Community Highlights: Meet John Baldwin of Z Music Place

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Baldwin.

Hi John, we were thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to today?
Growing up on the Coast of South Carolina, I began my musical pursuits at a young age. I always knew that there was something special about music — how it could reach deep into your brain and align your thoughts and emotions to make something beautiful. After school, I spent an hour or two listening to the radio every day. I also began collecting CDs and MP3s. I listened to my collection repeatedly, combing over the production details and mixing long before I had words to describe what I was experiencing. I knew there was some magic trickery, a hidden harmony, a wide-spread stereo guitar, or a sidechain compressor. I didn’t know what to call it. I was ecstatic when I learned that audio recording technology was within my reach. I became obsessed with creating my songs, slowly moving from one software to the next, gradually improving the setup until I had a functioning recording studio. I began collaborating with songwriters in my area, expanding on their ideas with a hodge-podge of instruments to make unique-sounding records.

There was a time when I wandered away from music. I spent a year working for the Palmetto Conservation Corps, a traveling trail crew. We got to see some of the most beautiful parts of the state, and we worked with some truly inspiring local leaders, folks who knew how to build houses from local hardwoods and grow everything they ate. Even working full-time out in the sun and moving to a different campsite every week or two, I found ways to squeeze in a bit of music. I secretly and persistently worked on my next album, writing and recording parts when I had the time.

At the end of my service on the trail crew, I released my album. I didn’t know what I would do next, but I was hungry for adventure. The next experience came in a 2,300-mile-long backpacking trip up and down the East Coast. I set out from home near Charleston, made my way up to Maine through the mountains, and followed the coast back down to New York City. I had the chance to meet and stay with many exciting people and experience parts of the country I had never seen before.

After returning from this trip, I knew I wanted to move away. I needed a change of pace and scenery. So after finishing up some projects over the winter, I packed up my car with everything I needed and drove around the country, seeing the sights and exploring the cities. I ended up moving to Denver, starting a new life fixing bikes and playing music in my free time.

Fate led me to play with a handful of great bands and musicians and take part in projects such as the video series Songs from the Pond, which grew into the Salt Lick Records, which I am currently signed. I am genuinely amazed by the community and the quality of musicianship by which I am surrounded.
After two years of living in Denver, I received an exciting proposal from Dmitri at Z Cycle Shop: Z Cycle was expanding. He wanted to open a music studio at the new location. I spent the next couple of months making this venture my main focus, working slowly and steadily to outfit the studio the best I could within my capabilities. Since then, it has become the hub for almost everything I do. I am proud to provide a place where musicians can develop their craft.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you had to overcome?
While most of my struggles are internal and personal in nature, there have been some notable hindrances. In January 2020, I was involved in a bicycle accident that left me in the hospital for two days. I had a moderate concussion and was screened for brain injury. Fortunately, there was no permanent damage done, and I was back in the saddle within a week or two.

However, the biggest struggle is always the challenge of starting something new or somewhere new and the barrier to entry and self-doubt that ensues. Building momentum from scratch is never easy, but it is necessary and it is possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Z Music Place?
Z Music Place is a recording studio and practice space in the Capitol Hill area. Z Music Place specializes in innovation on the production side, using exclusively custom-built open-source software, a ground-up approach to recording, and original sounds and samples. Z Music Place specializes in community and customer service as a practice space. We aim to provide a place where musicians feel at home and give them every opportunity they need to succeed. There is one common theme between my work as a producer, instructor, and a practice space manager: listening is most important.

How can people work with you, collaborate, or support you?
Play at Z Music Place! I believe that music is made to be shared, and there’s no better place to share it than where it’s made. Want to record your EP here? Want to record a live video session? Great! Whether you want my help doing it or not, the space is yours to use. My goal is to help people make music, and the more music that’s made here, the more that helps me. I am also happy to put unwanted music gear to use. If you have something you’re looking to get rid of, consider the use and appreciation it could get here. I’m happy to make offers and accept donations on select gear.

Contact Info:

• Email: john@zmusicplace.com
• Website: https://www.zmusicplace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zmusicplace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zmusicplace

Image Credits
Jason Edelstein, Jules Donkersloot