The location of Mosaic Sound Collective's hub features 25,000 square feet of space.[/caption]Mosaic Sound Collective—a group of musicians, artists, resources and services in Austin—plans to apply for a mixed-use permit to expand its services in August, founder Curse Mackey said.
Founded by Mackey and Dan Redman, the do-it-yourself music co-op has both for-profit/nonprofit initiatives geared to provide local musicians with affordable resources and services, including rehearsal spaces and in-studio recording.
“Working together, united by a common cause, we endeavor to revitalize the Austin music community,” the collective’s website said. “For the music community, by the music community.”
Located at 6400 FM 960 in East Austin, the hub is 25,000 square feet. It was previously a juvenile detention center and a nursing home before that.
Mosaic Sound Collective began renting the space in November but its founders now hope to buy the building.
“At that point, we can really start rocking out,” Mackey said.
Mosaic Sound Collective's building features a performance space.[/caption]If the collective successfully purchases the building and obtains a mixed-use permit, it will begin fully expanding its services to include the following:
- 25 rehearsal spaces
- Shared office space
- Recording studios
- An art gallery
- A performance space
- Live tapings and fundraisers
- A vinyl press and screen printing operation
- Music education, including business classes, a DJ academy and songwriting courses
- A beer garden
- A coffee shop
- “It will be a one-stop city for artist career development,” Mackey said.
Since initially renting the building in November, the collective has already begun to provide resources to music business professionals.
Stuart Sullivan runs a recording studio at the new building.[/caption]Stuart Sullivan—an Austin veteran sound engineer who has worked with national acts like Sublime—was the building’s first tenant in January. The collective provided Sullivan a recording studio after he lost his downtown facility to skyrocketing rent.
Members of the Austin Music Commission, the Austin Economic Development Department and music nonprofits like the Urban Artist Alliance toured the facility Wednesday morning.
Erica Shamaly, the new music and entertainment manager for the Austin Economic Development Department, said the department supports the collective and likes to see so many music business professionals work together to share resources.
“We’ll do whatever we can to support them,” Shamaly said. “It’s exciting. I’m very hopeful.”
Mackley said he does not foresee having an issue in obtaining the mixed-use permit in August.
After its zoning hearing Aug. 22, the collective will present its plans to Austin City Council on Sept. 28.
Austin residents can learn more about the collective’s services on its website.
