Studio 52 is a community artist space located in the heart of Allston, and is proud to support the Boston music scene and local artist community.
NOTE: This article has been updated.
UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: A Converse spokesperson has relayed the following statement: “We have changed the programming at the Converse Rubber Tracks Boston recording studio to better align with the studio’s needs. Our commitment and support to the artistic communities here in Boston are as strong as ever, having serviced over 405 local musicians. The studio is open and available for future projects.”
Our original post is below…
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Two years ago this month, Converse unveiled its newest Rubber Tracks Studio here in Boston, aligned perfectly with the company’s relocation to Lovejoy Wharf just outside the North End.
Now there is word the company is shifting gears, closing off its state-of-the-art studio to local bands. Sources tell Vanyaland the Boston Rubber Tracks Studio will remain open in limited capacities, only to touring and national acts looking to come in and record. That means the studio — which has welcomed dozens and dozens of New England bands to record new music with engineer Dave Minehan and others — will effectively take on an entirely new identity.
As for the reason behind the move, one source tells us that parent company Nike “is taking [the] brand in [a] different direction.”
No official announcement has been made by Converse as of publication time. But some have already taken to social media to pour one out for Rubber Tracks Boston.
Featured photo via Converse, by Corwin Wickersham.