Champaign's Musical Narnia

In downtown Champaign, a solid red door hides one of the most musically glorious treasures that this town has to offer. Unbeknownst to passer bys, this door opens up to Mark Rubel's recording studio, titled Pogo Studios, after a pet dog he had. Hiding behind this door is also a vast collection of mind blowing musical history. When I first walked through this red gateway I felt as though I were walking into my own personal Narnia. It took all the control that I had to not run around like a child in a candy shop and explore each item. Every object intrigued me, as did the producer and sound engineer himself. After about a minute in Pogo Studios, it became apparent to me that I had entered something special, and Mark, the mastermind behind it all, needed to be featured in my column. I was lucky enough to sit down with Mark and get to know a little more about the history behind his studio as well as a few of his opinions on how sound recording is changing and growing. As I entered the familiar building through the red gateway, I wondered how many people had no idea that this studio existed, and then, how many great musicians have made the same journey through the doors with the excitement of recording on their mind? As always, Mark was warm and welcoming, excited to talk about his craft, which had started in 1980. When asking him how his interest in recording began, he said it was when he first stepped into a recording studio. This experience was his ray of light coming down and angels singing. It was the moment he seemingly fell in love with producing. Just being in a studio with a microphone and it recording so clearly, to the point that he could hear the clothing rustle, sparked an intense interest in the craft. It was more than his love of music that created this place that I now sit in, as Mark also has a passion for technology and tinkering with electronics. Using this passion and love, he created a recording studio with several other individuals for the service of music.

When asked about his first recording, Mark smiled as he recalled his eight-year-old self, messing around with a portable recorder or as he called it, random experimentation. Little did he know then that by the time he reached his twenties he would be part owner of a minimal commercial studio in a 100 year old house located in Urbana, Illinois. And although it was not located in an ideal location, as they had to work with commonly passing trains interrupting their sessions, this small studio became the start of Mark's creative endeavor. They did what they could with what they had and held the motivation to achieve their producing and recording dreams. This motivation to start and run a recording studio came from surrounding himself with the right people, who wanted to create something together, making it a rewarding team effort. Visibly rewarding too, as I interview him, I look around the room to see the product of a minimal start and tons of hard work and passion, rooms now full with endless gadgets, technological equipment and what seems like a never ending sea of musical instruments.

Mark claims that he is not ambitious, even with all that he's achieved. He knows he can live life without winning a Grammy as he enjoys the process, an enjoyment that is undoubtedly reward enough. Another advantage Mark and Pogo Studios have is the fact that he owns his estate. Unlike many studios who are suffering great losses due to the economy, changes in the music business, and the advances of home recording, Mark has stability with his studio. This ability and want to continue does bring out his ambitious side, and reveals his passion even more. Mark is also interested in getting his masters degree and starting a minor, and eventually major program at Eastern.

It would seem that teaching the craft and actually conducting it goes has and hand as Mark continues to be engaged in education. He offers his services to many individuals, including those at Parkland College. I was lucky enough to take his class, Introduction to the Recording Studio last semester. I found his class to be endlessly stimulating, I was glad to hear that his passion extends into teaching and sharing his discoveries with students, something he sees as an obligation to his work. On this note, I must quickly recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in music, as not only do you learn more of the technical aspect of recording as well as the history, you also are taught to hear. I learned to hear more than just the final product and was able to break down the pieces of a recording and evaluate it new lights. New skills that I will continue to advance and will forever appreciate.

To end the interview with Mark, I snuck in a question about his take on the recording industry that I've been interested in. Recently, I've become fascinated with recording and it's impact on his studio. According to Mark, self-recording has always been around and the fact that people are able to record their own stuff has been an advantage with working with musicians. Many times bands bring in a demo or even show a greater knowledge in how to perform in a studio, or even a greater appreciation for Mark's skills. He also refreshingly stated that he is in this because ultimately, he cares about music and the musicians. This dedication and care for those involved allows him to support the ever growing industry as well as the amazing people and ambiance the industry has to offer.

This amazing industry is all the greater for having Pogo Studios at it's beck and call, and I could not be more glad that I got the opportunity to learn from such an experienced and well spoken individual. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in recording or being recorded associate himself or herself with Mark Rubel, the mastermind of Champaign's very own musical Narnia.