Make Music Day 2020: The Underground Studio Spotlight

Julia Rose. Photo Courtesy of Vincent Freeman.

Passion is something we all find at different points in our lives. I don't think I’m breaking any new ground by saying that. We all find what we do best and enjoy most at different stages of our time here, and usually the earlier a passion is found the more time is given to its development. I bring this up because Vincent Freeman, the owner of The Underground studio in Randolph, VT, is a somewhat peculiar case in this regard. Despite his years of experience in the musical industry (or rather because of his years of experience), Vincent doesn’t remember what got him into music.

“You know, it’s kind of hard to think that far back,” he said on the topic. “I just remember vaguely that I started drumming when I was in elementary school and then started taking lessons in that regard. That was so long ago I can’t remember why that started.” You’d imagine that Stan Lee remembers his first comic, or that Ozzy Osborne remembers his first song, but Vincent Freeman’s art has been part of his life for so long he simply can’t recall its day one.

Vincent moved to the United States in 2012, just after finishing High School in Germany. There he had joined a ska-punk band which he cites as his primary introduction into the live performance world. Despite performing in a one-genre band, something very important to Vincent as a listener of music is the “immense diversity of musical genres,” and the inherent value in “not sticking to one era or genre.” He’s a man that values his music similar to how an artist values their paints: all tools for expression.

A question always arises concerning people like Vincent, i.e. artists turned producers. The simple question of: why? What makes an artist go from solely musical endeavors to musical and technical ones? It’s simply a matter of interest. Vincent was drawn to the musical side of production from a young age, but little did lil’ elementary school Vincent know at the time that he would end up drawn to the technical side, too. He credits this to “an internship I did for a recording studio, that really sparked my interest for the recording world.” Now while I won’t claim expertise, I’d like to mention that this is the second studio owner I have spoken to who has claimed both a passion for the music and the technology behind it. So while I’m hesitant to make any flat out claims before meeting a third or fourth owner, I’d like to observe that the skills required to run a studio seem to be reflected well in the passions of the people running said studios. If that’s any indication for how they are being maintained and run, then I’d say it’s a damn good one.

For an artist as musically-ingrained as Vincent, you bet that he and his studio are contributing to Make Music Day. On June 21st, The Underground will feature a slew of artists via livestream, including Julia Rose of Rutland, VT, known for her online Sauntering Studio Series and for playing an “intricate blend of folk, pop and jazz genres.” Additionally, there will be Bow Thayer of 7 League Boots fame, also known for performing with his own custom creation: the Bojotar. Half banjo, half guitar. And as if that wasn’t convincing enough, also appearing is Amanda Ukasick from Central Vermont, recognized for her original songs influenced by the likes of The White Stripes, Chelsea Wolfe and Nirvana. And that’s just a handful.

Amanda Ukasick. Photo courtesy of Vincent Freeman.

In regards to Make Music Day and The Underground’s participation in it, Vincent commented that: “This year I joined, or was one of the founding members, of my town’s art and culture committee. So I was already interested in getting more involved and more music into our town. So when Make Music Day was first introduced, it was “does your town want to participate?” And I said “yes, I want to make sure that happens.” And then COVID was introduced, and things changed a little bit. But again, having that love for live music, I was very excited about being a part of that in my local community here. I’m very happy to facilitate some live music through the Big Heavy World livestream.”

Discounting Make Music Day for a second, The Underground is a studio that functions year-round for any artist of any genre to come and record. It’s a place that Vincent describes as “very casual,” and that he values “being considerate of their time and for them to be considerate of my time.” He added that: “I believe that creativity can’t be too structured or forced. So I make sure that I can kind of share that vibe down here. People come down here and have a good time, we have fun, the comfy couch in the back is always important. Definitely more of a relaxed vibe down here.” As far as that relaxed vibe goes, Vincent attests that the atmosphere is everything. “I’ve always made it a point to let an aspiring musician know that I will be there with them the entire way,” he said on that note.

“That’s something that I always try to put emphasis on. It’s not you come in here, we record, you get your final product and then I kick you out. It’s really more of a connection, one that I’ve been able to make with everyone I’ve worked with so far. My focus has always been to be able to support the bands as much as possible outside of just the record itself. Staying in the industry, growing the studio itself, but also growing a team of people to work with, that’s my hope and dream.”

Perhaps that’s the most important thing about a studio: the environment and tone in which it is set. And if there was anyone who could foster a helpful, casual, but still successful environment for aspiring artists, it’d be Vincent. Like I implied earlier, most people remember the genesis of their passions, or at least their favorite hobbies and arts. But once in a while you do come across people like Vincent, who’ve simply lived since the beginning of their memories knowing what it was they were meant to do. Personally, I’m kind of envious. Ultimately, all of this is to say that if you’re looking for musical experience, passion and professionalism, then look no further than Vincent Freeman and The Underground. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to tune in to Big Heavy World this Sunday for the Make Music Day stream, to continue support of our incredible musical community.

Text by Thomas Shimmield.

Thumbnail of Bow Thayer. Photo courtest of Vincent Freeman.