Ben Roth - Kaleidoscope Recording Studio, Making Music, Business & More | Tone Tailors Podcast Ep.03

In episode three of Tone Tailors Podcast, I catch up with Ben Roth. Ben begins by telling the story behind Kaleidoscope Recording Studio. He and his partners met in music school and wanted a place for creative players in Lancaster. We cover how they found a space, collected gear, and built a vibe that keeps local artists coming back.Then, we dive into the nuts and bolts of running a studio. Ben talks honesty—how he balances recording sessions with invoices, schedules, and those tricky client emails. He explains why relationships matter, how a solid Spotify playlist can lead to referrals, and why he always matches his approach to each artist’s style. Ben also walks me through his favorite gear picks—from old guitar amps to modern digital consoles—and explains why clarity in the mix matters so much. We touch on how home studio setups and software shifts forced them to rethink their process, and why staying flexible keeps them current. He shares how he handles session fees, tips for negotiating fair rates, and his process for mastering tracks and preparing final mixes. Along the way, we debate the pros and cons of analog tape versus digital recording, and why certain songs demand different tools.We shift gears to the tough lessons of COVID. Ben shares the choices he faced when lockdown hit. He explains how they stayed busy, followed safety rules, and leaned on online sessions to keep the studio alive and support artists remotely.Later, we turn up the volume on live sound. Ben breaks down his role at Zoetropolis Cinema & Stillhouse, showing what goes on behind the scenes at film screenings, concerts, and special events. Then he recounts his Monday night mixes at The Village Nightclub—how room acoustics and band styles shape his approach. We finish by talking about his gigs at the Lizard Lounge and why he loves small house shows for their raw energy and close crowd.Finally, Ben gets personal. He tells stories from his time in punk band Kids and his new project, The New Forever. We close with a look at local venues, why boutique spots and DIY house shows both have room in Lancaster’s scene, and what it takes to keep a music community growing.If you record, mix, or run a venue—or if you just want a real look at how the work happens—this episode is for you. Press play to hear straight talk on gear, business, and the craft behind the music.Music Used in This Episode: -Lame Gretzky - Best Year So Farhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMnd9SxpA2I...an alt-rock band from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, formed in 2020 after mutual friends within the music scene reached out to collaborate and write some music to jam to. -The Old Rap Language by Mighty Theodorehttps://mightytheodore.bandcamp.com/album/the-old-rap-languageThe Old Rap Language is a testament to Mighty Theodore's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. It's a must-listen for fans of classic Hip Hop who appreciate artists who can truly connect with their audience on a deep level. -New Space by PINKi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O47uV6ev9VsLancaster Habitat for Humanity ReStore is moving on June 22nd! We will have 60% more sales floor space and 127 parking spots. To celebrate, we've enlisted Ian 'PINK i' Sanchez-Herasme to create a new song to celebrate this momentous occasion.-Tone Tailors - Shop in Store & Online!https://tonetailors.com/When they first started the shop, owners John LeClair and JP Painton aimed to create an environment that was unique, inviting, and stocked with resources to help musicians find the right gear for the job. Once Chad Taylor (founding guitarist for the band Live) came aboard to fine-tune a solid business plan, Tone Tailors was born. The whole Tone Tailors team has grown to become a one-stop shop for all things music production and live performing.