Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karina Flonnoy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Karina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Studio X Recording’s mission is deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences and those of the communities we aim to serve. As a mixed-race, Black and Mexican woman, and a second-generation American, I’ve navigated the complexities of identity, belonging, and representation from a young age. This journey has instilled in me a profound understanding of the barriers that marginalized artists often face in the music industry—a world where access and opportunities are not always distributed equitably.

The genesis of Studio X Recording was born out of a desire to challenge these systemic obstacles and create a platform where underrepresented voices can be heard, nurtured, and celebrated. Our mission is to democratize access to quality music production and education, ensuring that artists from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant communities, as well as those with diminished wealth access, have a space to express their creativity, hone their craft, and connect with like-minded individuals.

This mission is meaningful to me because it reflects a convergence of my passions, my heritage, and my aspirations for a more inclusive and equitable music industry. It’s not just about providing recording services; it’s about fostering a vibrant community where diversity is valued, stories are shared, and collaborative creativity thrives. By embodying these principles within our team’s composition and our studio’s operations, we aim to model the change we wish to see in the world.

In essence, Studio X Recording is a manifestation of my belief in the transformative power of music as a tool for social change. It’s a mission driven by the conviction that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their artistic dreams, regardless of their background. This belief is what motivates me every day—to continue building a platform that empowers artists to create, collaborate, and contribute to a richer, more diverse cultural landscape.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Xarina, and my life’s work is at the confluence of music and empowerment. Growing up in San Jose, CA, and now based in Oakland, my early years were marked by a love for music and a resilience born out of navigating life in a split home. Music became my sanctuary, a means to express and heal. This passion wasn’t confined to personal catharsis; it propelled me onto stages across California, sharing my voice under the moniker Outrageous Karina, and later, simply as Xarina. My journey from a teenager sharing songs on Myspace to a sought-after performer and recording artist has been a testament to the power of authenticity and hustle.

After earning an AA in Music Industry Studies from Diablo Valley College in 2016, I dove into freelance audio engineering, which solidified my resolve to not only make my mark as an artist but also to uplift others in their creative endeavors. In 2021, amidst a global pandemic that challenged many artists, I founded Studio X Recording. This space is more than a recording studio—it’s a crucible for creativity, offering recording, mixing, mastering, and production services, and standing as a beacon for artists from all walks of life, especially those from marginalized communities.

What sets Studio X Recording apart is not just the diversity of services we offer but the ethos that guides our operations. Our staff, representing a spectrum of identities including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, mirrors the diversity of the artists we welcome. This inclusivity is pivotal, reflecting my belief that music is a universal language that should be accessible to all. Our mission is driven by a desire to provide a safe, nurturing space for artists to explore and express their creativity without barriers.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our community—helping artists like Mistah F.A.B. and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney to create, but also fostering a space where emerging talents can flourish. From receiving heavy rotation on 106.1 KMEL to having my work featured on ‘Grownish’ and NBA games, my path reflects a blend of grit, talent, and dedication to craft and community.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Studio X Recording and I are committed to excellence, diversity, and creating music that moves and matters. We’re here to support your journey, offering a space where your artistic vision can come to life. As we continue to expand, including plans for events and workshops in Sonoma County, our promise is to remain a place where every note played and every word sung resonates with the authenticity and passion that have been the hallmark of my career.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My journey from a side hustle to a full-time business in the music industry is a testament to passion, persistence, and the power of meaningful connections. Initially, audio engineering was a path I pursued alongside my day job, driven by a love for music and a knack for the technical side of things. This side hustle quickly proved not just fulfilling but also financially rewarding, signaling the potential for something greater.

The turning point came when I decided to fully commit to engineering, a leap of faith underscored by my first significant milestone: transitioning to engineer full-time. This shift from side hustle to main career was both exhilarating and daunting, but my dedication to mastering my craft paid off when I began working with notable artists, including the rapper Mistah F.A.B.

Mistah F.A.B. is well-known for his incredible speed and efficiency in the studio, qualities that demand the same from anyone he works with. Adapting to his pace was a challenge that I not only met but embraced. It honed my skills, taught me the importance of efficiency, and significantly improved my ability to capture an artist’s creative flow without interruption. Our collaboration was more than just a milestone; it was a masterclass in professional growth and adaptability.

The next major milestone in my journey was the opening of my own recording studio, Studio X Recording. This achievement marked the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and relationship-building within the music industry. It represented not just a physical space, but the realization of my vision to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where artists of all backgrounds could come together to create.

Each of these milestones has been a stepping stone toward building a career and business that reflects my values, passion for music, and commitment to the artists I work with. From navigating the early days of my side hustle to celebrating the successes of my full-time business, the journey has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, and, most importantly, the joy of making an impact through music.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Transitioning from a freelance audio engineer to the owner of Studio X Recording marked a significant pivot in my career. This shift wasn’t just about a change in job title; it was a profound transformation in how I approached my work and contribution to the music industry. As a freelancer, I was focused on honing my craft and building a client base. However, stepping into a small business owner role required a broader vision. I had to learn the intricacies of business management, from overseeing a team to expanding our services beyond recording, including artist development programs and events. This pivot challenged me to not only utilize my technical skills but also to embrace leadership and innovation, ultimately allowing me to create a more impactful platform for artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studioxrecording.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/studiox510
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiox510
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studiox510/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiox510
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiox510
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-x-recording-oakland

Image Credits
DeAngelo James Sydney Welch Kahlil Fennel