(Left to right) Otis Gray, Amamah Sadar, and Grace Canaan podcasting from Audiation Studios at The Loft.
Photo by Sandy Smallens
It’s no secret that podcasting is having a hot moment. Digital-media veteran and Scarsdale native Sandy Smallens noticed a need for local recording studios and set about creating Audiation Studios at The Loft (84 Kraft Ave, Bronxville; www.audiation.fm), Westchester’s only purpose-built podcast studio.
Audiation Studios is part of The Loft, a collective of on-site producers that has occupied the space above Bronxville Cinemas since 1968. In that time, it has hosted an impressive roster of talent, from Donny Osmond and Pete Seeger to Christina Aguilera and the Jonas Brothers. (One of the studio’s producers even introduced Rihanna to the world.)
#PodTipTuesday They say these days everyone has a podcast… To make your pod idea shine, focus on what makes it unique. What can you or your brand offer that no one else can? Why do people need to listen to THIS podcast? What will keep them coming back? #howtopodcast #podlife
— Audiation Podcasts (@AudiationHQ) May 12, 2020
Smallens’ involvement with The Loft began as a teenager recording an album with his band, Too Much Joy, that was released in 1987. He has since built an expansive career in audio production, including running SonicNet.com and digital divisions for CBS Radio before creating Spotify’s original-content department in 2011. Routinely sought out for his expertise in the podcasting world, Smallens launched Audiation in 2016. Popular podcasts that have been produced there include Barbara Corcoran’s Business Unusual and Spit!, a podcast from 23andMe and iHeart Radio.
Ever dreamed of starting your own podcast? Audiation can help both novice and seasoned pros craft a podcast. Beyond the soundproof recording room and array of high-tech sound equipment, the staff lends its expertise to treatment development, show prep, and advice on tweaking storylines and phrasing during each recording session. Matthew Noble, head of post-production with an extensive background in writing and producing music, works on sound design and mixing. Audiation staff can even help with trailers, imaging, and advice on gaining sponsorships.
