P&P Sound: A Mobile Recording Studio

Pensacola, Florida is not particularly known for its ability to bring in, and record artists music. Recording studios are in very short supply and can be counted on one hand. Local bands have few options when it comes to the slavenly laborious process of recording their music so many may have an opportunity to not just hear it, but perhaps see a show live.

Most, must make the trek to other environs such as Mobile, Biloxi, or New Orleans where some of the most iconic artists have recorded hit records for decades. Not everyone unfortunately, has a budget for such trips, most are struggling with the frustration of just finding venues that will give them a shot, let alone record the contents of their musical hearts.

Well, Pensacola now has an affordable solution catered to the grass roots music community. Introducing Bob Rupe's P&P Sound!

I took some time recently to visit Bob at a recording session at The Gordon Community Center, where I witnessed what's possible when a man cares so much for the local music scene. Bob Rupe will go just about anywhere to record a band, an artist, or whomever requires the benefit of Bob's years of expertise. Being a musician himself and an accomplished bass player, Bob truly understands the dilemma's associated with attempting to get the music out there. He's been there, he knows.

Upon stepping into the spacious room housing Bob's portable studio setup, my attention was drawn to Mr. Jesse Bumann, a talented local musician known for his collaborations with various bands and artists around town. With headphones donned, he skillfully strummed chords on an electric guitar. Fully amped, the notes he played were obviously a track required to round out the mix. I witnessed Bob coaching Jesse, not just on technique, but suggesting alternate riffs to his playing that Bob thought would kick it up a notch. It was blatantly obvious to me that Jesse had found a true professional and mentor in Bob Rupe.

"Working with Bob was a tremendous experience. Watching his process helped me grow as an artist and understand the studio better than than before I met him. He's also quite funny and a great guy to work with, I cant recommend him enough!" Jesse Bumann

I observed headphones on mic stands, and when I settled in, Bob offered me a pair so I could hear the entire mix while Jesse played his parts. Quite a different experience from previously hearing only the supporting chords being played. I had been in recording studios in my past and even recorded tracks for a promo CD in Houston with The Forty Boys, a trio I performed with all over the greater Houston metroplex, but honestly, I had no idea how much work it takes to record an artist, or band for that matter on location.

"Its certainly one thing to record in a studio, but there are many variables that can cause roadblocks, such as the acoustics and ambient noise, I never know what I'm dealing with till I get there." - Bob Rupe

Bobs certainly has been around. He's been in bands since 1985 playing bass guitar and singing vocals. Bob has rubbed elbows with some big hitters over the years, too many to list here.

Yessir! Mr. Bob Rupe not only knows what it takes to make a recording the very best it could possibly be, he cares deeply and personally for those he's recording.

Bob's first studio was built in Richmond, Virginia where he started P&P Sound. I asked him what the P&P stood for and he said,"Well, at first it meant Plaster and Pine...the primary materials required to build the studio at the time. It now stands for Pensacola & Panhandle", which, has more meaning and significance now that Bob has joined our beach community full time.

Bob's goal at P&P Sound is to not only provide and produce high quality recording services, but to do so without breaking a player's budget.

"Most bands cant afford studio time at a well known shop. I try hard to meet an artists budget so they may get noticed " - Bob Rupe

Follow P&P Sound on social media at facebook.com/pandpsoundservice

You can find a list of P&P Sound's music credits at allmusic.com/artist/bob-rupe