Champaign's Musical Narnia
Pogo Studios
Tara Moon Christopher
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Entertainment
Mark claims that he is not ambitious, even with all that he's achieved. He knows he can live life without winning a Grammy as he enjoys the process, an enjoyment that is undoubtedly reward enough. Another advantage Mark and Pogo Studios have is the fact that he owns his estate. Unlike many studios who are suffering great losses due to the economy, changes in the music business, and the advances of home recording, Mark has stability with his studio. This ability and want to continue does bring out his ambitious side, and reveals his passion even more. Mark is also interested in getting his masters degree and starting a minor, and eventually major program at Eastern.
It would seem that teaching the craft and actually conducting it goes has and hand as Mark continues to be engaged in education. He offers his services to many individuals, including those at Parkland College. I was lucky enough to take his class, Introduction to the Recording Studio last semester. I found his class to be endlessly stimulating, I was glad to hear that his passion extends into teaching and sharing his discoveries with students, something he sees as an obligation to his work. On this note, I must quickly recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in music, as not only do you learn more of the technical aspect of recording as well as the history, you also are taught to hear. I learned to hear more than just the final product and was able to break down the pieces of a recording and evaluate it new lights. New skills that I will continue to advance and will forever appreciate.
To end the interview with Mark, I snuck in a question about his take on the recording industry that I've been interested in. Recently, I've become fascinated with recording and it's impact on his studio. According to Mark, self-recording has always been around and the fact that people are able to record their own stuff has been an advantage with working with musicians. Many times bands bring in a demo or even show a greater knowledge in how to perform in a studio, or even a greater appreciation for Mark's skills. He also refreshingly stated that he is in this because ultimately, he cares about music and the musicians. This dedication and care for those involved allows him to support the ever growing industry as well as the amazing people and ambiance the industry has to offer.
This amazing industry is all the greater for having Pogo Studios at it's beck and call, and I could not be more glad that I got the opportunity to learn from such an experienced and well spoken individual. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in recording or being recorded associate himself or herself with Mark Rubel, the mastermind of Champaign's very own musical Narnia.
It would seem that teaching the craft and actually conducting it goes has and hand as Mark continues to be engaged in education. He offers his services to many individuals, including those at Parkland College. I was lucky enough to take his class, Introduction to the Recording Studio last semester. I found his class to be endlessly stimulating, I was glad to hear that his passion extends into teaching and sharing his discoveries with students, something he sees as an obligation to his work. On this note, I must quickly recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in music, as not only do you learn more of the technical aspect of recording as well as the history, you also are taught to hear. I learned to hear more than just the final product and was able to break down the pieces of a recording and evaluate it new lights. New skills that I will continue to advance and will forever appreciate.
To end the interview with Mark, I snuck in a question about his take on the recording industry that I've been interested in. Recently, I've become fascinated with recording and it's impact on his studio. According to Mark, self-recording has always been around and the fact that people are able to record their own stuff has been an advantage with working with musicians. Many times bands bring in a demo or even show a greater knowledge in how to perform in a studio, or even a greater appreciation for Mark's skills. He also refreshingly stated that he is in this because ultimately, he cares about music and the musicians. This dedication and care for those involved allows him to support the ever growing industry as well as the amazing people and ambiance the industry has to offer.
This amazing industry is all the greater for having Pogo Studios at it's beck and call, and I could not be more glad that I got the opportunity to learn from such an experienced and well spoken individual. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in recording or being recorded associate himself or herself with Mark Rubel, the mastermind of Champaign's very own musical Narnia.
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