Rehearsal studio is sweet, sweet music

By Shaun Inguanzo
A MUSIC industry guru is hoping his new rehearsal studio in Dandenong will be music to the ears of the more than 150 bands in Greater Dandenong.
Impassioned musician Shane Harman, 32, this year opened the Band Booth rehearsal venue in Brighton Road, Dandenong, where bands and other artists can go to rehearse and not worry about bothering the neighbours.
Mr Harman told Star that the Band Booth was unique to Greater Dandenong, with his nearest competition located in Hallam and Rowville.
Mr Harman has 16 years experience in the music industry – including playing in bands – and said he understood the importance of a good rehearsal venue.
The Band Booth has expertly-designed acoustic rooms to allow bands to hear just how good they sound, he said.
In addition, Mr Harman said he would pass on his knowledge and wisdom to young bands who are starting out, or in need of improvement.
“I am already working with (Greater Dandenong’s) Muso Network to help put on their Battle of the Bands,” he said.
“I am also networking with some of the clubs around Greater Dandenong to try to provide an environment where younger bands can get into a career.
“(The Band Booth) can help them to get out of the garage and into a working environment.”
Mr Harman originally planned to open the Band Booth in Preston, where a competitor was turning away clients due to its limited capacity. But planning permit hassles forced Mr Harman to sniff around and research a new location.
He said Greater Dandenong was ideal because there was no existing competition but there were a lot of young bands.
“The Muso Network told me there happens to be about 150 bands in Dandenong,” Mr Harman said.
So keen was he on Greater Dandenong that Mr Harman and family uprooted to Hampton Park to be close to the business.
“A three-hour session costs $44 and a six-hour costs $66 for our standard rooms,” he said
“The deluxe room, which is larger, costs $55 and $88 respectively.”
To contact the Band Booth, phone 9794 7722.