Certain Sparks Music has been Lompoc’s go-to spot for quality recording sessions for years. Owner/operator Randall Sena has recorded and produced countless local projects and is well respected for his skillful recordings and friendly attitude and service. It came as a bit of a shock to the young entrepreneur when his longtime rental location went up for sale, and he was forced to look elsewhere to house his recording and music lesson studio.
In a serendipitous exchange, Sena took over the location of Howlin’ Byroon’s Music Exchange farther down H Street, in the middle of Lompoc’s historic downtown next to South Side Coffee. Certain Sparks Music has expanded the services and goods offered thanks to the wealth of new possibilities afforded by the new location, Sena explained.
“It’s a lucky break,” he said. “It can be hard when you are trying to start or expand a business, and we have a lot of space we can utilize.”
The space offers a large, open common area that includes the store’s front counter, retail instrument display, music books, records, and sound equipment. There is a loft area overlooking the front half of the store, up a small staircase in which Sena has set up a common area with chairs, magazines, and some sample instruments. This area provides a place for patrons to relax, socialize, and jam, which is an important factor in a music store, Sena explained.
“We are trying to make it more of a place to feel good about, and not just come in and buy something,” he said. “It’s really about the culture of music, which is as much socializing as it is playing.”
The common area is much loved by music students awaiting their turn for lessons. The back of the house is dedicated to teaching, with several small studios perfect for stringed instrument lessons, drums, and keyboards. Already, a number of Lompoc-based teachers work out of Certain Sparks Music.
The wide hall and tall ceilings also provide a perfect setting for Sena’s recording sessions, which happen by night. The unique space allows for a wide-open layout of instruments across the hardwood floor, as well as a smaller sound booth complete with a window overlooking the hall. This is ideal, Sena explained, as the space itself lends a sound and character to recordings.
“The space is freaking sweet,” he said. “I have always wanted to get away from the separate rooms idea, because bleed isn’t that big of a deal if you know what you are doing, and this place has got much more of a flow to it.”
Sena has spent years as a patron of music stores, and so he has a definite idea of what he does and doesn’t like about certain set ups. He’s hoping to establish his new location as a musical hub for the community, not just a storefront. He has already played host to concerts, which he hopes to feature regularly on Sundays, as well as record days, where patrons can bring records and listen to old vinyl LPs. He also rents out rehearsal space to local bands and wants to carry albums by local artists.
“It’s just great to see people come in here and enjoy what we have done, and we haven’t even done that much yet,” Sena said. “Culturally, it’s starting to be a bit of an oasis here, and there is really a hunger for it.”
Swing on by
Certain Sparks Music in Lompoc offers musical instruments and supplies, repairs, lessons, and recording sessions every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 107 S. H St. in Lompoc. More info: 588-9479 or certainsparks.com.
Hot coals
Standing Sun Wines presents Live in the Winery with The Coals performing Jan. 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Standing Sun, 92 Second St. D, Buellton. Cost is $10 to $15. More information is available at 904-8072 or standingsunwines.com.
See the strings
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features live music by Emily Wryn on Jan. 2. Andrew Beal and VineLyte perform Jan. 3. Shows happen at 7:30 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More information is available at 430-8356 or dvinewinebarandbistro.com.
Marquez on the mike
The Radisson Hotel presents live music Fridays and Saturdays, including Juan Marquez performing Jan. 9 and 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More information is available at 928-8000.
Where the mic is open
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic event for musicians and poets on Wednesdays, including Jan. 7 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lucia’s Wine Co. Tasting Room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More information is available at 332-3080 or lucias-wine-co.com.
Maverick jams
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment each weekend, including Paperplanes on Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck with Cow Tippers is Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. Randy Emmet and the Cow Tippers perform Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More information is available at 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 1-8, 2015.