Power Station Berklee NYC Formally Re-Opens with Special Event

November 2nd, 2021 by Kallie Marie

Power Station has been electrified once more. An iconic studio if there ever was one, Power Station, now owned by Berklee College of Music, in partnership with the City of New York celebrated a $15 million renovation on October 27 to assure it will power future generations of musicians and students.

The inaugural event of Power Station at BerkleeNYC began with a small gathering of people in the facility’s new black box theater. Attendees were treated to a live performance by student contest winners, all of whom were members of Berklee’s first class of students to matriculate through Power Station, performing original music. The black box theater room, in what was once the basement of Power Station, is replete with lighting and sound system and ready to host high-profile events.

Cyndi Lauper gave one of several commemorative addresses at the official opening of Power Station at BerkleeNYC.

Several commemorative talks were given, including BerkleeNYC Executive Director and Dean of Strategic Initiatives Stephen Webber, who detailed how the project came to fruition.

Also speaking were NYC’s Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner Anne del Castillo, who provided information on the city’s partnership.

Platinum artist Cyndi Lauper and the Grammy-nominated artist/producer Nona Hendryx also spoke, detailing the artistry and impact of Power Station, its role in the future of music, and its valued place in NYC.

Attendees were given colored arm bands at the start of the night, and after the opening remarks their purpose was revealed. Each colored arm band grouped participants, who were each given a hosting tour guide to lead them through a wonderful behind-the-scenes studio experience.

Now more than mere audience members, participants were guided to each of the classic beautiful studio rooms. My group’s first stop was Studio B, where two talented students awaited, each in their isolation booth, one at the piano, and the other at a microphone. Headphone boxes and chairs were placed in the live room for participants to listen in on what was being recorded.

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Afterwards, we were then taken to Studio A, with Bob Clearmountain—who was instrumental in the studio’s design—at the helm to record Vernon Reid and the Renaissance Youth Center’s Music With A Message band. A brilliantly talented group of youngsters treated everyone to their original songs, led by Vernon Reid. As before, there was a headphone mix of the recording provided for participants in the live room, or one could take in the incredible acoustic space that Studio A is, and observe the session from a truly live perspective.

Reid explained to the group how he works with city youth who have experienced loss, gun violence, and other challenging circumstances to transform their struggles into music. Each of the young musicians brought their experiences to the group and Vernon carefully guides them to express themselves through music.

Mikel Glass’ vibrant mural makes a big impression.

After this, our group traveled to a newly transformed space that is to serve as a unique art gallery, and is graced with an incredible work of art by NYC artist Mikel Glass.

The mural incorporates musical instruments and pieces of music technology in its frame, and depicts artists who have recorded at Power Station. At the top are artists projected on to the canvas who have passed on, and in the lower left a video plays on loop, showing some of the recording engineers who have made the studio a historic place to record.

We were also invited to explore the new DJ Labs, Immersive 360 VR lab, and other student facilities.

Our experience concluded with a recording session in progress in Studio C, with Roy Hendrickson at the console, and Nona Hendryx, sharing her incomprehensible talents, accompanied by some of Berklee’s finest students. It was a truly unforgettable experience, giving everyone in attendance a chance to hear a unique, behind-the-scenes session with legendary talent in a historic space.

It’s finally arrived!

As the Power Station and subsequently as Avatar Studios, the studios have hosted elite artists including Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, Bob Dylan, the cast of Hamilton, and many more.

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