Studio Spotlight: Madus and Production record new EP at Hype Studios LA; By Nigel Hamblin

2020 is starting off with a bang here at VOVE! Madus and our Production team went full throttle into Hype Studios this month to record their new EP, and the process has been nothing but fun, exciting, and “productive” (hold your groan). 

I took the opportunity to sit in on a session to check out the “hype” (last one, I promise) and bring you a peek into the “melding of the minds”, which Madus frontman Dugan Cruz has so eloquently put it. 

Ryan Bardales, leader of the Production Team, shared some of his thoughts on the process working with Madus and the atmosphere at Hype Studios: “It’s been quite the ride” he begins. “I think it’s really good because some people in Production, even including myself, haven’t even been in this environment for so long at a time, so it’s good to break ourselves in that way.” 

Ryan continued by praising Madus and the time they’ve worked together. “We’re just lucky to have a dope band to work with who just come in and kill it. We come in the next day, on the same page, and totally get our flow going.” (When asked about managing his team) “We found out as the semester went on who’s good at doing what; Nindy and Evan came in here and started tearing it up and giving directions. At this point, I’m just making sure everyone’s in one place at the same time, and we’re not just staying on the same thing for too long.” 

Madus themselves have been feeling similar vibes during these sessions, and with high energy offered their insights: “I’m just here so I don’t get fined”, begun guitarist Pat Rector with a chuckle (a nod towards an NFL player’s previous statements to the media). “It’s been very cool! The studio is just a nice, comfortable space to get ideas out. The Production team has been super helpful and patient with us as we, you know, create these songs which will be ‘immortalized in time and space’. It’s been a very fun process so far”. “And I like the little light strip along the bottom”, he concluded to much delight. 

“It’s a really nice studio to come in and cut your teeth on, especially with someone who is kind of overwhelmed by the thought of a big recording studio and going into it,” says bassist Jamie Cano. “It’s so comfortable...it’s a small space, but it’s like this little nook that helps just ease tension, you know. Everybody is in the same room together.” “The team is amazing...some of the coolest people I’d like to maintain friendships and relationships with.” 

“The space itself for Hype Studios is a rad spot; it’s always nice to have a studio that is kind of away from distractions,” commented Madus frontman Dugan Cruz. “If you’re in the middle of Hollywood it’s cool, but if you like have access to go to a bar after every studio day, it can get a little loose.” 

Dugan then went on to detail the studio’s acoustic qualities: “The live room is sick. We found a very nice spot in the live room with a cascading kind of panel that falls off the ceiling. So for us in trying to get a tight snare sound, it worked.” 

“Augie’s rad. We rarely see him; he’s been really cool about letting us do our thing”, Dugan said about Hype Studios owner Augie Ray. “Ian, Edwin, and Nico are all really great. There will never be another team like this one; everybody is so accommodating, so fun to work with, and always prioritizes just getting things done and making a great record over any other bullshit. The experience has been great.” (Around this time, Jamie began to pull out various paraphernalia from the back of his car, including what may have been a sheathed machete). 

After the line of questioning, Dugan thought it best to leave us off with a joke: “We met our favorite snack person, his name is Danny Dorito...he stars in ‘Always Cheesy in Philadelphia’”. Needless to say, it was met with a considerable groan. 

Be sure to stay tuned for more details regarding the release of Madus’ new EP and their upcoming Release Show this Spring! Follow us at @csunvove and @madusmusic for all current updates.

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