Our Artist Spotlight series by AZ Studio Workstations features our valued clients sharing their genuine experiences with our studio desks. We're thrilled to have real artists talk about why they chose us and how AZ Studio Workstations has transformed their creative spaces.
This edition is honored to feature Justin M. Brauer, a theater music director, educator, arranger, producer, and engraver from Illinois. Brauer will share how the Spike 88 Studio Desk has revolutionized his creative workflow. Stay tuned for an engaging and insightful article as Justin M. Brauer takes center stage in today's edition!
Artist Spotlight: Justin M. Brauer
Justin M. Brauer boasts a diverse career spanning various roles including theater music director, educator, arranger, producer, and engraver. His professional journey includes collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Music Theatre International, the Curtis Institute of Music, Purdue University, Children's Musical Theater San Jose, Parkland College, and numerous colleges and high schools nationwide.
In addition to his work in academia, Brauer is a proficient keyboardist, contributing to the "midwest couchcore" band Junkyard Radio and serving as music director, arranger, and keyboardist for singer Kevin T. Hobbs and roots-rock band Whiskey Shadows. He has also showcased his talent with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra as principal keyboardist. Brauer's musical endeavors extend to his debut EP "Music for Podcasts, vol. 1" released in 2020. He holds a Master of Music in Musicology with a research focus in American musical theater from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also obtained a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in Choral Music.
When Brauer was looking for a production desk for his home studio workstation, he had a lot of specific requirements that needed to be met. “I do a lot of keyboard recording work at the computer in my home studio, so I needed something that would have room for my full-size keyboard on a pull-out tray while allowing me to see the computer and comfortably use the desk with or without the keyboard. It’s really important to me that everything in my studio be within reach, visible, and easily accessible whenever I want to work, and so I needed a desk that would support that.”
Why Justin M. Brauer Chose the Spike 88 Studio Desk
According to Brauer, “I don’t use much rack hardware, and so a lot of the full-size desks I was finding before I landed on the Spike 88 felt like overkill. The Spike 88 is a great balance for the range of my work.”
“When I’m playing and recording, everything is right where I need it, and the desk itself is a great size for when I’m working on arranging or engraving projects and need to have music spread out. The team at AZ added a custom cutout to the keyboard tray, so I’m really able to work with my gear instead of trying to work around it. I’ve got my audio interface in the rack, power clipped to the back, and headphones hanging from the keyboard tray, so I’m always ready to go, regardless of what the project is,” shared Brauer.
The Impact on Justin M. Brauer’s Studio
Brauer says, “I love that I’m always ready to go, regardless of what the project is. I’ve got my computer and monitors on the top shelf, audio interface in the rack, power clipped to the back, and headphones hanging from the keyboard tray, so everything stays very visually uncluttered while still incredibly powerful and efficient.”
Crafted with precision, the Spike 88 Studio Desk is tailored for home studios like Brauer’s with limited space. “Previous iterations of my setup included a desk off to the side of my keyboard, which meant that I was never super comfortable at either working position. Now I can easily switch from playing to writing or working at the computer, and am taking up much less floor space, which comes at a premium in my home.
“That also means that when I have other musicians over to rehearse or record, not only is it more comfortable, but I’m able to quickly set up for whatever needs arise. I also love that the desk will grow and adapt with my studio; the keyboard tray is adjustable, so whatever future controller I might use will fit, there’s plenty of rack space for my needs, and the top shelf gives plenty of room for whatever gear I may want at hand,” added Brauer.
Brauer believes his Spike 88 Studio Desk and the customizations AZ Studio offers has really improved his workflow and attitude. “This desk has really changed the way I work and how I feel when I’m in the studio. This is a professional space, and my environment matches that attitude now. I’m comfortable in my studio and with my equipment, so my work gets done better and faster. AZ had so many great options to choose from and customize, and finding the right desk has absolutely been a game-changer for me!”
To check out what Justin M. Brauer’ is up to and to hear his latest work, visit his Instagram, YouTube, or Website.
How You Can Elevate Your Studio with AZ Studio Workstations
Elevating your studio experience is made effortless with AZ Studio Workstations. Our carefully crafted workstations are designed to enhance productivity, organization, and comfort in your studio environment. Whether you're a musician, producer, composer, or studio owner, our customizable solutions cater to your unique needs and preferences.
From spacious desktop surfaces to ergonomic keyboard trays and cable management systems, our workstations are engineered to optimize workflow and minimize clutter. With durable construction and stylish design, AZ Studio Workstations not only elevate the aesthetics of your studio but also provide a functional and inspiring workspace that fosters creativity and efficiency. Experience the difference with AZ Studio Workstations and take your studio to new heights of excellence.
Elevating your studio experience is effortless with AZ Studio Workstations. Our carefully crafted workstations, such as the Spike 88 Studio Desk, are designed to enhance productivity, organization, and comfort in your studio environment. Whether you're a musician, producer, composer, or studio owner, our customizable solutions cater to your unique needs and preferences.
From the spacious desktop surface of the Apex Studio Workstation to the ergonomic set up of our Elite Sit-Stand Studio Desk, each workstation is engineered to optimize workflow and minimize clutter. With durable construction and stylish design, AZ Studio Workstations not only elevate the aesthetics of your studio but also provide a functional and inspiring workspace that fosters creativity and efficiency. Experience the difference with AZ Studio Workstations and take your studio to new heights of excellence.
