Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Webb.
Hi Cody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an Austin musician for over 20 years. I cut my teeth at the Music Lab back in the day. And when the pandemic was over, I was excited to get back to playing with my band, Armpit Motel. But with the Music Lab closed and other rehearsal options limited, I had to improvise. So I built the first Noiseland in my friends’ garage in Cherrywood. But that didn’t last long. And after my friends, Ian and Shannon, moved out of Cherrywood, I decided to open my own rehearsal space with multiple rooms that I could share with other Austin musicians. And thanks to help of my generous landlord, Bill Kunz, and with the guidance of Austin Breckenridge and Austin’s Small Business Development program, I started this business with an ambition and willingness to learn, not knowing half of what I know now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always struggles and set backs. The first month I opened Noiseland, I made less than $500 in total sales. I had to rethink my business model in order to not go broke within the first few months. Luckily, it was easy to find people who wanted lockout rooms, and I converted 5 of my hourly rooms into monthly rentals to keep from losing money each month. I then set out on a marketing campaign to get to know as many bands as possible through social media and going to live shows. And as more people showed up each month, I was eventually able to sustain the hourly model that I had envisioned.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m also the frontman of Armpit Motel. We play high energy punk rock. We’ve released one full-length record, with another one coming early next year. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for the lack of shits we give. What sets us apart? I guess a troll comment from our instagram says it best, “Punk rock for people who don’t like punk rock.”
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Marketing is hard. Start marketing your business long before you open, and never stop trying new things to reach more people.
Pricing:
- Rooms start at $12/hour up to $24/hour
- Drums shells are included in the price of every room
- PAs and microphones in every room at no extra cost
- Buy 2 hours get 1 free (Monday-Friday, 12pm to 6pm only)
- Book a 16-track recording session for $24/hr (4 hour minimum)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://noiselandatx.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/noiselandatx
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/noiselandatx
Image Credits
Lockhardt Photography, Benji Frei, and Ravenholm Studios
