We were lucky to catch up with Chris Suter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

It’s really easy, when you’ve been doing something for a long time, to forget that certain things don’t come easily for some people. I’ve heard countless stories of people going to recording studios only to feel intimidated and borderline pressured into a product that they weren’t happy with. Studios can be a bit overwhelming and it’s important to me that I create a space that allows people the luxury of being vulnerable. Being creative is an inherently vulnerable state of being and my mission is to create an environment where people in my studio feel comfortable enough to question me and themselves.

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.

I grew up in Roanoke, VA and started playing music at about 12 years old and was immediately hooked. I played in a couple of bands throughout my teenage years and ended up recording an EP. I was really taken by the whole process of recording and ended up interning at the studio we recorded at. Ultimately, I felt that if I were to really pursue a career in music production, I would need to relocate. So I packed up and headed to Baltimore to attend The Sheffield Institute of the Recording Arts. After graduating, I headed to Charlotte, NC and bounced around a few different studios assisting before ultimately starting my own studio, all while working full time jobs. I finally took the plunge in 2023 and went full time with the studio, and I couldn’t be happier.

When you’re first starting out in production, you don’t have much of a choice but to just say yes to anything (as long as you can do it adequately). So that’s allowed me to dip my toes into a bunch of different pools. I’ve worked on a wide variety of projects from podcasts to school musicals. Each project gives me an opportunity to learn. While it’s up to me to deliver a great end product, it’s important not to put blinders on in regards to the process. There’s always more to try and more to learn. It’s also taught me that I’m not the smartest one in the room, that no such thing really exists. We’re all in this weird ship together trying to get to the same place.

I mentioned before how important it is that I create a creatively comfortable space. So the way I approach all of the projects coming through my studio is basically, you tell me what you’re looking to do, and I will figure out a way to not only make it happen, but make it happen as smoothly and efficiently as possible because as the client, it’s important that you stay in the creative headspace as much as possible. I am definitely someone who values the atmosphere in the room. So it’s imperative to me to set things up in such a way that you feel you can be your most authentic self.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I spent a lot of time in bands where I played a main role in the creative direction of the band. There was a time where I joined a band where I was not the main creative force. They had their stuff together and didn’t need or want another cook in the kitchen. Not that they weren’t open to ideas and experimenting, but ultimately it was not up to me. It was the first time I had to sort of take a back seat and trust the process which was such a necessary lesson for me. Everyone needs to be put into check every once in a while. It stuck out to me a time where I learned to really be open minded and that I am not any better than anyone else, regardless of how much experience I have.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I mentioned that I went full time in 2023. That’s because I got laid off from my day job. I was there for 7 years and it was a bit of a shock. Basically I took the rest of that day to sulk a bit. Later that day I went for a run and just worked out what my next steps would look like. I basically had 2 options: take the gamble of going full time with the studio, or go the safer route and search for another “regular” job. Ultimately, I’d be miserable if I didn’t at least try. The next morning, I went to a coffee shop and got to work on my website, social media, and a business plan. I dove head first into really trying to make this thing work. I’ve never been one to go into anything halfway, sometimes to a detriment. When I tried to get into cycling years ago, I spent entirely too much money on a bike and all the proper gear, only to not love it and move on, but I would hate to look back on something that didn’t work and wonder if it was because I didn’t go all in. Pushing the studio continues to be something I have to stay on top of, but so far, it’s been more successful than I imagined it’d be, especially in the first year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gingercatsounds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingercatsounds
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gingercatsounds
• Other: TikTok – @gingercatsounds