"Behind the Scenes at Sekret Studios: Meet the Unsung Heroes of Music"
Photos Courtesy of Mateusz M. Mittek
In the world of music, where creativity crashes head-on with tech and sheer innovation, there's a breed of badass individuals who make the music we worship. We're not talking about the front-and-center rockstars; we're shining a spotlight on the studio and venue owners who wield their magic behind the scenes, often hidden but indispensable.
"I take an organic approach to producing and mixing records. I want it to sound larger than life and have a big impact, but I still want it to remain honest and authentic. In the end, I don't want the listener to hear what I'm doing. I want them to hear the song, and have an emotional reaction to it," says musician and sound engineer, Morgan Rezac.
Alongside Tony Roe and Chance Shoemaker, not only are the three stage musicians and best friends, but they also serve as the co-owners of the local recording studio, Sekret Studios, and an all-ages venue called Retrograde.
These passionate rebels aren't known for holding back, whether it's their views on the music scene, or anything else for that matter. No sugarcoating, no bullshit— just raw, unfiltered insight.
Want to get to know them better? Dive into my Q & A session with Morgan, Tony, and Chance, and don't forget to catch a show at Retrograde.
LSL: How did Sekret Studios come to be? What inspired you to start this studio?
Morgan: We wanted to shake up the state. We wanted to inspire, to create. We wanted to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We strive to provide a space where quality, fun, and creativity meet. I don't think anyone else can facilitate what we offer.
Chance: I can't speak fully on this one since there was a prior "studio" before Sekret Studios became a thing, but when asked to join I couldn't resist.
Tony: About two years before Sekret I had rented a space with others with the idea to start a studio, and it was all fruitless. Once Mo was on board it really started to come together and we had found a space that would fit our budget. Looking back I'm glad it happened this way, because maybe I'm biased, but Mo has a lot more talent than some of the other engineers in the state, working in way more expensive studio spaces, and with more money at their disposal, and he still gets a better finished product.
LSL: What sets Sekret Studios apart from other music production studios?
Chance: I think Morgan's expertise, experience, and keen ear sets the studio apart from others. I think he looks at a project or track with a different perspective than most. That, and I think Retrograde has been a cool addition to the studio. We’ve always wanted the studio to be a place where everyone can get a professional sounding track, without crushing their bank account or band fund, and without having to travel 3-4 hours to get quality work. Retrograde is just an extension to that thought process and vibe.
Photo Courtesy of Corey Anderson
LSL: If you could choose one word to describe the overall vibe or essence of Sekret Studios, what would it be and why?
Morgan: Adroit. I believe we work exponentially well with what we have at our disposal. We know we aren't a huge studio with millions of dollars in equipment, but we are resourceful enough to have an end product that rivals top industry productions.
LSL: How do you capture and preserve the energy and emotion of a live performance when recording in a studio environment?
Morgan: A big part of it is honestly just vibing with the musicians and sharing a genuine human connection. Hearing stories, and intentions with a song best guides me in the right direction. After all, we're all artists. Everyone writes for a reason, and I need to understand that reason. The further I can peek into their mind, the easier it is to bring their vision to life.
LSL: If Sekret Studios had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Morgan: “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Asley
LSL: What is the most unconventional instrument or object you've used to create a unique sound in a recording?
Morgan: I used my friend puking in our toilet on a song once. That was rad.
Tony: Came here to make sure he said the puking.
LSL: If you could design a dream studio space with no limitations, what would it look like and what features would it have?
Morgan: I want to take over an old church someday. That'd be my ideal space. From there, I could customize it how I see fit.
LSL: Can you describe a particularly interesting or unusual request that an artist made during a recording session, and how you accommodated it?
Morgan: Interestingly enough, a lot of people request that the lights be off whilst recording. It is something I've never understood, but it doesn't really bother me.
LSL: How do you incorporate visual or sensory elements into the studio environment to inspire creativity and enhance the recording experience?
Morgan: Comfy furniture is a must I've found. If people aren't comfortable, they won't perform as well when their time to shine is up.
LSL: Can you share a story of a session where a spontaneous collaboration or jam session led to an incredible musical moment?
Morgan: I have loads of these. Happy accidents happen in this field all the time. Whether it's band members switching instruments, or me picking up an unintended sound when the mics are still live. That's the beauty in operating in a creative space. There are no limits to what can be achieved during a recording session.
LSL: How do you encourage artists to push their boundaries and experiment with their sound while still maintaining their artistic integrity?
Chance: I feel like a lot of questions like this are best answered by Morgan since he primarily deals with our clients, but there have been many times where an artist has tried something while in the studio, felt that it wasn’t right, tried to scrap it, but we've encouraged them to keep it in and try it out. Several times this has resulted in a killer riff or part to a song that gave it awesome character.
LSL: Can you share any interesting stories or memorable experiences that have happened at the studio?
