Red Silo Music will celebrate its 11th year in the Georgetown area in a new location on the Square this fall.
The music recording and instruction studio, which offers lessons, recording and instrument repair for people of all ages, is expecting to open at its renovated and expanded 2,600-square-foot studio in late November.
Aaron Kemkaran, a partner and instructor at Red Silo, said he opened the business in 2005 under the name Island Music but changed it to Red Silo Studios when it moved to Austin Avenue in 2011. The Austin Avenue location was often surrounded by construction, which made it difficult on customers, Kemkaran said.
The constant construction left Kemkaran frustrated, but he said a chance encounter helped lead to the creation of the new Red Silo Music.
Kemkaran said he and business partner Tom Hall met in 2010 when Hall was taking guitar lessons. But in May, when Kemkaran was considering a change of pace, a meeting at Roots set the plan in motion.
“It was almost as I was sitting there pondering my options, when I run into [Hall],” Kemkaran said. “He was kind of at a stage where he was looking to do something different as well.”
Hall, who had worked in the corporate field for the past 30 years, said he was also looking for a fresh start and had a passion for music.
Kemkaran and Hall said their different backgrounds complement each other.
“I [am] just there to be on the business side [of things] and [Kemkaran] … is the scientist when it comes to music,” Hall said.
Together, the partners and local architect Davin Hoyt said they spent a lot of time on the design of the new studio.
“[We] wanted to add space that was more versatile in and of itself [and had] better equipment [and] amenities for artists,” Kemkaran said.
Hall and Kemkaran said keeping the business in Georgetown was important.
“I think people really dig music in Georgetown,” Kemkaran said. “The [city] seems to take music seriously, and people show up for it.”
Kemkaran and Hall said working with local businesses was also a priority while designing and building the new space. The team used an area electrical designer as well as a local plumber, graphic and web designer, attorney and creative consultant for the new studio.
Hall said the studio’s goal is to provide anything a client could need. He also said the studio aims to expand to serve those with special needs and hold camps and recitals for children.
“We wanted to create an experience, so if you come to do business with us, the hope is that you won't want for anything,” Hall said. “It’s all there.”
