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Podcasts The Frame
Converse hosts a free pop-up studio for up-and-coming LA bands
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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Aug 30, 2014
Listen • 4:34
Converse hosts a free pop-up studio for up-and-coming LA bands
Being in a band is not cheap. The sneaker company is helping artists cut the cost with Rubber Tracks — a pop-up studio that lets bands record for free.
MIrror Talk recording at Converse Rubber Tracks at The Fortress in Downtown LA
MIrror Talk at Converse Rubber Tracks at The Fortress studio in Downtown L.A.
(
James Kim/KPCC
)
MIrror Talk recording their track "Call On Me" at The Fortress for Converse Rubber Tracks
MIrror Talk recording their track "Call On Me" at The Fortress studio for Converse Rubber Tracks.
(
James Kim/KPCC
)

Being in a band is not cheap. The sneaker company is helping artists cut the cost with Rubber Tracks — a pop-up studio that lets bands record for free.

Being in a band is no cheap endeavor. You have to buy and maintain your instruments, there are touring costs and, of course, the sometimes prohibitive cost of booking a recording studio. The sneaker company Converse is trying to help solve the latter challenge for up-and-coming bands by letting them use a professional studio for a day — at no cost. 

Converse Rubber Tracks started in Brooklyn three years ago and has expanded globally — from Toronto to Johannesburg and now Los Angeles. Jed Lewis, Music Marketing Director for Converse, said he loves what this program does for young bands since he used to be a struggling musician himself and knows how much renting a recording studio can cost.

Mirror Talk was one of the bands selected for the pop-up studio in Los Angeles. They're a new wave-R&B band that formed two years ago, but the members have been playing music together for more than seven years. Guitarist Steven Lopez says the band wants to emulate the sound quality from records they’re inspired by – artists such as Prince and New Order.

The band plans on using the tracks they record at the pop-up studio for their upcoming EP titled “1997.” As for Converse Rubber Tracks, there’s another session planned for L.A. in late September.