Morgan: A while back a hip hop artist drank a 750ml of Hennessy and a 40oz before recording. Needless to say we didn't get anything done. He spent the remaining 7 hours facetiming his friends while I sat in my chair. Don't be that guy.
LSL: What are some unique or unconventional techniques you use during the music production process?
Morgan: Kind of a trade secret here, but a little bit of lemon juice and blackberry brandy can save a vocal towards the end of a session if things are getting a little raspy. If you're of age, of course.
LSL: What is the most important aspect of producing, mastering, and engineering music, in your opinion?
Morgan: Understanding the emotions and intent of the tracks. Being able to be sort of a translator between artists and consumers. If the artists and engineer aren't on the same page, you'd be surprised at how wildly different the songs can turn out if not properly communicated.
LSL: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to work with a professional studio like Sekret Studios?
Chance: I won't speak to the production process as much as a feel and vibe. A lot of aspiring musicians feel as if they need to go to a studio space that has the shiniest new gear, or they feel as if price equals quality. My advice is to find an engineer you vibe with and genuinely like. Treating your recording process as purely transactional is not the best recipe for success, and in Morgan’s case, I can guarantee he does not need thousands of dollars in gear to make you sound “radio ready”. In today's audio technology environment, extravagant gear is quickly becoming a convenience rather than a necessity. Understand some basics on how to be prepared going into a session (How To Prep Your Project for Mixing), and always understand that any critique from the engineer is usually done with an end product in mind. Every nuance that goes into mixing and mastering your tracks is being considered by the engineer during the recording process. 9 times out of 10, it's a quality assurance critique, and not the engineer attempting to change your sound or vibe. This goes hand in hand with carefully selecting your engineer.
Morgan: What he said.
Tony: And this doesn't go for our studio alone. Anytime you go into a studio, and I can't stress it enough, LISTEN TO YOUR ENGINEER! There's a reason why you're paying someone to work on your track(s). Giving creative input is one thing, but when it comes to mixing, and knowing what is going to sound good, your engineer knows best.
Photo Courtsey of Lizzie Peck
LSL: Are there any specific genres or styles of music that you particularly enjoy working with? Why?
Morgan: Anything and everything. I want it all. It keeps things interesting and sharpens my mind.
LSL: Can you share any behind-the-scenes secrets or tips that artists might find helpful during their recording sessions?
Morgan: Practice. To. A. Click. Show up with 2 day old strings, and new drumheads. Also recognize that this experience is supposed to be fun. It doesn't always have to be business. Nothing is perfect, and that's why art is art. Because it's a reflection of you. A chance to show the world how your mind works.
LSL: Have you noticed any recent trends or shifts in the music industry that have affected the way you approach your work?
Morgan: All of the time. I seldomly approach a project the same way as the last. I'm always down for trying new things.
LSL: How do you maintain a balance between technical perfection and artistic expression in your work?
Morgan: I view my tools as nothing more than they are. They are only a part of the process. My job is to portray a story within frequencies. To help paint a picture of silence, and make it sound good at the same time. Of course I geek out on new and exciting tools, but it's no different than a carpenter getting a new hammer and thinking "Hell yeah I'm gonna build so much shit with this". It's all about having the resources to create something you're proud of.
LSL: What are some key qualities you look for when collaborating with artists or bands?
Morgan: Punctuality, open-mindedness, and a mutual love for music. I don't want to work with anyone that is in it for the money or fame.
LSL: How do you create a sense of community within your studio, both among the artists and your team?
Morgan: You know, it's funny. These kinds of relationships just fall into place. Trusting someone else with your music is like trusting them with a piece of yourself, and when you establish trust, you create a bond. The more people we work with, the more the community grows.
LSL: How do you handle the business side of running a studio while also maintaining a strong focus on the artistic aspect?
Chance: This one is tough. We all work full time day jobs, and we all spread ourselves pretty thin, day to day. I would say that Tony and I try to take as much of the business and promotional work as possible in order to help Morgan maintain a healthy work balance. There is no question that Morgan does the heavy lifting on delivering our finished products, but we have worked extremely hard to make the experience as friendly as possible for our clients, and by that I mean, communication channels and technology. We have a comprehensive filesharing and mix reviewing software that is industry standard, and we have funneled the majority of our client intake to a one stop shop for communication. That also includes all of our social media platforms. This allows us to be extremely responsive and adaptive in every stage of the client’s experience in working with us. All of this is done in the spirit of removing the headaches of the transactional part of purchasing our services. If you are going to put your heart into your artistry and capture those moments, you shouldn't have to jump through hoops to work with us. And if you are managing your work as a studio or engineer, automation is one of the most important aspects of your work. It not only benefits you, but will make loyal and enjoyable clients.
LSL: What role do you believe a studio plays in shaping an artist's sound and career?
Morgan: Audio engineers always have been and always will be the unsung heroes in the music industry. Everyone loves a song but doesn't care how it got to where it's at, which I'm fine with. I don't care about the fame, or the hype. I just want us to have enough recognition to be able to continue what it is that we do.
