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

Joe, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for my studio while working with a few artists in my apartment. Initially, it was a comfortable space where we could create music, but as word spread about our sessions, I noticed more and more people were reaching out to work with me. I remember one late night when a neighbor knocked, asking us to keep it down. That’s when I understood I needed a dedicated space where we can work freely without no interruptions.
I needed to find an affordable, comfortable studio fun to work out of. By me working with several artist already, I understood their needs. I became thrilled about creating a professional environment where the artists I work with could create without limits.

After researching various locations and planning the design, I found a suitable site that brought me closer to realizing this venture was more than just a dream; it was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the creative community. I understood that this was not just a business idea, but a chance to expand my knowledge and passion for music, ultimately allowing me to collaborate with talented artists.

‹That’s how my studio was born—It became a place where artists could come together, push boundaries, and feel at home, a place for creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. Seeing the joy and inspiration in their eyes as they created music in a space designed for them confirmed I was on the right path.

Joe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a self taught GRAMMY® Award winning audio engineer/ producer & studio owner from NYC. I have always had a deep love for music & sound, eventually I gained a passion for audio engineering. I also like helping people and as a studio owner, I get to combine these passions by being the best engineer I can be and supporting artists in reaching their full potential. My understanding of the tools and techniques of audio engineering creates a comfortable environment for my clients, allowing them to relax and deliver their best performances. This approach has been instrumental in our work with both established and independent artists. Importantly, we’ve applied these principles while mixing Julian Marley’s ‘Color of Royal,’ which earned us a GRAMMY® Award. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of this creative process. 

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I began my career as a concrete laborer in New York City, signaling cranes and serving as a deck foreman on skyscraper projects in Manhattan. While the work paid the bills, construction wasn’t my passion. Eventually, I reached a turning point where I decided to leave leave construction and pursue my true love: music.

To make this transition, I developed a plan and committed to saving for a whole year. Once I had enough to secure studio space, purchase the necessary equipment, and build my own recording studio, I left my job and never looked back. Starting from scratch with no clients was was a huge struggle.

The early days were challenging, but I persevered. Gradually, word of mouth began to spread, and I started attracting clients. Now, nearly ten years later, I’m proud to say my studio is still in business. This journey taught me the importance of dedication and belief in my passion, and I’m grateful for the support I received along the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Throughout my time owning the studio, I’ve faced numerous bumps in the road—enough to make anyone consider pivoting to a different career. There were significant financial setbacks during periods when business slowed down, and I often found myself uncertain about the future of my career & my recording studio. There were times I wasn’t sure how I would cover rent or pay the bills from month to month.

Despite these challenges, I never wavered in my determination to pursue my passion and operate a successful studio. I leaned into my commitment, adapting different strategies and finding creative ways to attract new clients. Each obstacle became a lesson, reinforcing my belief that perseverance is key.

In the end, it’s that unwavering determination that has allowed me to keep moving forward and ultimately thrive in an industry that can be unpredictable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.contrackzmusic.com
• Instagram: @contrackzmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contrackzmusic/

Image Credits

George Rodriguez