Main Stage Rehearsal Studios has done it again! Justin Dobbin, president and co-founder and Kelly Ng, vice-president of finance and co-founder, have been nominated in The Music Cities Awards 2024 contest, which acknowledges and rewards the most outstanding applications of music for economic, social, environmental, and cultural development in cities and places worldwide.
Sound Diplomacy, a data and strategy industry specialist organization, invited them to apply for this year’s contest. For a second time in as many years, they have been nominated in the “Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning,” which shows how much of a powerhouse the hub truly is.
“We are a great example of a business model that can provide affordable space and gear, as well as a hub that can support musicians who need to focus on their craft even during uncertain economic times,” says Ng. She adds, “Many cities around the world have the same problem of affordable rehearsal space. With high real estate prices and a sluggish economy, everyone is struggling to afford rent, but musicians face that, as well as trying to find safe spaces.”
She and Dobbin attended the Music Cities Convention’s 12th global edition in Alabama last year, having learned a lot from other cities but also proved their efforts were making an impression, “I learned about current industry focus, methods to save and support local venues, using festivals as a key strategy to attract visitors, and collaborating with international stars for performances and ambassador endorsements. She highlights, “When I talked about the variety and quality of our studio options to other global music leaders, I was pleased to see how impressed people were. Many even expressed a bit of envy that Hamilton has such a facility, saying it’s exactly the kind of resource they wish they had in their cities.”
The reason why the studio hub has gained so much global attention is its functionality and comprehensive supply of resources, not to mention the design and layout of the spaces, “Main Stage is an all-inclusive music hub with 12 hourly and 25 monthly rehearsal studios, podcast studios, dance studios, a live-off-the-floor recording studio and an industry-grade soundstage. We are equipped to cater to individuals from diverse musical backgrounds: hobbyists, music students, part-time musicians, professional artists and even international performers,” Ng happily beams, “We take pride in the numerous bands that have formed through our open jams, open mics, and community boards or simply by connecting with us!”
And just how does Hamilton stack up against other global city contenders, according to Ng, it’s all in the community and its talent, “Hamilton feels like an underdog in the global music scene, but it’s one with immense potential! Every week, we have more than 100 bands jamming at our studios, and you can hear so much great music coming out of these sessions—often even better than what you hear on mainstream radio!”
According to Ng, before the Main Stage, “it often felt like everyone was doing their own thing. Bands would only cross paths at local bars when playing shows together.” But they have since changed all that, “Our vision is to create a permanent music hub where musicians can write, practice, collaborate, and grow. It’s a musical engine that fuels live music across the city. We aim to provide a safe and creative environment that meets all their needs, allowing musicians to focus solely on their art while we manage the space and equipment.”