The studio is my creative space. I'm a songwriter, soundmaker, and the kind of human who needs a dedicated space to create. It's my office, but since it's right behind my house, it's all the more important because I'm spared the seemingly unavoidable distractions that come along with working "from home" where you're in your home office or dining room having your attention drawn from you by laundry, dishes, and a pile of other domestic time-sucks. I have the luxury of both: a space that's completely dedicated to my music and working with other musicians, but one that's literally 5 feet from my house. I'm where I need to be all the time.
It's my intention to give other people the same kind of inspiring, warm & fuzzy creative environment that I've given myself. I was first inspired by Mark Rubel, owner of Pogo Studio (formerly here in Champaign, but now in Nashville) and instructor/co-director at Blackbird Academy, when I walked into his wonderful space for the first time. I immediately understood the importance of a studio's vibe, that it's everything. And every record Elsinore & I have made has put us in a new creative space and in the hands of a new producer, all of which has definitely left an important imprint on me. Musicians want to create their best work when they pay someone else for studio time, and helping other people find the right headspace to create has to be a studio's mantra. Yes, you need some cool instruments, good mics & pres, and maybe a vibrating recliner. But, in addition you have to give musicians the best possible headstart: some leverage, momentum, fire to invent something beautiful. I've needed it as a musician myself, and always will. So, Perennial is meant to do just that.
People I love who inspire me & the studio:
Mark Rubel - Pogo Studio Nashville & Blackbird Academy
Anthony Gravino - High Cross Sound • Urbana, IL
James Treichler - Wave Upon Wave • Champaign, IL
Beau Sorenson - Tiny Telephone Oakland • Oakland, CA
Brian Eno - brian-eno.net
— Ryan Groff, Owner
Gear
INSTRUMENTS:
1974 Telecaster
Gibson J-45 Rosewood
1969 Gibson ES-335
Yamaha U3 Upright
1974 Wurlitzer 200a
1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I
Korg Minilogue
Mellotron M4000D Mini
Moog Grandmother
Moog The Source (1980)
Moog Minitaur
Rickenbacker 4003 Bass
Fender Road Worn Precision Bass
Martin Dreadnought Junior
70s Yamaha 12-string Acoustic
Danelectro 12-string Electric
50s Stella Kids Parlour Acoustic
Sigma Classical Guitar
Kala Ukulele
Washburn Nashville Tuning Acoustic
Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Kit w/ cymbal & snare options
Maestro Rhythm King MRK-2
Maestro Rhythm 'n Sound G2
1979 Fender Deluxe Reverb
1976 Fender Twin Reverb
1990s Mesa Boogie Subway Rocket
2000s Fender Pro Junior
70s Leslie 122
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 + DB212 Cabinet
Radial Stereo Active & Passive DIs + Re-amp Box
a small army of effects pedals
a healthy shelf of auxiliary percussion
MONITORING:
Focal Solo6 Be (pair)
Focal Alpha 50 (pair)
Yamaha NS10-M Studio (pair)
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Headphones
INTERFACE/PRES/
CONVERSION/PROCESSING:
Universal Audio 8p (black) + a variety of UA Plug-ins
Universal Audio 4-710d
Neve 511 Mic Pre (pair)
API 512v Mic Pre (pair)
Roland Boutique JU-06
Apple iMac 27"
Pro Tools
MICROPHONES:
Shannon Rhoades/Mic Rehab Telefunken 251 Clone - large capsule tube condenser
Pair of Gefell UM70 large capsule condensers (vintage and restored by Andreas Grosser)
Pair of Josephson C42 small capsule condensers
AEA R88 Stereo Ribbon
Shure SM7A
Shure SM57 (2)
Shure SM58
Shure SM81
Shure SM87A
Beyerdynamic M 88 (vintage)
Beyerdynamic M 201
Sennheiser 421
Electro-Voice RE20
Cascade Fathead Ribbon
AKG D112
Around The Studio
Rates
$70 an hour - available Sunday through Friday evenings, some daytime availability upon request