We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Frear and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was that there weren’t any recording studios in Rapid City that were able to get a good sound, so I decided to start my own with the goal bring to record my own music. I got busy enough to justify quitting my “real” job and do the studio thing full-time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from other musicians are the teachers that I’ve been fortunate enough to study under. Mike Casey and Charles Carey were my guitar teachers. They taught me more about music, guitar playing, and even life, than anyone else in my life has. Unfortunately they both passed at a young age, so i no longer have those friendships or resources, but I am eternally grateful for everything they did for my musical career. There were plenty of challenges along the way, and these challenges don’t ever go away, they just change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Aby’s Feed and Seed (local bar/music venue) Cottonwood Studio (my studio)
Crazy Horse Monument
Badlands
Deadwood
Spearfish Canyon
Hippie Hole
Castle Peak Campground
The Firehouse Brewery
Lost Cabin Brewery

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Devon, Ryan, Kenny, Casey, Brandon, and Johnny

Website: Cottonwoodstudio.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomfrear?igsh=dDJ0ZDJsanhwcWFs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.