How did you get into the recording business, and what prompted you to open a studio in Barrington?

I began recording my own songs when I was a teenager. Then I began going to the Old Town of Folk Music in Chicago to meet other musicians. I began recording friends and friends of friends. Performing and recording in basements, back rooms, living rooms, on porches, art studios, cathedrals, malls, bars, event venues, anywhere, everywhere. The scope of the recording projects began to grow from one-off curiosities to compilations of produced songs so I started Gray Wolf Records as a way of giving all involved an opportunity for professional success.  Barrington offered an ideal location given the mobility of my recording setup. Over the course of time that I've been based in Barrington I've discovered, and have been discovered by, the vibrant local art and culture scene that I am thankful to be a part of.

Who is your typical client, and what services do you offer?  

Professional musicians, people with other careers but who enjoy writing songs and making music, poets, soundscapes, podcasts and so on. Production is a wide brush that serves someone who may have an idea for a song and wants to develop it, another person may have the songs developed but needs guidance following through with compiling the assets into something that can be presented to a wider audience, or anyone who is drawn to music. I offer recording services, music and audio production services, and related professional consulting including studio setups, creative development, and such. 

What is the vibe you want people to feel when they walk into your studio?  

I hope people feel open enough to express themselves. Music is an emotional form of expression that needs a sense of closeness to resonate. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

What I help people create is something that's very meaningful to them. Some have spent decades thinking about it. Some use it to further their careers or begin new ones. Some do it to create family mementos or celebrate occasions.  Some do it just to have fun.  It's an honor to be part of it.

How did you decide on your business name?

It felt like a good fit, and the other names I had thought of were already taken. 

What are your interests outside of the business?

I enjoy riding my bicycle, and creating visual art. 

Who is the last artist you listened to while driving in your car?

Bob Dylan's Rough And Rowdy Ways

Where is your favorite place in Barrington to grab a bite to eat, and what dishes do you recommend?

Barrington has great food. Chessie's has a great blackened chicken sandwich and just about everyone seems to enjoy the experience of eating in the train car. The sushi at Sagano has impressed even the most well traveled clients I've brought to town. Big Iron Horse BBQ, they do everything right from their cole slaw to their ribs, the quesadillas to the black and blue burger, it's a delight. McGonigal's is deservedly a local icon with a great chicken sandwich. The spicy chicken wrap at Southern Belles. Francesca's salmone alla fresca with calamari to start. Caio Bella jumbo shrimp diablo. Cook Street Coffee, great coffee and don't forget about their panini sandwiches. I discovered the space I use as my studio when meeting my mom for lunch some years ago at the often remembered Boloney's, I had a my usual, the Ruben. 

OK, full disclosure.  As a kid, I used to record myself singing...quite a bit.  Mostly Fleetwood Mac, but I also remember a duet with my friend, it was the theme song from the television show Joanie Loves Chachi.  (I realize I am revealing my age).  Did you ever record yourself singing or playing an instrument as a kid, dreaming of being a recording artist?  

I bet those are some joyful recordings. My pursuit of music and audio production began with me recording my own songs. Being a recording artist is an achievable goal for everyone. There are places like Consolidated Music that can sell you the instruments and teach you how to use them, then I can produce the song into a product that can stand next to any of that great music on the shelves at Scratched Vinyl. Musicians aren't just on TV or selling you something in a commercial, our neighbors are musicians too. From Barrington to Schaumburg to Crystal Lake to Lake Geneva to Galena to Chicago to Milwaukee and so on, music is being created everywhere. The big institutions have big advertising budgets that dominate the perception of the industry but most recording artists either don't have the financial means or aren't well connected enough to operate in that kind of environment. And many prefer to stay around friends and family. Willie Nelson found himself when he left the standard big scenes to go back to Texas, which he helped to develop into a place with a great reputation for songwriting. 

Is there anything else about Gray Wolf Records that you want to share with our readers?

I'm always developing ways to encourage music in Barrington. Hosting music showcases with local songwriters, open mics, I have some live-streams with local musicians planned. I'm always interested in producing and promoting local musicians and songwriters and if you have a song you should share it. 

Anthony and I had a nice conversation about the importance of family members supporting each other, especially in regards to parents and their children's artistic talents and dreams.  As a mother of a piano playing son, I really appreciate his take.

Be sure and check out Gray Wolf Records, and see what services they can help you with.  A recording session would make an incredible gift for the singer/writer/poet/ or other artist in your family!