By Merlin Matthews
matthewsr17@grinnell.edu
This fall, KDIC is working to construct a recording studio in their offices. This project is an impressive and highly-anticipated undertaking. The studio, when complete, will be open for use by music groups on campus and will not be limited to those linked directly to KDIC.
The original plan was to construct a smaller room inside the original broadcast studio, but to do so would have been even more costly and time-consuming. In order to comply with the building code, KDIC would have to, among other things, install another vent.
The creation of a second room would reduce the usable space both in the recording studio and the broadcast studio, so KDIC decided to convert the existing studio instead.
In order to convert the original broadcast studio to a recording studio, the biggest task is to soundproof the walls. However, the room has a large vent in the ceiling, which could interfere with the quality of the recording.
“We’re doing some construction still,” said studio manager Jakob Gnirke ’15
Once the recording studio is finished, KDIC will be looking for student musicians to come use the space.
“We’re trying to make a resource here for people,” said assistant studio manager Evan Bruns ’16.
Gnirke said that KDIC is welcome to any acts, but are hoping for acoustic groups with experience playing together. They also welcome anyone who would like to help out at KDIC.
“We’re not really looking for people who kind of come one time [and then leave],” Gnirke said.
But anyone who would be dedicated to the station would be gladly received.
It’s important to know that KDIC is not the ideal destination for students who just want to learn music.
“I’m not here to teach you … [but] inexperience is part of the game,” Gnirke said.
Their intention with the creation of this studio is to provide an open space for musicians to record. The changes, they say, will also improve the sound quality of the live broadcasts.
Due to the cost of the construction, KDIC will have a student initiative in the fall in order to help fund the project. Their hope is to eventually create EPs for various artists on campus.
“We have tons of groups on campus who want to record,” Gnirke said. “We’re trying to be more than just the basics.”
