Some recording studios are born in the wake of a college education, driven by technique taught on a dry erase board. That’s not the case with Grand Rapids-based Skull Studio. Its sole operator, Matt Ten Clay, learned all he knows by working in the trenches of the Grand Rapids music scene for over 14 years, performing in bands and recording wherever he had the opportunity.
“I sort of naturally evolved into recording,” Ten Clay says. “Before I had the studio, I had my own band -- The Howlers -- and I sort of geeked out on all the gear. I realized I’m not much of a frontman, and moved to playing bass in The Wildfire. But I discovered I like the actual behind the scenes studio work a lot more. It’s less on the spot pressure, and it’s a lot more personal.”
Ten Clay runs Skull Studio, without the help of studio hands, out of a multi-business complex located at 240 Front St. SW in Grand Rapids. It's a white-faced, three-story structure that overlooks the Grand River, with a train trestle virtually next door. The rugged, urban appearance of the studio matches the “rough around the edges” description Ten Clay gives his work.
“My sound is a little bit more raw than other studios,” Ten Clay says. “I just try to feel the band’s sounds, and become connected with what they need. It comes with the location, and a lot of people like that. Sometimes, I’ve got to deal with a motorcycle downstairs or other real life things. Occasionally, it works out for the song. I’ve had trains come by, and we’ll wind up keeping it in the song.”
Even early on, Ten Clay began recording noteworthy local artists, including The Vigilantes. In the years since, his signature rugged sound has managed to draw him many staples of the Grand Rapids music scene of the years. Among the countless numbers of artists he’s recorded are Tokyo Morose, Hello Victor, The Fainting Generals, Chain of Lakes, Ribbons of Song and many more.
“I think most people would say it’s fun here,” Ten Clay says of his environment. “It’s not super tense like some other places. I’ve also heard people say they like that I don’t 'play producer.' I’ll be a producer if the band wants me to, but I can just be a studio monkey if they want.”
At the top of his list of priorities, Ten Clay explains that he wants to create sounds each particular artist desires. “Most people, unless they’re a major commercial artist, want the message delivered in their own way,” he says. “My goal is to make the artist happy more than the listener.”
At the rate of $20 an hour (raised from the $15/hour rate of 2010), the cost effectiveness of the studio may be another reason talent is drawn to Skull Studio. Ten Clay smiles at the thought, explaining that the price range allows him to work with a very specialized brand of artist.
“The price is just enough to get people who have the creative juices,” he says, "but many of these individuals may not have the funding of some of the other bands in the area. I really love that niche.”
In order to keep his rates low (especially as compared to some major studios, which charge $60 or more per hour), Ten Clay also holds down a part-time job at Gentex in Zeeland. He explains that running the studio part time helps keep him fresh and rejuvenated.
“It keeps it fun,” he says. “I think if I did it fulltime, it would get a little old. But at the same time, maybe I’d learn faster.”
But the fact that Skull Studio only runs part-time does not mean that business isn’t booming for Ten Clay. While the typical week may provide anywhere between 20-30 hours of work, often he’s forced to open his doors for longer, putting in more than 40 hours a week.
“It’s gotten really busy, just by word of mouth,” he says. “I’m actively working with four or five artists, with more in the works. Right now I’m pretty booked through September.”
Though he’s considered hiring studio hands to aid with the workload, Ten Clay says he’s much happier on his own. Since he works with specialized equipment (some of which can’t be found at most studios), he’s very hesitant to trust the job to just anyone.
“Getting to know each piece of gear is so intricate,” he says. “You really have to experience it to know what you’re getting. To explain that to someone new, I feel, is kind of impossible. Maybe eventually, but it’s not happening right now.”
Artists interested in booking Skull Studio should contact Ten Clay directly at
616 405 9402 or via e-mail at
[email protected]. In addition to recording, Skull Studio is also available for mixing and mastering.
Kevin VanAntwerpen is a contributing writer for Rapid Growth Media and REVUE magazine. He also takes the role of primary lyricist and bass player in the West Michigan pop-rock band Chasing the Sky. Additionally, his short stories and poems have been printed in numerous independent magazines and literary journals. He currently attends Grand Valley State University.