Farmingdale Native Opens Recording Studio

New Royalty Records Recording Studio is owned by lifelong resident Nick Gardino and opened in Farmingdale last year. Since the age of twelve, Gardino has been writing lyrics to songs, and by ninth grade he was sure that he wanted to be a recording engineer.

“New Royalty Records specializes in helping its artists get quality recordings within their budget,” said Gardino, who had been planning to build the business since 2005. “We try to develop a laid-back place, where musicians and bands can expand their artistic creativity, and help them succeed in producing the sound they are looking for.”

At 22-years old, Gardino has earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in business management with a concentration in audio recording technology from Five Towns College. While at the college, he worked for the school in all three of their recording studios as a studio assistant. He managed sessions and often assisted the students with their recording projects.  He also served as an audio tutor assisting undergraduates in understanding audio theory, advanced mixing techniques and how to apply the information in the studio.

A Farmingdale native, Gardino has lived here his entire life and is drawn to the town due to its diverse community.

“I wanted to work with the local communities and their artists,” said Gardino on choosing Farmingdale as the ideal location for the studio. "There are a lot of great artists and musicians that have been coming my way from this area, and I really enjoy working with them."

Gardino attended Farmingdale High School.

“[It was] a place with a very diverse student body,” he said. “It gave me a good education with a lot of opportunities.”

New Royalty Records’ roster is comprised of solo instrumentalists, rock and jazz musicians and hip-hop artists. Indie-rock band All New Episode, jazz musician Melody Rose and rapper B.O.P. have all been recording in the studio from the beginning.

The client list also includes Ambianis, Birdwatch, Faded Horizon, Jack Swagger, Kim Caperna, Maria Mendez, Matt Mantro of 33rd Dimension, Mic Dams, Myztery, Live16, Space Harbor Highlight, Speakers and many more.

“The key to capturing a good recording is to make the artists feel comfortable and that’s what we do at New Royalty Records,” Gardino said.

As head recording engineer, owner and studio manager, Gardino’s job description involves recording music from the ground up and refining the different elements before finally mixing them down to a finished song. He also manages business ads and events while going to middle and high school schools to give talks to students about the music business though the “Learning Through Life” program.

“To be an entrepreneur is an important aspect of our culture since it changes the lives of people by creating new jobs,” said Gardino. “In such difficult economic times, I would love to see more small businesses develop in the years to come. Hopefully some of the kids I speak to will be encouraged to do so in their futures.”

Gardino also handles the booking of new artists and promotes their music by displaying it on his website and other online media.

“The hardest aspect of my job is letting people know that we exist,” said Gardino. “That there is a studio out there that artists can use for a reasonable price to meet or exceed their recording needs.”

His plans for the future of New Royalty Records are to expand by moving into a new facility, to reinvest in upgrades for the studio and to possibly build a second studio within the new facility, to employ additional engineers.

Lastly, he hopes to start an indie record label to help distribute and promote his artists’ music.

“Nick is the best engineer I know,” said jazz singer-songwriter Melody Rose. “I don’t trust anyone else with recording my vocals. He makes it a comfortable atmosphere to record, and creates an ‘at home’ feeling in the studio.”

“I love spending time at New Royalty Records,” said Gregory Sands. “It’s the quintessential environment for an artist. As an actor and artist myself, it’s really important to have open creative space and I feel that New Royalty can afford me with that privilege.”