A Sound Space: a creative outlet for musicians
Musical duo Christine Malcolm and Rudy Dauth at A Sound Space in Rutland, Vermont. (Photo Provided)
Musicians need a place to create, innovate and share what they do. There is nothing more essential for a creative soul; there must be an outlet.
In Rutland, Vermont, musicians have found such a space, thanks to the efforts of local musician George Nostrand, whose business, A Sound Space, has been a creative haven where musical talent has thrived, making it especially vital on the music scene during the pandemic. After venues halted all shows early in 2020, A Sound Space became that one space where bands could rehearse, record and even make high-quality music videos — a key offering at time when performances online are the trend, by necessity.
The business is not only a huge resource for musicians, but also for light and sound techs who lost months of work when everything shut down. Nostrand noted that musicians and others in the industry are booked at least six months out.
“When all of that gets wiped out, it's pretty devastating,” he said.
George Nostrand, founder of A Sound Space, is at the keyboard. He also plays the keys with Eric King's band at the space. (Photo Provided)
Nostrand’s business used to be in part of the old CVPS building at 77 Grove Street. Fittingly, the venture is now based in a space at Be Music, at 162 Woodstock Avenue in Rutland, where it’s been since November 2019.
Today, five bands are using the space each week, and there are tiered options for musicians to rent the space, including options for professional-level bands. A house drum kit, house equipment and a PA system and monitor are all available.
“Basically the idea is, they can come in and plug and play,” Nostrand said.
He’s got help from fellow Rutland resident and in-house engineer Jason Bayne, who owns Chrome Yellow Audio, and lighting engineer Mike Mitrano, owner of Dark Shadows Entertainment. Together, Nostrand said, they’re able to create professional videos for bands.
“We set it up like you’re watching a real show,” he said.
Throughout the year, Nostrand has seen everything from a Christian country singer to folk duos and rock bands.
“It’s a real range of different artists,” Nostrand said.
And you can listen to some of them in Season 1 of “Sound Space Sessions” on YouTube. They include Vermont groups and musicians like the Krishna Guthrie Band, of Rutland; Bow Thayer, of Gaysville, Eric King, of Ludlow; and the duo Christine Malcolm and Rudy Dauth, of Elmore. Randolph-based musician Bishop Lavey has made an album out of the music he recorded at A Sound Space. More good news: The business recently received a $5,000 micro-business grant through the local nonprofit BROC, which helped fund some production and streaming video work.
Nostrand hopes to increase the business’s offerings down the road. Since mentoring is important to him, he also has a long-term goal of working with local high school students in the space. But for now, it’ll stay mainly as is, especially amid the pandemic. Currently, only the bands can come in, and COVID-19 health and safety rules are being followed.
“Right now, we’re just juggling and doing a little bit of everything and making it work,” Nostrand said.
The driving force behind it is really a creative one, which every musician needs to cultivate.
“We have to do this; it’s who we are,” Nostrand said. “A lot of these bands are so tight-knit anyway. They’re like a family themselves.”
— Gareth Henderson
For more information, go to A Sound Space’s website, email check out the Facebook page, or contact Nostrand at asoundspacevt@gmail.com or 802-417-7411.
