawn, Bone, Yolke, 14 Nights At Sea, Midnight Wolf, River Of Snakes, Tender Bones, Drunk Mums and many, many more. 

Who do you have on staff and what's their background in the industry?
Craig 'Skulls' Peade – former drummer of 2 Litre Dolby and current drummer of Tender Bones, Skulls takes care of stocktaking, front of house and is an all-round friendly guy.

Cy Gorman – Cy is the Artistic Director of Kindred Studios' White Room and TV studio. His background is inter-arts performance and production as well as being an accomplished producer of music-based art.

Aaron Darcy – runs the recording studio based in Kindred called Ripon Studios. More info at: kindredstudios.com.au/community/ripon-studios.aspx.

Analogue vs digital – discuss…
It really depends on the kind of sound you want to achieve. Personally I much prefer working with analogue gear because I truly believe it sounds better, but it also costs a lot more and is prone to breaking down compared to digital gear. There are some amazing plug-in effects and VSTs out there in the digital realm that sound rather convincing. So yeah, it really depends on your budget and knowledge of the gear I guess.   

Can bands bring in their own engineer or do they have to solely use a house engineer?
Yes, we encourage bands to bring in their own engineer, assuming they know what they're doing and they don't blow up the system! We are more than happy to provide our own sound crew for a small fee.   

Is the studio capable of holding a full band at once for recording?
Yes, the new recording studio in Kindred has a lovely spacious live room to record a full band at once.  

We're an impoverished indie band – do you offer any deals for acts in our situation?
Come in and have a chat to one of our friendly staff at the front desk and see if you can negotiate an agreement where both parties are satisfied. In the past we've offered free rehearsals in exchange for bands organising gigs on our performance stage.   

Do you have any in-house instruments at the studio acts can use, or is it totally BYO?
We're in the process of purchasing a stack of brand new backline so stay tuned! We currently have a couple of drum kits, couple of guitar amps and a couple of bass amps.

What's the access to the studio like with regards to parking, flat load, etc?
There's ample parking at the back of Kindred, and a front and rear entrance to load in gear.

Working in the studio can be arduous and we'll need a break – what are the amenities in the local area?
We are a fully licensed venue with a wide selection of local and international beers, including Mountain Goat on tap. We also have a variety of Byron Bay pies ready to heat up for ravenous musicians and punters, and a plethora of candy and soft drink for all your sugar highs.

What are your contact details?
Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St, Yarraville, Vic 3013; phone +61 3 9687 0233; kindredstudios.com.au