Over the past decade San Diego has become a major hub of the music industry. Numerous music instrument manufacturers such as Carvin and Taylor are here, as are headquarters for such global-reaching industry leaders as NAMM and video archivists Reelin’ In The Years. Topped by a vibrant community of local artists, it’s only natural that a major music center emerge in the area and in this case it’s located right in our own backyard: Rock and Roll San Diego.
Founded in 2011 by guitarist Mark Langford, since the first of the year, the combination music school, rehearsal room, repair shop and studios has gone through major upgrades, particularly in their three recording rooms, but also reaching in to their teaching talent, which already includes the likes of John Avila of Oingo Boingo and former Elvin Bishop Band guitarist Johnny Vernazza. Artists now have a choice of recording in a small room, big room or Hendrix Hall, a state-of-the-art studio that can also do time as a live venue. It comes fully equipped with PA, lights, top-of-the-line modern and vintage gear, a first class lounge and a complete kitchen. “We’ve spent thousands on microphones and all manner of things to get the studios just right,” Langford said. “Ace Frehley of KISS was in couple months ago for over a week and said it was the best rehearsal place in San Diego. That guy is a true rock god, so coming from him it made us smile thinking that he enjoyed it.” Other major artists that have spent time at the facility include the B-52s, P.O.D., Pierce the Veil, Carcass, A Day to Remember, Cattle Decapitation and Sheldon Reynolds of Earth Wind & Fire.
A new and unique aspect to Rock and Roll San Diego’s rehearsal rooms is that each is now set up to record a basic 2-track digital live session that is emailed to the band after their rehearsal. “It’s only a few bucks extra, so it’s a good way for the band to see how their practice went,” Langford stated. Another coup for Rock and Roll San Diego is the addition of three repair technicians formerly employed by the recently shuttered, legendary music store Guitar Trader: Luthier Matt Witte, teacher Mike Ruggirello and multi-tasker Jeff Merideth. “I really liked Guitar Trader and have been friends with everyone there for many years,” Langford said. “When they closed, I realized they needed a new home, so we talked. They liked what we are doing and have to offer them. They’ll be doing sales, lessons, recording and repairs.” For Langford, it’s important that Rock and Roll San Diego cover as many of a musician’s needs as possible. “It makes sense to have a one-stop resource for musicians, they can come in for a lesson or rehearsal and during that time they can get their gear fixed and buy strings so when they’re done the repair is ready, and how convenient is that?” Langford said.
Having everything within reach is an attraction to musicians like Thea Tochihara of indie quartet Social Club, who is signed to a label housed there, Pacific Records. “All the elements you need to be a performing musician are right at your fingertips, and they get you on stage performing right away, whatever level you are at,” she said.
Carl Méndez of mod rockers The Bassics agrees. “It’s a really cool place for musicians because it’s kind of like a training center. “You can sit in your room and practice literally all day, take any level lessons, from really down to earth teachers, or just hang out and watch concerts and meet other bands,” Méndez said.
For his part Langford is happy with the progress Rock and Roll San Diego has made, though he sees it as a continual journey. “The art of running a large business is new to me and just like an instrument I learn new things each day,” he said. “We have created our own model so that has taken a lot of time to fine tune, but we feel we have something unique here that San Diego musicians can really enjoy.” Rock and Roll San Diego Where: 3360 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite A
Contact: (619) 255-9594, rockandrollsandiego.com