![[the square] Portland's creative hub](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68f9dad1d76b7d3c7ff3b85f/be2b5ac8-8bb3-4037-ab1f-6ac35da5020c/The+Square+logo+transparent.png?format=1500w)
PORTLAND’S CREATIVE HUB
OUR STUDIOS
Hourly studio space at [the square] starts at just $40/hr. (or less, for qualifying financial aid applicants).
We offer self-directed usage of our production rooms, as well as a variety of sessions facilitated by our team of expert producers.
Musicians rehearse and record: from brand-new high school bands, to Grammy-winning professionals.
Podcast & voiceover sessions: our central location and cozy vibes allow clients to relax into their best performance.
Photo & video shoots: this space has character, and the camera loves it — check out our gallery here.
Events & meetings: our spacious main room is street-level with a ton of natural light, and we love sharing it!
WHAT’S UP AT
[THE SQUARE]?
MUSIC
EVENTS
PHOTO + VIDEO
UP NEXT:
FIRST FRIDAYS LIVE AT THE SQUARE:
THE FINESTKIND WITH CONNOR GARVEY
Join us as we kick off a new series of First Friday concert events, featuring some of the finest local music Maine has to offer. You're invited to make [the square] one of your regular stops on Portland's monthly art walk: introducing a new recurring showcase of local artists backed by the expert musicians of The Finestkind. Don't miss our inaugural show March 6, featuring award-winning singer/songwriter Connor Garvey! (with Maisie LaFortune opening, and sponsored by Bissell Brothers)
WHO’S AT [THE SQUARE]?
Check out some of the offerings from our growing community of creative professionals…
-
Ethan Woodman Fowler: Photographer, Engineer, Educator
Head Engineer/Producer at Monaco Studios; co-founder of Equal Measure Arts; 10+ years teaching music at PATHS; multi-instrumentalist; offering music production, instruction, and photography at [the square]
-
Giorgi Baino: Engineer, Producer, educator, sound healer
30+ years experience; Dolby Atmos Certified; Gold Record with Spose for “I’m Awesome”; offering a range of educational programming at [the square] with a focus on supporting women and the LGBTQ+ community
-
Genius Black: Producer, podcast host, author
Runs musical collective GEM CITY; hosts Maine’s Black Future podcast; political analyst for NewsCenter; board member of Portland Media Center & Portland Ovations; offering beat-making sessions at [the square]
-
Dave Gutter: Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Performer, Producer
Grammy-winning songwriter; collaborator with David Bowie, