Tucked away in Spokane’s West Plainsest plains area in North Spokane lies the Hamilton Studio. Once a Catholic church, the space is now a professional studio with a newly-remodeled Listening Room. This renovation was designed to allow audiences to experience an intimate and immersive musical experience.
Hamilton Studio owes its existence to founders Don Hamilton and his wife, Lorna St. John, both of whom have years in video and stage production.
Hamilton’s first experience with the business side of music began when he was just 12 years old. He would find himself working for Ernie Ball in Tarzana California, in one of Ball’s music accessories stores. All these years later, Hamilton’s love and excitement for all things music would burn just as strongly as it did back then.
Hamilton Studio was created to offer professional photography and video services, yet 18 months ago, Hamilton Studio found themselves hosting a music venue they weren’t quite prepared for.
Samantha Fish, a rock artist, was rehearsing at Hamilton Studio as she was preparing to hit the road as an opening act for Eric Clapton. Afterward, her manager would tell Hamilton that his studio would make a perfect listening room for further music venues.
“What separates us from other venues is that we are a listening room. We are here to appreciate the music, not talk or hear the clanging of glasses or or the hum of drinks being ordered.
Fast forward to last New Year’s Day, and Hamilton Studio and its listening room will be hosting its first official music concert event.
This concert would have Brennen Leigh performing live. Leigh, a songwriter who plays guitar and mandolin, has a cult-like following in the States, Europe, and South America.
This event was run as a fundraiser for Spokane Public Radio and would sell about 90 tickets. At a maximum seating capacity of 90 (when serving alcohol), this event would be a triumph for the small studio. It would also officially kick off the live music aspect of Hamilton Studio.
“Our name is getting out there by word of mouth and we now have artists approach us to book music venues,” said Hannah Sander.
Sander has many duties and responsibilities with Hamilton Studio. Originally hired as a video editor, she now is tasked with the audio preparation duties for upcoming concerts.
Though many of the artists that perform here are local, the studio is no stranger to out-of-state artists. One of their more recent scheduled events was for an up-and-coming musician based out of New York.
This event was being promoted in part by Imagine Jazz, a local nonprofit profit based out of Spokane. One of its co-founders, Brandon McMurphy, helped set up the stage for the upcoming event.
“This is an absolute ideal situation. With the acoustics, the lights, and the audience atmosphere, it’s just ideal for concerts.
Many are the services that Hamilton Studio can provide: professional photography, video production, and now a listening room for intimate musical concerts. If you want to skip the bar-type atmosphere and avoid the hum of multiple conversations going on in the background, then this studio is the perfect place for you to enjoy the music you love.
In a world seemingly designed to make you weary, nothing is better at restoring your inner self than a song that speaks to your very heart and soul.
Find the Hamilton Studio at:
1427 W Dean Ave, Spokane Wa, 99207
To contact them:
509-327-9501
lorna@hamiltonstudio.com