Today we’d like to introduce you to Donny Morris.
Donny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I discovered punk music at 14 and I’ve been actively playing in bands since then and never turned back once. I found a voice I didn’t know I had through playing drums in a punk band. I needed something because I had a lot of angst that I didn’t know what to do with. Punk really spoke to me because it didn’t require a whole lot of skill yet provided uncompromising passion. “This is all I ever want to do” I thought. Every decision after that was made in the best interest of the band or music. I eventually joined a local band called Intro5pect where I toured and got introduced to the punk scene on a larger scale. I went to music school for about a year, then back to parties, drugs, and punk. Eventually, I was asked to fill in on drums for the band leftover crack in 2011. I stayed as a fill-in until about 2014 when I became the official drummer. Countless shitty jobs, tours, and one full-length release on fat wrechords later, I was still on the canned food diet. I needed something more. I found a local music studio looking to sell the business. I could immediately see the potential that this place had. After the business transferred over to me, I tried to make it everything I would want a studio to be. I am happy to say I have a booked schedule, happy customers who I continue to build relationships with, and no boss!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes of course! It has been the hardest thing if ever had to do. The success of the business takes priority over just about everything in my life. I also didn’t realize how many entities there are out there demanding money for me to do business. It is an uphill battle but it doesn’t come close to the amount of satisfaction I get from running this place.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gothard Sound Studios – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a small hourly practice studio with three rooms that can come fully equipped with equipment as needed. We have the cheapest rates in orange county and a fantastic atmosphere. Did I mention free coffee? We specialize in anything between the drummer getting ready for tour to the band recording an album to just a group of friends trying to have some fun. A place for musicians run by musicians.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Start an annual Gothard fest
Pricing:
- $12-$15 a hour room rate
- $2 a hour for complete drum kit
- $1 a hour for guitar/bass amp.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16932 Gothard St. unit F Huntington Beach, CA 92647
- Website: Gothardsoundstudios.as.me
- Phone: 714-501-3669
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Gothardstudios
- Facebook: Gothard Sound Studios
Image Credit:
M.Haight
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