We Didn't Start the [Electrical] Fire @ Swift Rd

On June 4th at approximately 7:15am, I woke up to an incoming call from Vincent Ippolito. “Can you meet me at the studio? There’s been a fire.”

Vince, business owner and producer of Swift Road Studios on Arlington Heights Rd, had woken up early to prepare for a drum tracking recording session with a new client. He turned on his computer, went to the bathroom, and came out to a control room completely consumed by blackened ashy smoke. He immediately sprung into action, locating the electrical fire that had started on the corner of his desk and making several attempts to contain the fire himself. He ran back into the building over and over again until the fire department was able to respond, later confiding that his primary concern was to make sure that he minimized any impact on equipment and instruments that clients had left in his care.

When I arrived at the studio 30 minutes later, he was completely caked in soot, experiencing psychological shock, and telling the story of what happened to the responding emergency services workers. He had incurred severe smoke inhalation and had some skin blistering and burns. And again, his first instinct was to express concern regarding how this would impact others: his clients, his landlord, his friends, me.

I am establishing this GoFundMe campaign as proxy for a larger cause. This is not just a plea for financial assistance amid a personal tragedy. This is a request for those both known to Vincent Ippolito and those unfamiliar to understand what choosing to contribute to this fund really means.

Swift Road Studios is a safe haven, a warm embrace and welcome to anyone who has ever felt lost, othered, or without agency. Through its existence and Vince’s business philosophy, this recording studio in downtown Arlington Heights has transcended its on-paper purpose of providing a practice room, recording studio, and sound engineering space to musicians and artists to transform into a second home where people are encouraged to affirm themselves through creative expression.

Contributions to this campaign are a direct statement that you want to be a part of creating a world that supports communities that are inclusive and loving. I am asking for your assistance with getting Swift Road Studios back up and operational. The requested amount covers expenses directly related to gear replacement and lost wages to cover business operation expenses (e.g. rent, utilities, etc.). We would also be open to discussions regarding direct replacement donations or sales of gear, so please feel free to reach out and make us aware of how you would like to contribute.

We recognize that any donated amount or item is an incredibly kind choice on your behalf to help keep this dream alive. On behalf of Vincent Ippolito, Swift Road Studios, and its impacted community, I would like to thank you for taking the time to hear this story. Please be in touch, even if it is only to offer words of support to Vince and the studio, as you see fit.

All the best,

Stacia Landon