Hosting jams at his home studio leads Jason Buck to a band of Kyndryd musicians
by David D’Angelo and Erica Preus, Two Stray Dogs
Jason Buck grew up in the Palos Verdes home with a panoramic view of the bay that is now the Sea Palace recording studio.
“I found myself at a critical point in 1998 when my parents divorced, and I did everything I could to buy that house. It took a year to design and a year to construct the studio. It’s completely built to enhance sound and minimize vibration,” said Buck.
His vision for Sea Palace was one where musicians could come together for what appeared to be a social gathering, and end the evening in a musical dialogue. Together with partner and studio engineer, Joel Geist, along with support from Steve Aguilar, Phil Baranchik, Jeremy Buck, Mark D., and Mike Moody, Buck strives to create an atmosphere that is free, open, and ready to be filled with spontaneous musical creation.
“My priority with the studio was hosting jams with people who wanted to connect musically,” said Buck. “They would come over for dinner, share a meal, relax, and then move into the studio room to communicate by notes in a musical conversation.”
“Even if you haven’t heard of us, you have probably listened to music that was played or recorded here,” Buck said, referring to South Bay music fans. “It is a different experience here because you can forget that you are in Los Angeles at all, and capitalize on gaining that creative energy through the space.”
Hosting a musical roster with names such as Jeremy Buck (no relation), Royal Peeps, Gorgeous Got A Gun, and Particle, the Sea Palace has carved a niche for itself as a well known local recording space.
Shortly after the studio was born, Buck organized his mosaic gatherings into what came to be called Sunday Skool, a meeting of musical minds for impromptu creation. Participating musicians have included Jeremy Buck (no relation), Royal Peeps, Gorgeous and Got a Gun.
“Sunday Skool is an improvisational jam with selected artists, sometimes meeting each other for the first time in the studio, and introducing one another through musical conversation. Mike Mangan’s Big Organ Trio was formed here, and Ty Taylor was introduced to the Royal Peeps at the Sea Palace.”
The jams are private. However, they are broadcast live over the internet for anyone to enjoy at www.theseapalacestudio.com.
A new note
Shortly after completing his studio Buck was invited to a networking group by Karma Foundation co founder James Pratt. The Karma Foundation encourages entrepreneurs to “pay it forward.” It’s best known for hosting the Kandyland parties at the Playboy Mansion.
Buck, who suffers from attention deficit disorder, began to seek ways to use his musical connections to help others.
“Two weeks after my conversation with James a band called No Boundaries, came to the Sea Palace to record. They needed a guitarist and asked me to join the band. I truly felt it was a calling.”
The group chose the name Kyndred and is led by singer Lauren Brenner, who also suffers from attention deficit disorder. Drummer Lou Hinzo has diabetes and a past history of drug addiction, bass player Michael Andrews has epilepsy and dyslexia, keyboardist Harry Q battles schizophrenia and deep vein thrombosis, percussionist Kevin Wood has Williams Syndrome, and fellow percussionist Chris Rodriguez is autistic.
“When Jason took over as the guitarist that was really what brought it from being an extra curricular activity to being a serious band. We stopped doing cover songs and began doing our own original stuff,” Brenner said.
What the world might see as a challenge, or a difficulty, Brenner sees as a gift that led her to where she is today.
“Having ADD didn’t negatively affect my artistic side at all, I think it helped me to figure out early exactly what I wanted to do with my life since higher math and English skills were difficult,” said Brenner. “If anything, I see it as a blessing for showing me what I really wanted to do.”
With the goal of not only raising awareness regarding their conditions, but also of promoting human equality, The message Kyndryd puts forth is simple: Everyone has a disability, and everyone has an ability.
“Lauren was the one who came up with the message that everyone has an ability and disability,” Buck said. “Some people are earmarked as disabled, but they also have a certain talent. People who have used their challenge to their benefit to be creative, otherwise would have just slipped through the cracks of life.”
“Everyone has a challenge, whether it is diagnosed or labeled or not,” said Brenner. “Ours just happen to be labeled. But in reality, no one is stronger or weaker than anyone else, and everyone is capable of bringing something amazing to the table.”
“I have been so inspired by fans I’ve met who face even bigger challenges than I do,” said Brenner. “A lyric I wrote on the CD says, ‘I was singing to myself but someone sang to me.’ Our fan base inspires me to keep making music.”
“We are going to be playing in more local clubs and venues this year, not just charitable events,” said Brenner. “We are not a band that says ‘ah, look at the disabled people playing music.’ We are full fledged artists, and we want people to understand that we are just as entertaining as any of the other bands you can go see in the South Bay.”
“My goal for Kyndryd is to use the band to spread awareness about these disabilities all over the country. I would love to inspire other communities to join our cause or start their own bands,” said Buck. “We want to work with people through music to teach them how to achieve a level of accomplishment and feeling of wellbeing.”
For more on Kyndryd visit www.theseapalacestudio.com. ER
