Over the past 10 years there’s been a steady migration of New York-based musicians and venues from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Subsequent to that trend, recording studios and rehearsal spaces are headed southbound as well. Enter Rough Magic Studios, a five-room studio and rehearsal space in Greenpoint.

Rough Magic is catching the attention of many acts with its musician-friendly vibe, laid-back atmosphere and professional staff. Albert Cohen, a partner in the studio, explains why bands appreciate it: “We’re not just trying to bring in people to make money; we really want people to feel comfortable in our space.”

Their client list reads like a who’s who of some top bands from the area. So far members of Soulive, American Babies, Beirut, and many others have recorded at the studio. Cohen explains how Soulive became a regular client: “We brought them in for a session, and they said it’s a really comfortable place and the vibe is good. So much so that now they rent from us.”

Recently Brad Barr and Sonya Kitchell stopped by Rough Magic to record a track. Barr is a founding member of The Slip, and Kitchell is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter who is currently on tour with Herbie Hancock. Brad Barr was kind enough to share some thoughts with us about recording with Kitchell at Rough Magic, other projects he’s currently working on and more. Read on…