This West York recording studio is a 'safe space' hoping to guide artists and creatives

Though it’s not as big as cities like Chicago or Philadelphia, York is ever booming with musical talent.

Knowing this, and just how competitive the music industry can be, inspired sound engineer "Off-White Sheddy" Trevor Downs, and music producer "Moot Blaque" Shanoy Moody, to create a space in town and be a resource for musicians and artists of all ages.

Several years ago, Downs and Moody noticed competition growing among recording studios in York and decided to team up and work together.

“We got to the point where it’s just better to help each other out instead of competing for everything,” Downs said.

At the time, both Downs and Moody operated small recording studios from their homes, and after spending time together, collaborating, the two realized their skills complemented one another.

“Everything that he’s good with I lack, and everything he lacks, I’m good at – it’s a ying-and-yang situation,” Downs said.

Moody started his career as a producer, working with instruments and writing and creating music. Downs is a sound engineer, whose strengths lie in the technical side of recording sound and music.

A friendship had blossomed, and they discussed opening a studio of their own.

“We thought it might be a good idea to come together and have our own studio.” Moody added, “We both are strong in what we do and bringing them together – we’re even stronger.”

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Problem Solver Studios

In 2021, Downs and Moody filed an LLC for their business in West York, and in December opened up Problem Solver Studios.

It’s a creative hub for sound engineers, music artists, and podcasters – just about anyone who is interested in audio production.

“We felt as if there wasn’t a spot that all artists could go to, no matter who it was or what their interests were,” Downs said.

When it comes to prices for equipment or studio recording time, Downs said it tends to be on the expensive side, so one of their goals was to be a space that offers affordable prices for their clients.

“We created this place not just to be somewhere for people to go and get recorded, it’s for people who know sound engineering but maybe don’t have the equipment at home – this is a creative hub for them.”

One of their clients is "PoloMann Solo," a music artist who has recorded around the country, but said working at Problem Solver Studios is unlike any other space.

"I've recorded at a lot of studios, in Miami, New York, and I feel more comfortable recording here than anywhere else."

He added, "They're supportive with what the artist wants to do, but if there is something they can do to improve your performance or presence on the track, they'll do that also."

As a business, Downs and Moody said they never wanted their studio to feel corporate, but rather provide a homey feel.

"The more comfortable you are in your space, the more creative you are − especially as an artist," Moody said.

And at Problem Solver Studios, clients have three different recording rooms to choose from, each with a different feel to them.

There is the modern room with bright white walls and black furniture, offering a "modern" feel, complete with a sound board, and keyboard.

The red recording room has microphone and sound recording equipment, as well as a video game system for clients to wind down with.

And finally, there is the Cloud Room, a favorite among clients which combines sound equipment, a white board, and comfortable furniture, with a calming, cloud-covered ceiling.

'A safe space'

When it came to opening the studio, a big piece for Downs and Moody was to be able to host a space where kids who are interested in making music could go and learn.

“When we filed the LLC, we also filed as a school,” Downs said.

One of their goals for the studio is to be able to incorporate summer work camps for kids who are interested in making music or working with sound engineering.

“I work with kids on a day-to-day basis, and there are kids that want to do what we do, but they don’t know where to start,” said Moody, who coaches youth sports in addition to working with music.

As a teenager, Downs said he remembers being told that it was a 9-5 job that he should be working toward, rather than recording music.

While he knew music is what he wanted to pursue, he did not have many resources that supported his interests.

“Just being an outlet and resource for kids to be able to come in and have a safe space and be a safe haven to be able to be creative – that’s a big thing,” Moody said.

For more information on Problem Solver Studios, check out their Facebook page or give them a call at (717) -885-2025

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Problem Solver Studios in West York offers safe space for music artists