The Best Place To Be Is Here, at Sunspell Records

A pair of multifaceted men unite in a culmination of raw talent and refined skill. Wren Kennedy and Joe Pedersen of Sunspell Records enhance the local music community with services born from an idea in 2016. Having played music for decades and explored sound manipulation from the corners of GarageBand during high school, this duo is unparalleled in their complementing strengths and expertise—Pedersen attended the University of Utah for sound technology and Kennedy has acquired 15 years of studio experience. 

It is unsurprising, then, that the idea for a recording studio came to fruition at a local show. “I remember it very vividly. We were all hanging out with Jesse Ellis—he’s kind of the third guy, he doesn’t necessarily work out of here but helped put it together—[and] we were talking one night at a show about actually doing it,” explains Pedersen, “He helped to plant that seed.”

“[Ellis] went to school in Phoenix and worked out of LA before moving out here, so he had some gear,” adds Kennedy. “But, we have tons of guitars and drums. When Joe started recording, he got me into it, so we started collecting more gear.” 

The idea for a recording studio was thrust into existence, but it remained nameless. Seasons transitioned as the creators debated the title before finally landing on Sunspell Records. “We were trying to figure out a name for months,” says Pedersen, “but I was doing yard work when the name just kind of hit me.” Before long, space became sparse in their basement studio, and an upgrade was no longer a dream but a requirement. However, finding a building with the necessary acoustics and structural exigencies was a challenge the pair contended with.

“We love seeing how excited the bands are after recording and how excited they get once their music is released.”

“Finding the space to do this was the most frustrating,” recounts Kennedy. “We were looking all over the state.” Triumph followed the challenge when Pedersen suggested leveling out his garage and turning that location into the studio. However, this solution branched into various demands that would hinder progress, as the longest part of the process was collecting the permits required for restructuring. “That’s why it took me almost two years to get this fully built—all the permits I had to go through,” states Pedersen. 

Having stood before a garage in 2016, Kennedy and Pedersen entered a completed Sunspell Records on August 1, 2019, commemorated as its opening day. “It was so daunting walking in here,” says Kennedy. “Going from the shell of it and thinking about what it’s going to look like, to having everything finished and wired was exhilarating.”

“It was awesome—finally walking into the space you’ve been dreaming of,” adds Pedersen. Although they were forced to navigate COVID-19 while practicing safe pandemic procedures shortly after opening, the duo persevered while ensuring artists had their musical needs accounted for. 

“Going from the shell of it and thinking about what it’s going to look like, to having everything finished and wired was exhilarating.”

Kennedy and Pedersen have worked with approximately 40 artists since Sunspell Records opened in 2019—one of them being Trampled by Turtles—and strive to provide a comfortable environment as the recording process can take hours at a time. “There are so many jobs that go along with this, like producing, mixing, mastering, recording, but also repairing gear or soldering broken cables,” says Pedersen. “Being an engineer is like being a problem solver.”

“We also have to make sure all the keyboards are working and all the drums are tuned,” adds Kennedy. Beyond the service of their clients, they must also maintain a keen eye and ear on the service of their instruments. 

Sunspell Records celebrated its fifth anniversary in August. “We love seeing how excited the bands are after recording and how excited they get once their music is released,” says Pedersen. “I love being part of this community.”

“I love helping musicians bring their ideas to life,” adds Kennedy. “But most of all, it’s important to be excellent to each other.” Be sure to reach out to Sunspell Records for all your musical needs! You can reach out to them via Instagram at @sunspell_records or contact them through their website at sunspell.vercel.app for any services!

Graphic Designer: Livi McDaniel | livimcdaniel.cargo.site | @livi.psd

Walk us through how you created this layout. What inspired you when designing it?

It’s a pretty simple idea—these tiny guys on top of a record player. The energy of Sunspell [Records] is awesome, and I wanted to reflect it in the type.

Tell us about your design background. How has your style evolved over time?

I’ve been into drawing and art ever since I was a little kid, and graphic design seemed like the best route to make money and do what I love. My style changes all the time, but I feel like I’m always learning. I’ll probably look back on this layout in a week or two and have a million things I’d change.

What are some of your design inspirations or influences? 

I love illustrators and designers like Darren Shaddick and Anna Mills. The movement, handmade type and physicality of it all is epic. I love the digitization of physical mediums.

What does your graphic design process usually look like? 

I like to research what I’m getting into and create a mood board. I’ll find similar designs or everyday items to use as inspiration. I gotta do sketches too; for me, ideas translate through pencil and paper way faster than on a screen.

What is your favorite aspect of graphic design?

I love the ideation process. Learning from other designs, researching history and cultural associations and spitting out all my thoughts onto paper. Sketching and trying out ideas without commitment is a great release. 

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