Translator Audio and The South Sound Studios in Brooklyn Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy

Translator Audio, the Brooklyn, NY recording studio owned by producer Andrew Schneider (Cave In, Converge, Made out of Babies, Keelhaul, etc etc etc) and Candiria’s John LaMacchia, was decimated by the flood waters brought on by Hurricane Sandy earlier this week. The studio had recently located to The South Sound music complex at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 6th Street in the low-lying neighborhood of Gowanus, just one block from the Gowanus Canal.

Here’s a statement that Schneider posted on Translator Audio’s Facebook page:

Hurricanes Are Horrible Things

Translator Audio and its new home The South Sound were both completely obliterated by Hurricane Sandy. The high tide at the height of the storm brought water levels between 5 and 6 feet gushing through the whole building. I have been through many studio floods in my life but nothing even close to this. The violent force of the water is hard to imagine but the destruction it caused was complete. Metal security doors mangled, bent and torn off their frames, whole walls ripped apart, others left barely hanging, solid wood doors snapped in half etc. All equipment, mics, amps and instruments had no chance. The devastation throughout Translator Audio (as well as the other 2 studios and the 13 practice spaces in The South Sound) was massive and the loss is 100%.

Clearly we are all still in shock. We did all we could to prepare for the coming of the hurricane but no one could have imagined this. In a flash, 2 businesses and 20 years of collected gear was gone.

Since day one our friends have been the backbone of this studio and we continue to be humbled by their efforts. Many people have already reached out to us. We don’t know how to organize or direct these offers yet but all help is extremely appreciated right now. Updates will be coming. If any nerdily inclined friends want to grab a piece or 2 of rack gear in an attempt to bring it back to life for us that would be great. We have specific information on how to do this.

This is proof that bad shit can happen to good people. My partners in both businesses are also good good friends and continue to show their strength and generosity at every turn. The same is true of all the bands and businesses at The South Sound. Though this community is brand new I am extremely proud to be a part of it. I am simply confused at how something like this could happen to so many great people.

Thanks again to all that are helping us. We will figure something out. Keep making good records!

Andrew Schneider

We’ll continue to send good thoughts to all the folks at The South Sound and Translator Audio. We’ll let you know of any ways you can help contribute to their rebuilding efforts.