The Record Co. fosters a unique music scene

For six years, The Record Co., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been working to build the Boston music scene and support the emerging artists in it. This year they’ve hosted over 750 recording session in their affordable space, and have created the first Boston Sessions album, titled “Beast,” a compilation of original tracks by popular local musicians.

“Our mission is to create a nationally recognized music scene in Boston,” says Jesse Vengrove, program director. With Tennessee known for country and Atlanta known for hip-hop, Boston is ready to find its niche. The group wants to show that there’s more to the city than just the Allston punk shows and Berklee open mic nights.

One of the most prominent ways The Record Co. supports the community is by providing high-quality recording space and equipment at a very low market rate. This makes it accessible to students, emerging artists, and even established artists who are investing more funds into music videos or promotion. Popular musical phenomenon Dutch ReBelle says “The Record Co. provides a dope space for artists, and Boston really needs that.”

“Beast” is the start of an annual record series highlighting the year in Boston music. The 2016 installment is diverse in both musical styles and artists. “Musically, Boston is very diverse,” says Vengrove. “What’s important for us is that people get out of their bubble and experience other things in the city.” Hip-hop fans might buy the record for the track by Michael Christmas and be turned on to Dutch ReBelle or Ruby Rose Fox. Though ReBelle has a large New England following, the Boston hip-hop scene is largely underground. Exposure like this brings talented artists to the forefront.

Working with The Record Co. and on “Beast” also allows artists to network with each other. Each track is written and produced solely for the album and underwritten by The Record Co. Artists are paid for the work, thus making it a win-win for the creators. “It’s great to be exposed to other artists that I wouldn’t necessarily have known otherwise,” says ReBelle. “There are a lot of people doing innovative things.” This kind of community support is what makes the arts thrive in smaller cities like Boston.

Vengrove hopes that continued promotion of “Beast” and the recording space will garner awareness of the unique sounds coming out of the city. He says, “We want people to feel pride about the Boston arts and culture scene, like they do about the Patriots or the Red Sox.”