We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nettie Freed a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nettie , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with important influences in our lives. Is there a historical figure you look up to?
Without a doubt, my grandfather, Alan Freed, is a significant source of inspiration for me. As a pioneering disc jockey, he left an indelible mark on history by introducing rhythm and blues to a new audience, coining the iconic term “Rock ‘N Roll,” and playing a pivotal role in its movement. His bravery, rebellious spirit, and willingness to challenge societal norms made him a transformative figure. By showcasing artists disregarded by mainstream culture, he shattered barriers of oppression and segregation, defining a remarkable era in music. I am driven by the same fearlessness and motivation to break down walls in the multi-media entertainment space, echoing his legacy of championing the underdog.
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 am the co-founder of Spellbound Recorders, where our mission is to bring the excitement of the recording studio to a new generation of creators while staying “within the realm, but outside of the box.” My business partner, Daryl Hill, brings over 30 years of experience as a general contractor, ensuring that every aspect of our studio is constructed to the highest standards – from the quality of materials to a mix of retro and modern recording equipment, aesthetics, vibe, and state-of-the-art lighting for seamless video content creation.
Located on 5 acres in the woods, our studio offers a unique destination co-working space just 40 minutes from downtown Nashville. With an attached main house, musicians and creators from around the world can collaborate in a nature-inspired setting, enjoying uninterrupted workflows and the option of luxury lodging on-site to curate their creative projects from start to finish.
What sets us apart is not just our exceptional engineering staff, featuring talents like Chris Justice and Ben Reno, but also our commitment to full-scale hospitality and amenities. Justice, a long-time creative collaborator, has an extensive career in music synchronization for clients like Fox, Disney, and Netflix. Reno, a multi-platinum producer, boasts countless credits and an international clientele. In an era of incredible home studios, we emphasize the importance of acoustically treated rooms for recording various tracks, including drums and vocals. We strive to share this knowledge with the new generation of engineers and producers, making Spellbound Recorders more than just a recording studio but a transformative space for creativity.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Daryl Hill and I crossed paths when he was an original contractor for the residence that later transformed into our studio location. While our first encounter was on the construction site, our shared passion for music became the cornerstone of our partnership. Having relocated from California, Daryl introduced me to the local music scene by inviting me to the inaugural weekly blues jam he hosted in Lebanon, TN, just 40 minutes east of Nashville.
As a SAG-AFTRA performer, musician, and songwriter, our artistic connection deepened, leading us to write music weekly in what now serves as the control room of our studio. The realization that the entire Wilson County and greater Nashville music community could benefit from such a creative space fueled our vision for Spellbound Recorders.
Daryl took charge, engaging acoustician Steven Durr, architect Matt Schlachter, and foreman Warren Schaffer of River’s Edge Construction to bring our project to life. We even enlisted the expertise of architectural lighting maestro Joe Kaplan, known for his work from Tokyo to the Vegas Strip and New York’s Empire State Building. Despite our diverse backgrounds, Daryl and I complement each other’s skills and business management, with our shared love of music binding the entire operation.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
In this era of social media and advanced technology, maintaining connections with our clients and cultivating brand loyalty has become more accessible than ever. Recognizing the supremacy of content, especially in the realm of media and music, we ensure that our recording services are affordable and within reach for emerging songwriters.
Our distinctive studio space owes its charm to the diverse clients, talented engineers, and producers who contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. Expressing gratitude to potential clients, we offer a complimentary sample session, allowing them to experience the studio’s vibe and sound before committing to our services. This crucial step, beneficial for creatives, also provides an opportunity to meet our esteemed roster of engineers and producers and complete pre-production before their session.
To further strengthen our client relationships, we organize open houses, songwriter rounds, industry mixers, and more, creating an ongoing sense of appreciation and community participation. Additionally, we recognize the importance of swag and brand recognition, with our “Spellbound hats” becoming a brand in their own right. Crafted by the talented Nashville-based design studio Brothers Design Co., our eye-catching logo work not only stands out but also fosters a sense of belonging for clients—an integral part of an emerging scene, not just individuals seeking recording services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spellboundrecorders.com
- Instagram: @spellboundrecorders
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spellboundrecorders
- Twitter: @Spellbound615
Image Credits
Images by – Artisan Imagery Nashville, Theo and Juliet Photography, Alexander Harper – Music City Post