The Studio
2024 – The studio space is a shared space between the DUDES Club Society, Nexup, and the Kettle Society, who use it primarily for podcasting. The first iteration of the studio existed in the multipurpose room at the 1318 Frances St Clubhouse. This room was originally used as a meeting room. The youth were starting to do more music production work, creating beats and tracks together. Nex Lounge started up every Wednesday as an after school hangout session in the studio space, where the youth could gather and share music. The equipment being used at this time was from donation, mostly from staff.
March 2025 – In March the DUES Club submitted a grant application to Creative BC to upgrade the space. Some of the youth had expressed passionate interest in music as a creative outlet. In order to make this a reality the DUDES Club researched funding options and decided to apply for a Music Business Foundations grant from Creative BC. The grant provides support to systematically excluded groups in BC’s music ecosystem in the sum of $10,000 for studio upgrades.
June 2025 – In June Creative BC approved our grant to upgrade the space. This grant provides us the means to upgrade existing equipment, such as professional grade studio monitor speakers, microphones, and a top notch interface. We decided to switch the studio room with our storage room, as our storage needs were expanding. The new room was a good size for the studio.
March 2026 – In March 2026 we began purchasing the new upgrades and installing them in the space. Using the grant funds from Creative BC, we upgraded all of the hardware and software. We have a new iMac Pro running Logic Pro. Additionally, we have a vocal booth to limit hum from the ventilation system when tracking. Drums were donated from one of the DUDES Club regulars. Amplifiers for bass and guitar have been supplied by DUDES Club members.
Present – There are still some upgrades that would improve the space. Proper shelving and storage, as well as an upgraded work desk. A rack mount for the interface would be ideal. The youth are happy with the space, as are staff at the DUDES Club and Kettle Society.
This project would not have been possible without the support of Creative BC and the Government of British Columbia through the Business Foundations Program.
