SOUND MACHINE
dB studios a chill spot for musical incubation
There’s a new music studio in Boynton Beach that is completely off the radar, hidden in a modest gray building in an industrial area off Interstate 95 and West Industrial Avenue. It opened in December.
Inside, dB studios is anything but modest. Among other equipment sits one of Pharrell Williams’ keyboards. Yes, that Pharrell, as in the “Happy,” “Get Lucky” recording artist, fashion icon and producer.
“[It] was left at South Beach Studios for Williams to use when he was there. But when the studio shut down in 2015, he wanted the keyboard to stay with the other gear,” said Dustin Breeden, 24, the former engineer at South Beach Studios and present owner of dB Studios.
But that’s not all. The 1,400-square-foot space welcomes musicians and artists from all genres and with all levels of skill. It’s the perfect space for collaborating and chilling.
“This is an awesome place for new, up-and-coming artists that need a place where they can create,” said musician Christian Joshua Diaz. “I definitely see Boynton and Palm Beach County starting to grow.”
Some of the collaborations you see and hear at dB Studios are unexpected. Many artists meet in the lobby while waiting for their session, so they build friendships. And the musical randomness and magic that comes from this waiting is, well, exactly what Breeden had in mind.
For example, there’s pop vocalist Kyle Davis and folk guitarist Ian Snow. Together, their blended styles have made a unique track called “Okay.”
Then you have Britney Nieves, who normally does adult contemporary vocals. But she’s also collaborated with Alex Yum Drum, who normally does electronic dance music, and Wilson Malek, a heavy metal artist. Together with Breeden, they created a track called “Myself.”
And if you like chill vibes, you can find it with the Diaz-Snow song, “Love Let Live.”
When different musicians vibe together, the results are rewarding. And Breeden gets to put all it together, adding his magic as the music engineer.
Beyond the music, there’s a photography studio where artists can take professional photos for marketing, albums and singles. There’s also a lounge to hang out and share ideas.
And, of course, there’s a recording booth where sessions are streamed live on video for Breeden, who sits in the editing booth and masters the sound.
“He’s the best engineer. He has the best equipment,” said Snow. “I just love the collaboration working with Dustin right here. He always gives great quality work.”
After graduating from Full Sail University, Breeden started his career at the South Beach studio in 2014 as an intern. Within
two months, he was working as a full-time engineer. Breeden has worked with Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, The Weeknd, Iggy, P. Diddy, D J Khaled, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar and Timbaland — to name a few.
“When he came [to South Beach Studios], he already had what established producers had. There is something about him,” said Hart Gunther, former manager at South Beach Studios, on a March afternoon at dB Studios.
Breeden opened dB in, of all places, Boynton Beach because it was an affordable spot in a prime location — close enough to his home in West Palm and not too far from Miami, where the music scene is always growing. To his surprise, artists from across Florida and even out of the state have been walking through the door.
“Dustin is meticulous in his efforts to match the finished product with the artist’s intent,” said artist Kyle Davis. “He’s an expert on how sound is interpreted on every level.”
As a result, Breeden has the best kind of clientele — the kind that finds him by “word of mouth” and isn’t afraid to collaborate with different people and different sounds. DB Studios doesn’t invest in any marketing and advertising. So, unless you’ve been told about it or have met Breeden, you may never find the place.
Breeden is as modest about his talents as the building’s façade, but something is certain: The talent lies within.