Tom Dobrzanski (left) and Zach Gray of Vancouver-based “piano prog-pop” group The Zolas.
Tom Dobrzanski graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC in 2005. At this time, he was owning his own basic production studio and a member of indie rock band Lotus Child. In fact, he opened up the production space when he was only in second year.
Starting off as just a part-time job while he continued his studies, the ‘job’ quickly turned into a full-time business. Seeing opportunity to seize “middle ground” in between the top studios and in-home recording, his studio was seen as an attractive alternative to local bands and musicians (and quite good ones, if I say so myself).
Dobrzanski’s ‘Monarch Studios’ has had a hand in producing many new releases, including We Are The City’s (pictured above) “Violent” and Said The Whale’s “Hawaiii.”
Dobrzanski says his business degree gave him the “confidence to take some risks and know they were going to work out,” which benefited his studio expansion in 2012. Local music enthusiasts were eager to help him do the labour work, and in return, quiz him about sound engineering. There was also support from social media platforms, which gained new clients along the way.
I love reading about Tom and his success with Monarch, and not just because I’m familiar with The Zolas and the local music scene. He was able to use his degree (financial knowledge for investments and saving on construction materials for the studio) and turn it into something he was passionate about. Comparing success with “the artist [being] really happy at the end of it,” demonstrates his passion towards what he does. And it doesn’t hurt that his studio continues to bring in steady revenue with all his new and returning clients.
I spy a Sauder success story and if you’re reading this, definitely check out The Zolas’ song ‘Knot In My Heart.’ I’m guessing it was recorded at Monarch!
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