Inspiring Conversations with W3BZ of The Hydeout Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to W3BZ.

Hi W3BZ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I found my love for music at the age of 18. I never played an instrument and had no musical background before I decided to get into music. 

The reason that I got into music was because of an experience I had while attending the University of Florida. I went to the Okeechobee Music Festival, which was the first musical experience I ever had where I willfully went. Before that, I had just been invited to concerts by friends and not of my own accord. After my experience at Okeechobee, I wanted to get more into the music industry and primarily had an interest in production. 

Eric Del Valle, a good friend of mine, introduced me to Logic Pro X, and from there the rest is history. I ended up loving production so much that I went to a local college for an Audio Production Certification program and then moved on to Belmont. I’ve been in Nashville working as an Audio Engineer and producer ever since and I opened up my recording studio in February 2021. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any journey, mine has had its highs and lows. During my time at Belmont, I felt like I was at a disadvantage compared to my peers because of my lack of musical background. While a lot of them seemed to grasp how to create good music effortlessly, I had to put in double the effort just to catch up. 

Opening a business also always comes with a learning curve. The initial year of owning a studio demanded a substantial investment of both time and money, and the returns were not as fast as one might hope. I made less money throughout the entire year than I had initially invested in the studio. 

I found myself struggling to meet financial obligations, leading me to seek employment outside of the music industry just to stay afloat. This experience fueled my desire for success even further. I dedicated long weeks to my work, often sacrificing time with family and friends. Although this remains a constant challenge, the hard work is now paying off. Now, I can confidently assert that I have established one of the top 5 Hip-Hop-focused recording spaces in Nashville. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Hydeout is a premier recording studio located in Midtown on Church Street. With two years of operations under our belt, our doors have hosted esteemed recording artists and producers such as Tay Keith, Sir the Baptist, Bandplay, J Ivy, and many others. At our studio, we pride ourselves on anticipating and prioritizing the needs of artists both in and out of the recording space. Catering to clients at various stages in their careers, we not only deliver exceptional sound to seasoned artists but also guide beginners in finding and developing their unique sound. 

Branding ourselves as Nashville’s hidden recording studio, we provide a sanctuary for artists of all levels and genres to escape the bustling city life and immerse themselves in the music creation process. Offering a range of services, including recording, mixing, mastering, and production, our studio features a team of talented engineers and producers from across the city. While some may choose to limit access to such an exceptional space, at The Hydeout, we have opened our doors to numerous engineers citywide. 

Through it all, we remain committed to delivering high-quality audio solutions at an affordable rate. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my journey is the importance of focusing on what you do best and staying in your lane. Many engineers and producers wear themselves out attempting to cater to every individual who walks into their studio, often compromising quality to meet various demands. 

In the music industry, this manifests as creating beats in unfamiliar genres, transitioning as an artist to a new sound that doesn’t align with your style, or engineering in a genre that doesn’t complement your current skill set. While it’s entirely acceptable to explore new avenues, it’s crucial to approach this gradually and with the mindset of a student learning a new skill. 

Pricing:

• Recording: $60/hour
• 2 Track Mixing: $100/song
• Full Stem Mixing: $250/song
• Mastering: $50/song
• Beats/Production: $50-$1000/song

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatsbyw3bz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W3BZMUSIC/
• Website: https://engineears.com/w3bz

Image Credits
Hunter Bogdanovic