Tech
Toronto Library opens a free recording space
by Jeremy Mersereau
November 19, 2015
We fully expect at least one new music scene to develop. Screenpunk?
Finally, we can all film our Backstreet Boys karaoke videos without breaking the bank on a trip to Wonderland: the Toronto Reference Library’s new green screen room is now open to the public. For just the cost of a (free) library card, anyone can book the decked-out recording space for all their digital audio and video needs. Anything from movie scenes, to shoegaze EPs, to video podcasts about anthropomorphic kitchen appliances can be produced in the new studio space, provided it’s one of those three things. Just kidding! Hilarious acoustic rap covers can also be recorded, of course.
The space includes a full spectrum of pro recording gear for anyone to use, including a 4-piece lighting kit, an Apogee mixer, studio speakers, and most crucially of all: a wall painted green. Additional cameras and music gear like MIDI keyboards can be booked out and jammed on, lending your DIY Grimes-style power-pop project some much needed verisimilitude. Bookings can be made up to three days in advance, and up to two hours per day can be booked.
Well? What are you waiting for, Toronto residents? I fully expect at least one new music scene revolving around the space to crop up (Screenpunk? Greengaze?), or at least several hilarious viral videos, intentionally or otherwise.