Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Rockaway Recording Studio Opens in Long-Abandoned Mechanic's Shop

By Katie Honan | January 21, 2016 4:39pm
 Nick Mastros opened the recording studio and rehearsal space in an abandoned mechanic shop.
Nick Mastros opened the recording studio and rehearsal space in an abandoned mechanic shop.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Katie Honan

ROCKAWAY PARK — Nick Mastros was recording music in his bedroom at the apartment he shared with friends, struggling to keep the sound from disturbing his neighbors, when his dad called him last May about a space he found.

The long-abandoned former mechanic's shop on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 112th Street was falling apart, the roof collapsing and the walls caving in. 

The backyard, with the A train directly behind it, was filled with tree stumps, garbage, sand and debris.

"This place was devastated," Mastros, 24, a self-taught musician and producer, said.

But his dad thought he could make the space work for his company, which repairs exercise equipment. There was also space for a recording studio, although it would take a lot of work.

After some cleaning, Mastros said he "started to see potential." 

He opened AB Studios in December after months of build-out, kicking things off with a showcase of bands that spread out to the large backyard.

The "DIY" recording studio and rehearsal space is a dream for the lifelong Rockaway Park resident, who envisions it as a way to connect local musicians. 

"I want there to be a sense of community," he said.

The backyard of AB Recordings is big enough for parties and shows, Mastros said. (DNAinfo/Katie Honan)

Mastros hopes to eventually build out the studio to record EPs and albums. 

He first learned to record on free programs but received professional training while visiting an uncle, another musician, in Seattle in 2012.  

While there, he ended up working under Jack Endino, who recorded Nirvana's debut album "Bleach." 

"I learned how to set up a room from him," he said. 

AB Studios is outfitted the live space with a drum kit, with fully padded walls for acoustics. 

There are mics, mic stands and amps — including a few he salvaged after Hurricane Sandy.

During that haul he also found an amp signed by former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone (although he keeps that one at home.) 

Mastros hopes to host two shows a month once the summer starts, and he's currently renting the space to local bands. 

While his focus is on Rockaway, he'd like AB Studios to bring more musicians out to the peninsula to perform and record.

"I'm really just trying to bridge that gap between the rest of the city and Rockaway," he said.