Aspiring Artist and Platinum Rapper Share Recording Studio
There was a special energy in the recording studio at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC (PAS) when two artists – one aspiring, one established – came together recently. MC Tillie, an up-and-coming New Jersey-bred rapper, just released the video for his new single, “Energy,” which he recorded with multi-platinum rapper Prodigy in the same building that housed the iconic Bennett Studios.
PAS started using its current building at 1 Depot Square in 2013 a couple years after Bennett Studios closed its doors. The school later resurrected the recording studio, which was used by several Grammy® Award winners, to give young musicians a resource to develop their craft and gain exposure in the entertainment industry. The next big star could be out there now writing songs in their bedroom.
“We’re trying to provide access for local artists to grow, whether they’re starting out or established,” Alexander Diaz, the school’s creative director of education, said. “We’re giving people the tools they don’t have and it’s right in their backyard here in Englewood.”
In addition to offering a variety of music, theater and dance classes, a dozen professional quality recordings have been made in the facility, including sessions with local high school jazz bands and CDs that the school uses for its children programs. PAS also offers recording engineering classes and a hip hop program that includes a recording element.
“What’s unique about what we do here is it’s a one-stop shop for all your arts activities,” Diaz said.
The dance program can create customized tracks for rehearsal and performances, while aspiring singers or songwriters can take lessons at the school and then record a song for a demo tape or the start of an album.
“The studio lets students take their work home with them,” Diaz said. “Most schools don’t offer something like that.”
In addition to affordable rates for its classes, PAS also grants need-based scholarships to local children.
For more information on the studio, tuition and scholarship opportunities, visit www.bergenpac.org/education.
See a video of MC Tillie and Prodigy in the studio (courtesy of bergenPAC):
https://youtu.be/GJvVHWd7BHg.
About bergenPAC Performing Arts School
The Education program at bergenPAC features a series of classes, school residencies, workshops, live performances, student productions and ensemble groups in the performing arts for students ages 3 months to 21 years old. The program provides students with unique and “hands-on” arts training by industry professionals that allow them to gain real world experience and enhance academic achievement through the arts. bergenPAC’s arts education initiatives occur on-site at our new Performing Arts School building at 1 Depot Square, Englewood, NJ or off-site at other schools. The school reaches more than 30,000 students annually. The Performing Arts School offers basic and professional level performing arts classes and ensemble groups and productions in theater, dance, and music for students of all ages. The school also offers beyond bergenPAC, a school Partnership Program with school districts throughout the area.
To enroll now or for more information, contact (201) 482-8194 or education@bergenpac.org.