We visited The Foundry Recording Studio in Bethlehem to learn how a simple idea grew into one of the most ambitious creative spaces in the Lehigh Valley.
Co-directors Jason Wegfahrt and Justin Blackstone shared how the studio was built around three pillars: access, community, and education.
“To be able to be used as a hub for the music community here in the Valley, because a commercial space like this hasn't existed yet. At least in this capacity it hasn't. And so our prices are radically affordable because our pillars are access, community and education for everyone.” – Jason
The Foundry includes multiple recording and rehearsal rooms along with a lounge open to any artist during the week. The goal is to break down the barriers that often keep people from stepping into a professional studio.
“We don't have an in-house engineer here on purpose, so that when an artist comes in, they say, hey, we need an engineer, we need a producer, we need a session musician. Instead of hiring somebody from outside to come in and be full time here, where we know so many and have so many friends here in the local place, we're like, let's hire those people. And give them work and help them build their businesses.” – Justin
The vision also looks beyond the Valley.
“There's so much talent at Lehigh Valley. We really believe that we can be the Nashville of the East Coast in five years. Like there's no reason why we can't do that.” – Justin
For the co-directors, it comes down to creating a space that is open to anyone who loves music.
“If you're just a music lover and you want to listen to music on $5,000 speakers and hear your favorite songs like you've never heard them before. Or $20,000. Or if you want to go to a like, you can do that. Like this space is really a musical playground.” – Justin and Jason
“You can find us at our website at thefoundryrecordingstudio.com. We're on the website you can book now, reserve now, fill out a form too. If you're looking for some more information or to schedule a free tour, come by and just say hi and come by. And just come on in and the lounge is open. So come on in, get some coffee, get a tour of the space. We'd love to see you.” – Jason and Justin
📍 The Foundry Recording Studio
1885 W Market St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
🌐 thefoundryrecordingstudio.com
