Katonah Studio Draws Celebs, Local Artists, Young Bands

Five years ago, Katonah resident Shaul Dover saw something that began as a midlife crisis turn into a reality.

That's when he opened Sweatshop Studios, a business that he runs from home. 

"My kids are talented musicians," he said of his grown son and daughter. "When they went to middle school and started to shine in the music program...it was a natural thing to start recording them."

A few years later, the studio—designed by an acoustic engineer—was up and running.

Since then, he's worked with dozens of artists, from area bands to celebrities, including Rob Thomas and Ryan Reynolds.

"Original music is the most interesting for me," he said. "It's a unique perspective, trying new things."

The process of recording a song can take anywhere from a couple of hours to six months, depending on whether the client is looking for a quick, rough mix, or a polished version that's ready for the radio.

Dover's goal is to find new talent. Achieving it is not something that happens everyday.

He's hopeful a new paid, 10-week program, which starts in April and promises to teach participants the basics of sound production, could be a means to that end.

Click here to learn more about the workshops.