A new recording studio in New York City shares their approach to recording with CS readers.
Manhattan Artists Crossing (MAX) was founded on the idea of community for artists. In this interview, they share how their backgrounds inform their approach to recording, both process and result.
Tell us a little about your background and how you came to be where you are now professionally.
Caleb Schoberg has worked in the music business as both a musician and an engineer for over a decade. He studied Music Business with a focus in guitar performance and music production. He got his start in the music business as a music teacher in Kokomo, IN until he started touring in bands full time. When the pandemic hit, however, he was forced to shift his focus away from live performances and found himself expanding his record making to full time. With millions of streams and views around the world, Caleb has been a pivotal force in producing albums across genres, excelling as an engineer, producer, guitarist, and songwriter. This, and his experiences working on staff in studios, led to his desire to start his own studio.
Juliana has a degree in music education and vocal performance. She started out as a music teacher in Buffalo, NY and then transferred to NYC and attended the Manhattan School of Music. After completing her degree, she moved on to music business as a concert developer and travel coordinator for Manhattan Concert Productions. In 2012 she decided to pursue performance full time and has been singing professionally in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
How did the idea for the studio come to you?
Caleb’s vision for Manhattan Artists Crossing (MAX) has been crafted over the past ten years. Working as a musician and artist first, Caleb knew all too well the need for the studio space to reflect the comfort that artists need for successful recordings. He wanted to bridge that gap by creating a space where technical mastery and artistic expression could coexist. His goal was to offer a cozy, inviting atmosphere that fosters creativity and allows artists to deliver their best performances, and coupling that with cutting edge technology and gear to capture those moments.
Caleb and Juliana’s paths crossed through Caleb’s partner, the talented mezzo-soprano Devony Smith. During their first meeting, Caleb shared his dreams of music production and audio engineering, along with his ambition to establish his own studio in Manhattan. Through his relationship with Devony, Caleb had observed the pressing need for opera singers to have access to high-quality yet affordable video recordings for their websites and audition submissions. In a casual conversation, Caleb floated this idea to Juliana, seeking her thoughts as a singer and what she would like out of a studio experience. It was at that moment that a lightbulb went off in Juliana’s mind as she realized they could create and tailor a recording studio not just for songwriters and bands, but to include opera singers and actors as well. And thus, this studio came to life!
Juliana, what are some of your goals with the studio and how does it relate to your work as a singer?
We want Manhattan Artists Crossing to serve as a haven for artists, a community where they can thrive and collaborate. From voice actors to ensembles, songwriters to jazz bands, and even content creators, we hope to widen our doors and expand our ability to serve all different artists across the city, eventually moving the studio to a bigger space that can accommodate multiple sessions and even live performances as well. It is an absolute honor to be in the room with artists of all genres (not just opera) express themselves through their art and give so much of themselves. I am inspired by every artist’s uniqueness, hard work, and tenacity. The amount of talent that lives in this city is endless.
What are some things singers need to keep in mind for any recording they do? And how do you address that with less experienced singers in the studio in real time?
Some things singers need to keep in mind (of all experience levels) is to have fun and experiment with your performance. Your recordings aren’t a one and done audition or stage performance. Once you have a solid take down that you are satisfied with, record a second take to experiment with your performance, maybe explore a different intention with your character or vocal color.
Focus on doing two or three arias in your session so you can experiment with your performances, giving your best to these pieces without stressing about your time and rushing to fit it all in. We will work with you to create a relaxed environment to connect with the piece’s emotion and make technical choices to help it settle more authentically both in your performance and in the recording.
Tell us about the community aspect you are hoping to achieve.
At Manhattan Artists Crossing, we aim to be not just a studio but the uptown sanctuary of sound. A vibrant community of artists who inspire and support each other regardless of genre. As artists serving artists, our studio is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space where musicians can collaborate, innovate, and create together. By prioritizing artists and creative expression, we hope to create a thriving community that celebrates the diverse talents and voices of artists across the city. This community aspect is at the heart of MAX, and we are committed to nurturing it as we grow.
For more information, visit: https://www.manhattanartistscrossing.com/
With over 15 years of expertise and millions of streams and views online, Caleb Schoberg has been a pivotal force in producing albums across genres, excelling as an engineer, producer, guitarist, and songwriter. His vision for Manhattan Artists Crossing (MAX) has grown over the past ten years, reflecting Caleb’s unwavering commitment to creating an inviting and inspiring space for artists, culminating in its establishment in Harlem. Caleb embarked on his journey into the world of recording at a young age. Armed with a plastic microphone and a home computer, Caleb’s innate passion for sound led him to explore the depths of audio engineering with a guitar in hand. Growing up in Indiana surrounded by a family of gospel musicians ignited his dedication to creating music. At Anderson University’s School of Music, Caleb discovered his drive in the recording studio called for more than a plastic mic. While still touring and performing live, he gained invaluable experience working as an engineer and producer at renowned studios such as Whisper Studios and Varsity Recording Co., making significant contributions to the music industry. Today, Caleb lives in uptown New York City with his partner, Devony Smith (mezzo-soprano), and their pets Max and Fritz.
Juliana Curcio, a Buffalo New York native, is a distinguished mezzo soprano celebrated for her versatility and warm color. She pursued her passion for music education at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Her music business journey began at Manhattan Concert Productions, where she excelled as a concert developer and travel coordinator. However, Juliana’s love for the stage led her to pursue a full-time career as an opera singer for the last 15 years. She has captivated audiences across the United States and internationally. Juliana resides in New York City with her husband, baritone Max van Wyck, and their sweet puppy, Nadia. Her journey continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
