We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Shires recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for 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.

Hear Me Roar Studio was born from a desire to create a space specifically for women and non-binary artists, crafted by women. My vision was to produce for indie artists, and during the brainstorming process for names, I wanted something that felt feminine yet empowering, with a bit of an edge. As I explored other studios in the area, I realized that I might be one of the only female professional studios in the region. That was my “ah-ha” moment!

The name “Hear Me Roar” emerged as the perfect representation of the vibe and community I wanted to serve. While there are many phenomenal home studios nearby, Hear Me Roar Studio stands out by offering a distinctly feminine perspective. This creates an approachable atmosphere where vulnerability is welcomed, which we all know is essential for creativity and authentic performances.

For example, when I was producing for a local artist who wrote a heartfelt song from the perspective of her recently passed mother, we really had to embrace the emotional energy of that piece before we could do it justice. We had a good cry and then set up the mics.

The studio’s physical vibe also has a feminine touch. It’s a calming space that makes plenty of room for artists to focus on their craft without distractions. It’s kind of like a studio spa.

Additionally, Hear Me Roar Studio is evolving into a platform for local female and non-binary artists. We’re planning to host songwriting circles, house concerts, and learning events to support our community’s growth and connection. My philosophy is to serve the artist first, allowing them to serve the song. This approach not only nurtures creativity but fosters a strong sense of community among artists.

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’ve been a musician all my life, which naturally set the stage for my transition into production. I studied music in college, giving me a solid foundation in arrangement and music theory. However, I was a late bloomer when it came to songwriting, only diving into that in my 40s. This sparked a deep desire in me to articulate my own songs in a way that resonated with others and conveyed the sounds I was hearing in my head.

Since I’m also an artist navigating that journey of expression, I truly understand the challenges and emotions that the artists I work with face. During the pandemic, I dedicated myself to learning how to produce my own music. My degree came in handy, and I really hit the ground running, feeling like I was always meant to be a music producer.

It began with me producing my own tracks, and soon I started collaborating with other songwriters. As those collaborations flourished, my collaborators began hiring me to produce their music as well, and that’s when everything really took off. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to blend my love for music with my passion for helping other artists articulate their visions and bring their music to life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a classically trained musician, I’ve had to unlearn some of the baggage that comes with that background. My training focused on practicing for perfection, hitting the right notes, and interpreting what someone else wrote on the page. I was taught to follow directions and adhere to a specific approach. However, when it comes to producing music, the landscape is completely different—there’s no one right way to do it.

While my classical training honed my skills with my hands and eyes, I found that I had over-relied on those aspects, which significantly compromised my ability to react musically and improvise. Music production requires a shift in focus—first and foremost, you need to rely on your ears. I had to learn to trust my intuition and embrace the creative process without rigid expectations.

Making that shift has been essential for me to be effective as a producer. It’s a continuous journey of unlearning and discovering new ways to express myself and connect with the artists I work with.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m currently navigating a significant pivot in my career. After graduating from West Virginia University with a music degree, I took a corporate administrative job that allowed me to climb the corporate ladder and build a successful career. Midway through that journey, I earned a business degree to enhance my skills and advance further in the corporate world. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I want to feel more connected to my community, my art, and myself.

While I achieved a lot in my corporate role, I wasn’t feeding my creative need, and it became increasingly clear that I wanted to return to my roots in music. That’s when I decided to start Hear Me Roar Studio. This venture has allowed me to transition to part-time in my corporate job, allowing more time and energy to be dedicated to being a music producer and helping female and non-binary artists find their voice in the studio.

Conversely, I’ve found that my business degree has served me well in running Hear Me Roar Studio. It provides me with the skills to manage the business side of things effectively, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects while ensuring the studio thrives. This pivot has been both exciting and challenging, but it’s fulfilling to align my career with my passions and contribute to a community that inspires me. I’m looking forward to fully immersing myself in this journey and continuing to support artists in expressing their creativity.v

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hearmeroarstudio.com
• Instagram: @hearmeroarstudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearmeroarstudio8694

Image Credits

Ginny Filer Photography