Dare Studios, a pioneering recording studio and sonic sanctuary spearheaded by esteemed music industry professionals Charlotte Abroms and Jono Steer, will officially open its doors in Melbourne this week. Australia’s latest female-led recording studio, Dare is dedicated to facilitating an environment that challenges traditional music industry norms, fostering creativity and empowerment for all artists who pass through its doors.
Having forged their musical partnership over a decade ago, Charlotte and Jono bring a wealth of experience to Dare Studios, creating a space that embodies their core values of respect, diversity, inclusion and kindness. Meticulously designed to embody an environment of cleanliness and accessibility, Dare Studios places paramount importance on the artist and their craft. Says Charlotte of the space, “If a person feels welcome, included and in control of their narrative, they can focus on making music they love.”
While Dare Studios boasts sonic excellence and world-class equipment, it is equally dedicated to fostering a community of like-minded artists, engineers, producers, and creatives, emphasising education, collaboration, and connection above all else. In addition to its recording capabilities, the studios will additionally act as a creative hub, with events and workshops set to encompass another facet of the multidimensional space.
A recipient of prestigious accolades such as the Lighthouse Award, Fast Track Fellowship, and Music Victoria’s Outstanding Woman in Music Award, Charlotte has carved her niche as an artist manager, creative consultant, and strategist with over 15 years of experience. Excited to launch one of Australia’s few female-led recording studios, Charlotte emphasises the importance of creating an environment where artists feel self-sufficient and empowered.
With over two decades of experience as a record producer, audio engineer, and front-of-house sound engineer for renowned Australian acts such as Hiatus Kaiyote, Angie McMahon and Gretta Ray, co-founder Jono Steer champions the belief that technology shouldn’t get in the way of creativity and that recording should be a fun, seamless process. As such, the studio is meticulously designed with top-notch gear, aiming to minimise setup time and maximise creative output. “The best thing about Dare Studios is that it feels like your own creative hideout,” says Jono, “It’s unassuming, warm, welcoming, and feels like home.”
Resident in-house engineers, Julia Wallace and Connor Black-Harry, bring diverse musical backgrounds to Dare Studios. Julia, a multi-instrumentalist and touring member of Stella Donnelly and Methyl Ethel, offers a fresh perspective on engineering and production, while Connor, renowned for his expertise in producing, mixing and engineering, has contributed his diverse skillset to live recordings of beloved Australian bands including Maple Glider, Hayley Mary and Angie McMahon. Both engineers are available for studio sessions with artists of all skill levels and experience.
Since soft-launching earlier this year, Dare has had the pleasure of hosting esteemed artists such as Gretta Ray, Mia Dyson, Banjo Lucia, and Merpire within its world-class recording facilities, with the momentum slated to continue into the remainder of 2024.
Dare Studios is now officially open for bookings online, offering a range of options including dry hires, day passes, packages, gift vouchers, filmed sessions, and more. To celebrate the opening, in partnership with the immensely talented Creative Director and photographer Ben McNamara, Dare Studios is offering an artist/band the chance to win a day in the studio with producer Jono Steer. Head over to the Dare Studios website to go into the draw to win.