WESTFIELD – It’s all about the music.
Russell resident Michael Freedman, owner of Riverside Productions at 77 Mill St., knows the importance of capturing the essence of each vocalist or band that walks through his doors. In mid-December, he will launch a new program, band training classes, which will open the doors to musicians in a unique way to network and learn to use one’s skills with others.
“We have created a hub for musicians to meet and promote their shows, as well as take lessons, rehearse and record,” he said.
Freedman’s comfortable atmosphere with comfy couches to relax and network, as well as state-of-the-art studio spaces and a recording room, allows vocalists, songwriters and musicians an ideal space to let their creativity soar.
“The classes will allow musicians to learn, train and play with professionals,” he said. “The beauty of music is there are no rules.”
During a recent evening interview, Tyler Stroetzel of Westfield was among the musicians who were at the studio making music.
“It’s like a big family here,” said Stroetzel. “Mike provides a comfortable setting with professional recording equipment.”
Stroetzel, a member of City of Homes, a heavy metal band, has been playing guitar since he was a student at the Southampton Road School. Now at 31, he relishes the reflective time he can spend in one of the studio spaces to concentrate on his music.
“Everything I need to make music is here,” he said.
Michael Santinello of Westfield echoed those sentiments.
“Mike is a hard worker and has built this studio from the ground up,” said Santinello, who is currently a member of the band Southern Rain. “We know what he’s done to create this space which is a real skill.”
The 2,600-square-foot studio boasts eight colorful acoustically designed and treated rooms, according to Freedman, who is a graduate of Westfield High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“I was always distracted by playing my guitar, piano or recording music,” he said.
Over the years, Freedman has had a pharmaceutical job in Boston and a site management position for a manufacturing company.
“Through it all, I also bartended for three years to earn extra money,” he said. “This is where I was always surrounded by music.”
Freedman began taking piano lessons at age seven, followed by guitar lessons at 13.
“I took many lessons and was always driven to play in a band,” he said. “Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix were probably the largest influences for me growing up.”
Freedman is hopeful that his business endeavors will provide western Massachusetts with a central location where musicians and the general public can get involved and make music.
“We provide a comfortable, inviting environment where all resources needed are provided so they can keep pursuing their dreams,” he said.
At the end of a long day, Freedman ultimately receives the greatest satisfaction by seeing the progress artists and bands make in their respective genres.
“Whether they are in for recording, rehearsal or simply just to talk about upcoming ideas, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing they are walking out of the door knowing they aren’t giving up,” he said.
For more information on the band training classes, call (413) 896-5332 or send an email to [email protected].
