Charleston Sound

Local recording studio making waves with compilation CD, upcoming events

This month, a new CD that showcases some of Charleston's finest musicians will hit local retailers.

"I Got Music" is a compilation of songs that represents the city's thriving music scene, and it's put together by Charleston Sound, a new music studio in the Lowcountry.

Producer and engineer Jeff Hodges is responsible for the Charleston Sound studio, as well as the idea for the new compilation.

Originally from Atlanta, Hodges has worked in the record industry for about 20 years. He has been playing music since age 7, when he began learning the piano. He also majored in music at Winthrop.

After spending time in Charleston in the 1990s, Hodges decided to return about two years ago. Then, in February 2009, Charleston Sound was opened as a local studio.

"A lot of studios previously in Charleston have come and then gone," he says. "I just wanted to provide a quality place for musicians to count on."

Hodges hopes that the Charleston Sound will become a friendly space for local musicians to record, feel at home and work on their craft peacefully.

"I really wanted to get to know people," he says. "Since I opened the place, it's been a fun process of bringing people into the studio. I feel like the facility is within the reach of any local musician. And you can get so much done here in just a day."

When walking into Charleston Sound, in a business strip in Mount Pleasant, the first thing noticeable is how professional it is.

The 2,000-square-foot space includes not just the main area but also side rooms, which are suitable for single instrument or vocal recording. Neighbors of the business park won't need to bring extra aspirin, the place is totally sound proof.

"From their equipment to the recording console, everything is top of the line," says Luke Cunningham of the Part-Time Heroes, one of the bands on "I Got Music." "The days when you had to drive all the way to Atlanta or to Charlotte to find a facility like this are over. I think the studio will attract a lot of bands around here."

Mac Leaphart, one of the CD's artists, also says that Charleston Sound is an important addition to the city.

"It's a great studio. I've recorded in Memphis at Ardent Studios, one of the oldest, and I've recorded in LA. And Charleston Sound is one of the best. It's a really comfortable atmosphere and a great place to work," Leaphart says.

"It was my first time in the studio, record-ing our song for 'I Got Music,' " says Cunningham. "I was completely blown away. The stuff that Jeff has in there, the 1965 B4 organ, for example, is just incredible. I mean it was in immaculate condition and it sounded great; we used it ourselves.

"We had a lot of fun. There are some items in the studio that make it feel like an antique shop for musicians. It really adds character to the place, and it can enhance the work you do there. It's great that the musicians have access to it," he says.

A few of the artists on "I Got Music" are now recording full-length albums at Charleston Sound.

Ben Fagan of Plainfield Project says, "We went in for the compilation and we decided to go ahead with our first full record, out in October. It's a top-notch studio and very professional. Jeff is really easygoing and we've all developed a great relationship with him."

The new compilation, "I Got Music," is a group of 11 songs, all by local bands.

"The studio took almost a year to build," Hodges explains. "During that time, I was trying to figure out how to meet the bands of this city. I hatched the whole idea of the compilation during that process."

Hodges describes the different styles on the CD as being mainly rock, Americana, (which is rock with a Western sensibility) and country.

There are bands as well as solo artists on the CD, including the Graham Whorley Band, Ryan Bailey, Dangermuffin, Jamie Resch and the Kentucky Shoes, and Milhouse. Each artist selected a song for the CD.

"I chose my song, 'When it Rains,' because I wrote it about Charleston," says Leaphart. "I was just driving around one night and I wasn't in a big hurry, and I just started thinking about Charleston in the rain, and how the city is affected by it."

Fagan is enthusiastic about the title of the CD, which is actually the Plainfield Project's contributed song.

"We, as a band, humbly appreciate the fact that Jeff chose our song," he says. "We're all really excited."

The artists agree that the compilation has helped foster musical relationships.

Leaphart says, "I came here two years ago, so I knew a few musicians on the CD already. But others artists, like Dangermuffin, I got to know through the project. We actually just did a show together at the Pour House. So I think it's beneficial, especially for full-time musicians like myself."

"It's a bunch of creative, intelligent minds at work," says Fagan. "Jeff did such a great job and the final product turned out wonderfully."

"Charleston has such a vibrant local music scene," says Hodges. "What better way to expose them in a quality manner than to include them on this compilation? Also, it's a way to expose the artists to each other."

"I Got Music" hit the streets Aug. 18. Hodges wants to emphasize the fact that this is an effort to help boost the local economy.

In fact, a portion of each CD's proceeds actually goes to benefit Lowcountry Local First, an organization that supports Charleston's businesses.

"By buying one of the records, you are supporting your own music scene," says Hodges.

Hodges hopes to release a second compilation in the near future as well.

"I want to be here a long time," he says. "I want to be part of this community and help people's dreams come true. That just makes the whole thing more rewarding."

"I think having a Charleston compilation would be cool as an ongoing project," says Leaphart. "I don't see why any local musician would not jump at the opportunity to participate in this. It's good that Charleston offers venues that look for authentic music, and the studio definitely supports us as artists."

Fagan also favors the idea of ongoing compilations.

"It's a brilliant idea. It rewards and brings together the area's musicians, and we all get exposed to each other. We all have such different styles and vibes, and it's awesome for us to come together."

Look for "I Got Music" at independent music stores around town, and listen out on radio for songs to be played on The Bridge, 105.5 FM.

Artists on the CD will be featured in two upcoming shows, at the Windjammer on Aug. 30, and the Pourhouse on Sept. 2.

Check out 10Trecords.com, as well as Charlestonsound.com, for more information.

"Artistically, this is the best place to be in South Carolina," says Leaphart. "And the best part of the compilation is how eclectic the artists are, just like the music of Charleston."