Converse Rubber Tracks Studio Takeover
84 artists will gain access to Abbey Road Studios, Sunset Sound, Jamaica’s Tuff Gong and more
While in Boston for the launch of Converse’s Chuck Taylor IIs, we had an opportunity to step into the brand’s Rubber Tracks recording studio. More than beautiful, the acoustically attune facility sports some of the best equipment around—all available to use for free if one applies. For those who aren’t aware, there are two other Rubber Tracks studios offering the same deal—one in Brooklyn and one in São Paulo—where over 900 musicians have recorded everything from specific parts of one track to an entire album in one session.
Converse’s latest initiative reflects a further commitment to music, emerging artists and the notion of inspiration. After launching an open call in May, Converse has just announced the 84 bands that will get exclusive access to some of the most famous recording studios in the world—fully staffed and completely free of charge. It’s their largest global push for young creators thus far.
Iconic studios have long inspired musicians, and enabled them to produce some of the most acclaimed music the world over. Converse has partnered with London’s Abbey Road, LA’s Sunset Sound, Reykjavik’s Greenhouse Studios and Kingston, Jamaica’s Tuff Gong. In total, 12 will open their doors for this initiative. Studio time is still one of the biggest obstacles for musicians—even in the age of iPad-recorded albums—and there’s something to be said about making music in a space that exudes the history of the industry.
Over 9,000 artists applied for the opportunity and the 84 selected were drawn from 28 different countries from the US to South Korea and make everything from hip-hop to hard rock. The program commences on 14 September 2015, with artists having one or two day recording sessions each, complete with a team of engineers and producers.
Despite this access being granted free of charge, the recording artists retain all rights to their music. Now 84 hand-selected musical acts have the opportunity to make something new—and if you missed the opportunity to apply this year, you can still snag recording time at any of Converse’s three Rubber Track Studios.
Images courtesy of Converse
