If you thought southeastern Wisconsin wasn't an epicenter for the recording business, think again. Random Records is remaking what it means to be a musician in the Midwest. The L.A.-based record company recently made an eastward move and set up shop in Milwaukee.
While, yes, Random Record's Milwaukee move may increase industry exposure, it certainly isn't doing it alone. Renwood Messenger Recording Studios in Kenosha pushes the envelope of exposure by collaborating with Random Records to showcase the area's talent.
"Milwaukee is kind of an unexpected location but I think it has a lot to do with Kurt (Hilgart, owner of Random Records) getting back to his roots. He and his wife grew up here and he's kind of coming back home and seeing what he can do for the area," George Renner, co-owner of Renwood Messenger Recording Studio, explains.
Today, Random Records announces its Milwaukee presence with a professional "listening party" at Renwood Studios.
"I met Kurt through a Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) meeting and we were just throwing ideas out there. We wanted to have bands come in to avoid sending A&R staff out all over the place. We have hopefully 30 or 40 bands coming here tomorrow. Random Records will be able to get an idea of bands within 100 or 200 miles of us in just one afternoon," Renner explains.
The collaborative effort offers area artists the opportunity to play demos, EPs or albums for professional producers. Random Records executives will be on hand in search of the next big name in the music industry.
"We've got three control rooms and when a band comes in, we're going to give them a tour of the studio and then they'll meet with executives from Random Records for album or demo listening," Renner says.
Renner and co-owner Matt Mattoon established their Kenosha studio nearly 11 years ago. Renwood augments classic recording equipment with new technology. Their three specialty recording studios utilize vintage devices and modern technology to capture the best possible sound with great usability.
"I would say the number one thing we have is a very large live room with good acoustics and three control rooms," Renner explains.
A slew of local artists -- everyone from Willy Porter to The Bottomline -- have recorded at Renwood.
"I really believe there is a viable music industry in the area. I believe as a community, and it's something we work with at WAMI, we need to improve the music scene in Wisconsin," says Renner.
The studio works with artists, universities, recording labels and corporate clients.
"We hope the listening party sparks a dialogue with several bands and get more material and take a look at their live performances. I've sat with Kurt through a couple of critiques before and he's definitely looking for the song and a hook; something catchy that is going to hit people on the radio."
Random Records, founded in 1999, has been working with artists across all genres for the last 10 years. More specifically, it specializes in rock, pop, alternative rock, heavy metal and singer/songwriter combinations.
Today's professional "listening party" welcomes artists from all genres. The event, which is free to the public, runs from 1 to 6 p.m. and works on a first come, first serve basis.
"Hopefully, we we'll see an area band get signed and they'll come back to the studio for future recordings," Renner says.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
