Fans sink down into plush red chairs and sip a beverage out of Solo cups while getting a so-close-you-could-(but shouldn’t)-touch view of a favorite band. The Live at Ears and Gears series at the Astoria-based recording studio and the series’ namesake, Ears and Gears, opens it doors once a month for an intimate show.
“It’s not a humongous studio with 25-foot by 25-foot ceilings or a shady smoke-filled place — it’s a really positive setting,” said the studio’s owner Mor Mezrich, who lives above the studio in the two-story house.
Audience members get a typical hour-long show. After the gig, fans can visit the website to see how the song looks on film — after all, the performance does take place in a room filled with microphones and cameras.
“It’s a nice opportunity for fans — an entry into behind the scenes,” Mezrich said.
These musicians might be up-and- coming, but they have a large and growing fan base. Last month’s Live at Ears and Gears performer was Devyn Rush, a season 10 contestant on American Idol.
Astoria singer/ songwriter Pauline Pisano and her band, I, Revere, whose music is hip yet ambient, played for 500 fans at the Bohemian Beer Hall down the street from the studio. I, Revere and Pisano will perform on July 28 at Live at Ears and Gears.
Mezrich, a musician in his own right, met Pisano on stage and later recorded her performing backup vocals.
“Pauline is a great songwriter with an incredible, powerful voice and commanding stage presence,” he said, adding that Saturday’s set will be acoustic.
Doors open an hour before the show for a meet and greet and to avoid stragglers, Mezrich said. The RSVP-only shows draw about 30 people.
Israeli-born Mezrich moved to California after graduating in 2006 from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduation he worked for many prestigious studios.
With 20 years of recording and music engineering experience, he moved to New York. Shortly after, in 2010 he opened the Ears and Gears studio.
When: July 28, doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: RSVP for studio location
Tickets: Free, earsandgears.com/
Welcome to the discussion.
Or, use your linked account: