Kalamazoo Recording Company invites musicians downtown

When the downtown Kalamazoo recording space that was formerly used by Brown & Brown Recording became available, Martin Klemm and Derek Menchinger were in the right place at the right time. 

 

For the past 15 years, the two have been individually working with local musicians and clients from beyond Kalamazoo taking on recording projects in their home studios. When they learned about the downtown space, the two decided to join forces and create the Kalamazoo Recording Company.  

 

They have been working in the 3,500-square-foot space for nearly eight months and are preparing for their grand opening soon. 

 

Since the studio has opened Klemm has been working primarily on album projects and Menchinger has been creating sound designs, or production soundscapes, for Farmers Alley Theater across the street.

 

Those involved in the local music scene will recognize work previously produced by Klemm, including recordings for Funktion, FlyPaper, and the Kalamazoo Rhythm Project led by Carolyn Koebel. Most recently, Klemm has been working with jazz musicians, Trio De Sole, singer-songwriter Chris Sloan, and vocalist Anne Marie Boyle. And his remote recording work in Wyoming with Alycia Vince will be released on iTunes and CD Baby in the next seven to 10 days. 

 

Menchinger, a composer who was guitarist for the popular local group, Blue Dahlia, has worked with Royal Caribbean, Cunard Cruise Lines, and Hawthorne Office Furniture developing music soundtracks. He's also provided live sound expertise for Education for the Arts, Fontana Chamber Arts, and Kindleberger Concerts in the Park. Most recently, Menchinger has been working with Mike Madill & Blue Water Rising, Rene Meave of Los Bandits, Portage Central Performing Arts, and The Kalamazoo Children's Chorus recent CD Sing On.

 

The two are working to develop their niche in a crowded local market, but are optimistic that their experience, space, and gear will help set them apart and expand their client reach.

 

"We're in a position where we can become one of the best sound rooms in the region," Klemm says. "Our gear is some of the best that can be offered, we both have years of experience, and believe we'll be noticed."