Recording Studio Sweet Spot — The Brooklyn Dojo, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Facility Name: The Brooklyn Dojo
Website: dojorecording.com
Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
(l-r) Mark Grant and James Perry have the space to make big sounds at Dojo Recording.
Neighborhood Advantages: Space here is still affordable and Myrtle Ave has lots of good uncrowded bars and restaurants.
Date of Birth: September, 2010
Facility Focus: Tracking, mixing, editing and composition.
Mission Statement: Our goal with Dojo was to build and design a room that could accommodate a large group in a comfortable manner.
Clients/Credits: Jim: Taiko Masala, Sarah Tracey, Jay Stolar, Cindy Shaoul
Key Personnel: James Perry: Born in 1979 and raised in Burlington, VT. I studied drums, music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
After leaving Berklee I produced and performed on two records with recording artist Sarah Fimm. I have spent 10 years on the road touring and assuming many different roles. As a drummer I spent time with Mike Willis, Sarah Fimm (opening for Peter Murphy), Sol Seppy (opening for Sparklehorse), and Julius C. As a guitar and drum technician I spent time with Nada Surf, My Morning Jacket and Spoon.
As a TM/FoH Ive worked for Julius C, Grouplove and Nada Surf. I met Mark while working at my production job at the Music Hall of Williamsburg where I mix monitors and FoH.
Mark Grant: Born way too long ago. I attended Music and Performing Arts at Wakefield College in the UK. After working freelance in many studios in the North, I came to the USA to work at Chung King Studios where I really got to cut my teeth on 2-inch tape. After a six year spell in advertising working at Tomandandy and Amber Music, I opened my own room in a space I leased at Chung King where we had one of the first Pro Tools HD system in the city.
I also spent time touring in the ‘90s, and am presently working at Bowery Ballroom and Best Buy Theater on FOH and Monitors.
System Highlights: Pro Tools HD Accel system and a Control 24 console with 16 Focusrite mic pre’s. UA 6176 Pre/compressor, Orban 2 channel parametric EQ, TL Audio 2-channel EQ.
Perry populates the Dojo control room.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This space started as a rehearsal space for the taiko drumming group Taiko Masala, so we have a number of taiko drums in the studio at all times.
Dojo’s live room has the elbow room of a studio twice our price: We designed a 20’x 40′ room with a tight sound that would be perfect for recording drums and large groups. We also designed and hand made all of our own treatments specifically for this space, right down to the bass traps that are tuned exactly to our room’s needs. We also have a 5’x 6′ isolation booth connected to the control room with good lines of sight everywhere.
The building is on fire, you only have time to grab ONE thing to save, what is it?
Jim: Relax, the building IS NOT on fire. That’s just our working fireplace for cozy warm winter sessions. 🙂
Mark: …but if it were I would grab my Ampeg V5, I love that thing !
Rave Reviews: Everyone is impressed by the drum sounds we get and the vibe in the room. It’s very cozy for a large space and people are happy to have this kind of space in Brooklyn.
Most Memorable Session Ever: We are still quite new and under the radar. All of the sessions we’ve had here have been great. We love to make music and records.
Session You’d Like to Forget: Too late, already forgot about it. We don’t dwell on negativity.
Dream Session: Iggy Pop !
— Mark Grant, The Brooklyn Dojo
Miking a kit in the Dojo.
Flipping the perspective on the live room.
Make no mistake — they give the guitarists plenty of luv.
The functional fireplace beckons for a toasty session!
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