Support Recording Studio After Red Hook Fire

My name is Francis Garcia and my recording studio is based in the historic building that was engulfed by the five-alarm fire in Red Hook, Brooklyn on September 17th.

Heartbreakingly, a significant part of the building was ravaged. While FDNY was able to contain the fire before it spread to our unit, no one has been able to gain access to assess the extent of residual water and smoke damage due to the ongoing inspections and investigation. The timeline is unclear at the moment.

I moved to 481 Van Brunt in 2018. Coming from a DIY background, I saw the building’s naturally-acoustic stone walls from the 1800s as an opportunity to create something special. I put my heart and soul into building out a studio that would be an inspiring place for independent recording acts to make art.

So much amazing music was created within these walls. Working with the late Andy Rourke of The Smiths is a core memory. As a teenager, I would’ve never dreamed of collaborating with a member of one of my favorite bands.

I took great pride working with Academy Fight Songs and Rough Trade Publishing on music for visual media. I displayed my ‘Best Sonic Branding’ award for Comedy Central in the foyer (although it often sat unnoticed next to all the books and records).

My significant, personal collection of musical instruments and audio equipment of 30+ years were used at the studio. Many pieces were well-traveled and sentimental; my family’s upright piano from the 70s, an analog synth I programmed electronic music on in the 80s, the guitar I used when my punk band was signed in the 90s. As a working musician, this is my lifeblood.

Any donation is deeply appreciated and will be allocated towards mitigating the path forward (loss of work, repairs, potential equipment replacement).

Much love to everyone for reaching out and for supporting the truly unique, creative oasis of Red Hook, Brooklyn.