7 Reasons You Should Rehearse at Taylor Sound
By T. Perry Bowers
Security
Security is paramount at Taylor Sound. Over the years, I’ve developed a killer security strategy. It works like this:
There is a key card lock on the perimeter of the building. Everyone who has access to the building has an individual key card. This means every time someone comes into the building I can see who it was. So, if there is an incident, I look at the entry log and work out who was in the building at that time.
This limits the people who have access to the building. Every time someone moves out, and they don’t return their key cards to me, I delete them. And, of course, they cannot make copies of the key cards, either.
I also have high quality locks on each room door. These locks use high-grade keys that cannot be duplicated. The doors are all solid core, fire rated. The frames are steal. A thief would have a hell of a time getting anything from your room and out of the building!
I have cameras throughout the hallway and a DVR that records constantly. Everyone is aware they are being watched so that makes them think twice about doing anything foolish. It also creates a record of anything going on – inside and outside the building. I can look back on digital tape to see who is involved.
One of the most important parts of my security strategy is getting the right tenants. For one, I only rent to bands. I don’t rent to studios. Studios have clients who aren’t invested in the building. Bands have their gear in their space, so naturally they want to keep it safe. My best clientele are middle-aged rockers. There is a big comeback by these folks. They want to rock again and they are doing it in a big way. But they keep their spaces tidy and maintain a low profile. I’ll rent to most bands if they have the ability to pay, but I keep a close eye on how they treat their room and the facility. Any signs of shenanigans and they’re out!
Community
I cultivate a culture of community at Taylor Sound. I play with my own band around town. And, as much as I can, I like to book the bands that practice in my building. It helps build camaraderie. I have bulletin boards so people can post their shows. I also try to host an event or two during the year, so the tenants can meet each other. All of these things lead to a safe and secure environment to practice in.
Cleanliness
Our common areas are cleaned twice per week. The halls and bathrooms are always spic and span. The cleaner takes out the garbage and maintains the parking lots and lawns. They work hard to make sure you have a beautiful environment in which to play your music.
Efficiency
I collect all my rent by midnight on the first. At first glance, this may seem strict and unrealistic, but it’s really true. How do I do it? I am persistent. On the first, if you are a tenant, you’ll get a text (bright and early) reminding you your rent is due. If I don’t hear from you or get paid by five in the afternoon, you’ll get another text or a phone call. After that, it’s up to you to get your rent to me by midnight on the first, otherwise, you have, by default, given me your thirty day notice. I’ll start the process of renting your room. And, because my rooms are in demand, it won’t take long.
Why do I do it this way? Because I don’t want to spend my life collecting rent! I won’t judge you if you don’t want to make your practice space rent a priority. I get it. Things come up. You probably have an apartment or a mortgage. If you can’t afford your practice space, it’s really no sweat off my back. Just take some time, get your finances together and give me a call. Never any hard feelings.
Access
I pride myself on creating the easiest load ins and outs in the business. The elevators and lifts always work – so you never have to lump your gear up three flights of stairs. I keep dollies handy in the halls. Doors and hallways are easily navigated and unobstructed. I have loading docks if you need to load at standard truck height. My facilities are designed for the gigging and rehearsing musician. Anything that can be done to make that simpler and easier, I have thought about and put into my business model.
Parking
Parking is easy and ample. Pull you gear up right next to the building, swing into the parking lot and you’re good to go. I keep the lots well lit to deter any thievery. It’s all about making you feel comfortable and safe.
We Actually Care About You and Your Music
Everyone that works for Taylor Sound is a musician. We are in the scene. We’re passionate about music and the process of creating it. If you don’t sound good, we don’t sound good. We offer advice when needed, but most importantly, we are of service. And we’re constantly thinking of new and better ways to help musicians with their craft.
