Open the doors, and there is the interior of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. But downstairs, its renovated basement holds Haven Studios, a recording studio that offers a myriad of artistic services to all ages.
Andre “Add-2” Daniels shared the inspiration that led him to open the space in the summer of 2016.
“My goal has always been to meet them where they are,” Daniels says. “When you first enter the studio, we have a conversation about where you are in your life. What are the albums that changed your life? And how can I be of service?”
Offering year round support to youth through programming and activations, youth are offered an accessible entry point, with no experience required and with mentorship from teaching artists, thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns. At entry, you are greeted with a conversation, and then a consultation and assessment of goals, visions, and dreams for yourself. You’re helped with devising a plan, your commitment permitting.
And from there, the resources are provided. “Recording, engineering, mixing, mastering, photography, producing, podcasting” are just a few of the services Add-2 lists—all for free. In consideration of budget cuts to the school system, he noted, it all comes “at no cost to parents and also at a fraction of the costs to the school.”
Michael “Myskie” Hightower, twenty, a musician and mentee of the space, reflects on the many creative opportunities at Haven Studios. As abundance pours over, he speaks in astonishment at the true value and importance of such a resource. “Haven is a free studio … I come from a background … where you just don’t have the money or the motion, to be able to pay for studio time… or you may have the money, but there are so many activities going on outside of school or home that can put you in the streets or a bad position in life.”
We are humbled to be invited to this vulnerability, when navigating the hardened reality of who the space truly benefits, and reasons therein. In mentioning the South Side community, and the necessary cultivation of Black boys and youth, Haven acts as some form of sanctuary. Not only through artistic cultivation, but community building, housing, learning, and sharing. “It could be, to some people, divine intervention,” Myskie shared.
When Add-2 is asked who the space is welcome to or intended for, he sings: “Whoever God placed in my pathway.” The space is open to all ages, demographics and identities.
As for the hard conversions regarding music/hip-hop spaces and harmful systems, Myskie recounts the guidance he received, and paid forward, at Haven: “The people there will try to help you see your vision … helping make sure your message isn’t damaging … These are people who mentor you and make you a better person.”
“Sometimes … I’m doing music for thirty minutes and talking for two hours. These conversations help mold men to be better men, as they grow. But really just anybody.”
Youth are encouraged to join this crew and try multiple paths of creativity, hopefully reaching a new level of artistic success. Through zealous commitment and exuding leadership qualities in their priority interests, youth are then offered the opportunities and on-site training, where they can shadow and later facilitate workshops—a full-circle moment that comes as this space continues to thrive off community building and artistic expression.
“Be consistent and be helpful. It’s all about a community,” Myskie reminds us.
Haven Studios, Powered by Guitars Over Guns, 4622 S. King Drive. havenstudios.org