by A new multifunctional music complex 7 Monkeys has opened in Kyiv, which can simultaneously serve as a rehearsal base, a recording studio, and even a music school! The owner of the studio, Vlad Veleev, founder and frontman of the band Refinders, describes the idea of its creation as follows: “Kyiv has long become a place of designer restaurants, cafes, and clubs, people are accustomed to comfort and style, but… most engage in music in unequipped, uncomfortable spaces due to a lack of alternatives. So I created it, this opportunity. I want musicians to feel like special people.”
The first thing that catches the eye when you get here is that the studio is fantastically equipped, it sounds excellent thanks to individual acoustic design, and features a modern and stylish interior. Everything is thought out here—from artistic wall decor to neon lighting and music in the restrooms. The art design was crafted by the talented Kyiv designer Katya Lopatuk, and her sister, an eco-activist and upcycling movement representative, developed the wall artwork. Current equipment combined with stylish decor has created an inspiring combination.
So, let’s take a walk around the 7 Monkeys studio.
To begin with, there are 4 spacious rehearsal rooms equipped with necessary gear: drum sets, guitar amplifiers, keyboards, etc. Each room is acoustically designed and professionally soundproofed.
7 Monkeys has already been chosen as a place for rehearsals and sessions by Yuri Bardash, Wellboy, the band Corruption, Kvartal 95, Melovin, Atomic Simao, “Club of Noble Singers”, Aniko Dolidze, and many other excellent musicians.
Secondly, 7 Monkeys is a recording studio with expanded capabilities. Vocal recording, separate instrument recording, assembling the entire composition in one or several rooms, recording audio or video podcasts, conducting sound mixing sessions, and broadcasting online from five cameras to Instagram/Facebook/YouTube are all available here. Additionally, professional music videos can be recorded (with professional operators working in the team and a dedicated video equipment fleet).
Recently, Evgeny Filatov (The Maneken) even recorded the orchestral section of music for a new Ukrainian film here.
Besides all else, 7 Monkeys is also a music school with classes in guitar, drums, piano, and vocals. The school not only teaches singing and playing instruments but helps young people or budding artists create their creative projects. The idea is to unite “students” into musical groups and organize rehearsals under the supervision of qualified teachers. Once the formed group masters a program of 3-4 songs, they are given a chance to perform in public at 7 Monkeys concerts. The program is called Band Starter, and you can try and register at the website www.7monkeys.kiev.ua
The studio works with a team of sound producers, so any creative tasks of the recording industry can be executed here: writing an arrangement for tracks, mixing and refining an already finished arrangement, and even ordering a complete song tailored to your taste. A new musical space, 7 Monkeys, has opened in Kyiv: a rehearsal base, recording studio, and music school. The article describes all the possibilities this wonderful place opens up.
