Line Crossing Stories
Talk about your experience at Realgrey, what has it meant to you?
I've not spent as much time in the studio as others may have, but every time I've been, it's been such a positive space filled with great personalities and such a creative vibe. All the people there are there to work hard and to help create something great, but still have fun and discover in the process. It's been amazing meeting all the likeminded folks around the area that make up Realgrey's community, as I used to feel super isolated and alone creatively for a very long time.
How would you describe the ethos ... experience ... purpose of the studio?
As I mentioned earlier, it's a super creative space. From my observations it seems focused on the "Song". Which as a songwriter I love, and as an experimental subversive noisemaker I love to challenge. The beautiful analog and digital equipment is geared towards getting the best recordings and mixes you'll find this side of Tuscarawas. I love it.
Has the studio influenced your music in any way? If so, how?
I think so, very much. I record all my music myself ever since I was 13 and I taught myself how to engineer and mix throughout the years. When I heard the recordings coming out of Realgrey, it pushed me to figure the logistics of recording out and train my ear more and make the stuff coming out of my little house in Canton just as good as this other little house in Canton. Plus, there are tons of great people I've met through the studio, or connected to the studio that have inspired me and influenced the way I write, play, sing, think, talk, and live.
Talk about the people that you've encountered at Realgrey ... what has your experience been w/ us?
Like I said, there has been so much inspiration in my life coming from the people I've encountered around the "Realgrey" scene. I love Ron a lot. I think if I become old and bald I will probably be very similar to him. There's nothing but kindred souls and super creative minds around. Dare I say perhaps some geniuses peppered around here and there! It's been such a beautiful time networking with everyone through the studio.
Talk about anyone that you've met thru your association with the studio community. How have they encouraged your musical journey?
I will talk about Josee McGee. Technically I did not meet her through RG. I met her at the jam night at George's Lounge that used to happen every Tuesday. I would go every week from when I was 13 to around 17, whenever COVID shut everything down. She caught my ears immediately, playing her songs with her partner, Spencer. I remember the first time I heard her songs I was amazed, and once she got off the stage I pulled her aside and told her she reminded me of a band I was into called the Dirty Projectors. She still reminds me of them, and whenever I listen to them I can never not think about that interaction. Since then we've crossed paths in many different instances, mostly at the open mic she hosts on Tuesdays at Muggzwigz, where my group Harborer got our start and continue to play occasionally. We've become great friends and she was kind of my gateway to the whole Realgrey thing, even though I knew of the studio from many other assorted Canton folk, she pushed me to come to BYS and through her I've met so many cool people associated with the studio. She's inspired me a great deal musically, creatively, and spiritually. We continue to work and hang out pretty frequently these days, along with her partner Spencer who is a great man and a saint and drums for my band sometimes. Love that guy. So grateful for them, truly.
