by Ashley Centers For Inland 360
Construction began on what is now Mountain Man Music Studio in 2007, when Jess Fuller and his previous band members needed a place to practice.
However, by the time it was ready for use, the band had fizzled out. In 2013 he opened it as one of Moscow’s only full-fledged recording studios.
“I’ve been recording my own projects for years and have amassed a wealth of knowledge and skills to produce albums,” said Fuller, 38, who has a degree in music theory from University of Idaho. “I wanted to share my gift with the local community, to help other young artists looking to make a place for themselves get there.”
Fuller is inviting musicians to an open jam Saturday at his D Street studio to meet and share musical projects. His goals for Mountain Man Music include making it a place for individuals or small groups of musicians to come and write, or work on their songs under his guidance with the ability to collaborate with peers.
Fuller spends between five to eight hours a day working on projects related to Mountain Man Music and holds another part-time job to pay his bills. He’s looking for a part-time intern to take over when his current assistant moves on after the coming fall semester, he said.
Fuller describes his own music as “dark, but with random moments of light and fun.” He said his sound tends toward the cinematic, with a recent focus on simplicity to bring out the emotions contained within the music. His style blends orchestral, electronic and rock influences.
Music has long been a part of Fuller’s life, starting with experiments using a MIDI program on his family’s home computer in the early ‘90s.
“When I was young, it was kind of a family choice between sports and music,” he said. “Music just seemed more interesting to me and had a more lasting nature to it.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Open Jam
WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 30
WHERE: Mountain Man Music Studio, 321 East D St., Moscow
COST: Free
