The sun had already set over the Lompoc skyline, and North H Street was lit by the lampposts, still open businesses, and cars speeding down the city’s main drag. We pulled into the parking lot of an unobtrusive building with the name Certain Sparks Recording Studio and Music Lessons emblazoned on the side.
Since this was my first experience in a professional recording studio, I didn’t know what to expect when my fellow musicians and I lugged our equipment inside. Randall Sena, owner and operator of Certain Sparks, immediately made everyone feel welcome with his youthful energy, helpfulness, and the ambiance of his studio.
“I just wanted it to be more comfortable but professional,” Sena said. “You always know what it is like when you are with friends making music in a creative environment; and I just wanted that, for people to be comfortable and for people to be creative.”
Sena’s studio is organized yet relaxed with a definite living room vibe. The control room isn’t the usual stuffy cubicle studded with buttons and dials, but a sophisticated workstation with room for guests to sit and enjoy observing without feeling in the way. The band space is a good size, with a kitschy appeal, complete with old record album jackets stapled to the ceiling.
Sena began his journey into music as a teenager, inspired by such bands as Nirvana and others. He learned guitar, bass, and drums, and played in several bands including Le Petit Protest. His current band is Millions, which performs on the Central Coast. And since he grew up playing music, he’s had several experiences in professional recording studios.
“It was after I had been to a couple of studios—I had been a guest—that I didn’t like the studio experience,” he said. “I started recording myself and then my friends on a little four-track recorder. We started to realize we could do it better than the studios I was going to.”
It was in 2005 that Sena started renting out a rehearsal space for his band and continued his own recordings, which led to recording more friends, and then friends of friends. He opened Certain Sparks in 2006 and began recording professionally and teaching music.
“I always wanted it to be more than a jam space, but a business,” he said. “My goal is to always make it sound good. A lot of studios are so technical, they can tell you all these different factors about recording, but can they make it sound good?”
Besides recording local groups or soloists such as The First Line, Oso, Dante Elaphonte, Chris Lambert, Champion McConnell, or Emily Wryn (winner of several categories in the 2012 New Times Music Awards), Sena also teaches music at his studio. An experienced guitar player, bassist, and drummer, he teaches all ages the art of music.
“It is always nice when you have someone learning something that they are excited to learn,” he said.
Besides music, Sena also offers coaching for bands and lessons in Pro Tools, the recording software he uses. He also teaches a “Build a Band” class at the Lompoc Boys and Girls Club. From my experience, Sena also offers advice gratis during a recording session that can help improve a recording or performance.
“When I started playing, I ran into all these problems,” he said. “The music business in general isn’t organized itself; that is part of the problem.
“I try to be like the uncle figure, giving some good advice,” he continued. “It comes from wanting to know that stuff growing up and wishing someone would tell me.”
Sena’s expertise definitely helps the artist trying to provide a quality performance. Anything can happen during a recording session, but he makes sure the musician’s attention only need be on the music.
“What gets me going is people who are really dedicated to their craft, or they are taking a chance,” he said. “I think, a lot of times, those great albums were made in the moment, and if you aren’t open to being creative in the moment, you might lose that, and working with people who want to go with the moment is very exciting.”
Relax with wine and music
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
Late night melodies
The 510 Event Center presents a live blues jam featuring local musicians led by Juan Marquez and Sangria Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Orlando also spins for “Margarita Night” every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturdays feature an open mic from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday nights are Latin night featuring live norteño and banda music. Call for times. The 510 Event Center is at 510 South Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-5510, 510eventcenter@gmail.com, facebook.com/510eventcenter, or 510eventcenter.com.
Jammin’ at the Radisson
The Radisson Hotel presents live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. with Joan Marquez and Sangria. Sunday brunch with guitarist Mike Tibault is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Serving up the swank
The Santa Maria Inn presents “A New Twist on an Old Favorite” in the Tap Room, featuring performances by Mezcal on Fridays. Mofongo performs the first Saturday of each month, the Sammy Labastida Jazz and Blues Band performs the second Saturday of each month, Louie Ortega performs the third Saturday of each month, and Lawless and Dean perform the fourth Saturday of each month. The shows take place in the Tap Room, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-7777 or santamariainn.com.
A little bit country
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live country music on Nov. 23 and 24 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” is Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 22-29, 2012.