Studio Nihil provides local artists with affordability in recording, mixing and mastering

BY SCOTT REIF
The Ramspondents

It is no secret that Fort Collins is a hub of local music in Colorado, with organizations like The Music District and the Fort Collins Musicians Association supporting hundreds of artists, especially in their live performance endeavors. 

In the business of music recording, Fort Collins’ most notable spot is that of The Blasting Room – owned by Black Flag drummer and Descendents songwriter Bill Stevenson. However, for artists wanting to record their first singles, extended-plays (EPs) and albums, places like The Blasting Room demand a high price that these artists often can’t pay. 

However, a Fort Collins home studio called Studio Nihil is offering a solution for any artist to record their material at a more affordable rate.

“I started Studio Nihil because I wanted to record my own music and quickly realized how difficult and expensive that process can be,” Elliot Gacke, the founder of Studio Nihil, said. “Every art community struggles with exclusivity, so I wanted to build a space where anyone who is open minded could feel welcome.”

Situated in the basement of Gacke’s home, Studio Nihil is a culmination of years of work for the sole operator of the space. “The studio grew step by step,” Gacke said. “I began with very simple setups, even recording vocals on a cell phone in a closet, and gradually traded up equipment as I could. My dad helped me build the sound treatment from my designs, and over time we repainted and reshaped the space to make it feel warm and inviting.”

The result is a space that Gacke describes as “...more personal and less business focused than many other studios.”

“I keep the process straightforward,” Gacke said. “Artists come in, we record, I offer guidance if they want it, and they leave with their music. It is about creating without unnecessary barriers or pressure.”

As the studio has helped produce several pieces of music for many bands in Northern Colorado, Gacke holds the establishing factor of affordability near and dear. “Affordability matters because it keeps the door open for artists who might otherwise be shut out,” Gacke said. “Music often comes from struggle, and it is discouraging when financial barriers prevent people from sharing their work.”

Though the basement studio being run by a sole operator doesn’t service nationally recognized acts and artists, Gacke said supporting music at the local level is just as important – perhaps more. 

“Supporting local music scenes is essential,” Gacke said. “They are where artists learn, grow, and connect. When people share knowledge, promote each other’s work, and offer constructive feedback, it strengthens everyone involved. Even if Studio Nihil is not widely known, I am excited about every new artist I work with because each one adds something meaningful to the scene.”

In the future, Gacke intends to keep providing for the local music community and working in audio. Studio Nihil, for now, shows no signs of slowing down. 

“I plan to keep building opportunities for artists,” Gacke said. “We have hosted workshops that taught young people how to record and mix their own songs, which were inspiring experiences. Right now, we are recording live acts on tour with both video and audio, partnering with Mad Martian Media and Gray Borders.”

“I want to continue creating space for artists to be heard and keep the studio alive,” Gacke said. “The studio exists because every artist deserves a place to create, regardless of background or resources.”

For those interested in recording their music at an affordable price, Elliot Gacke and Studio Nihil can be reached online at StudioNihil.com, on Instagram (@studionihil), and via email ([email protected]).

Scott Reif is a senior student of CSU’s Journalism & Media Communications program minoring in Music Business. He also works as a videographer and production assistant for Barnfly Productions, led by Emmy-award-winner John Barnhardt. 

By ISABELLA HEMNESS
The Ramspondents

The City of Fort Collins is seeking candidates to fill the District 6 City Council opening following Emily Francis’ election as mayor. 

Applications for this vacant seat are due no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 31. City Council will narrow this application pool down to no more than five during a special meeting on Jan 13. Afterwards the City Council will hold interviews and select an applicant at a work session and special meeting on Jan 14. The selected applicant will be sworn into office at the Jan 20 City Council meeting. 

This City Council seat appointment will last until a newly elected councilmember is sworn in following the November 2027 municipal election. If the appointed Councilmember wishes to retain the seat, they will need to run for election in November 2027. 

All applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Application materials can be found at www.fcgov.com/council/council-vacancy or by contacting the City Clerk at [email protected], 970-221-6515, or visiting the City Clerk’s Office at 300 Laporte Ave.

Isabella Hemness is a student at Colorado State University, studying journalism and international studies. With journalism experience through classes such as Newswriting, Video Editing and Advanced Reporting and an interest in community engagement and factual storytelling, Isabella works to inform and entertain through her writing. As a member of the Ramspondents, Isabella seeks to inform the population of CSU, Fort Collins, and beyond with accuracy and creativity.

Calvin Masten
The Ramspondents

The Northern Colorado county has specifically been awarded $9,856,000 through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The program will fund projects and activities for the next five years.

These projects will specifically target wildfire defense in Estes Park and a forecasted landscape corridor along the Big Thompson Canyon area, just outside Estes Park.

The Big Thompson Watershed Health Partnership is a key initiative of the overall project. The partnership is dedicated to minimizing wildfire risk and improving community resilience in the face of wildfires. 

The grant will help to fund a large variety of projects and activities aimed at wildfire defense. These projects include treatments to improve defensible space for as many as 900 parcels, strategic fuel treatments along up to seven miles of important roadways, and improving evacuation procedures, along with many other projects.

This project and grant are a part of a much larger initiative to improve wildfire defense programs in local counties and communities. Larimer County is among 58 other wildfire defense grants, totaling $200 million. 

In May 2024, Larimer County and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed were given a similar $9.6 million grant for the Red Feather Lakes Area Wildfire Defense Project, a project dedicated to improving wildfire defense along the entire Red Feather Lakes area. 

Partners in this project include the Larimer County Conservation Corps, the Colorado State Forest Service, and Pinewood Road Association and the Pinewood Lake Wildfire Action Group.

For more information regarding the grant and how it will benefit Larimer County, go to Larimer County’s spotlight page or check out the USDA Forest Service’s website detailing the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program.

Calvin Masten is a third-year Journalism and Media Communication major and Sociology minor at Colorado State University. His fondness for interpersonal stories and human connections drives his enjoyment of writing, editing, and filming.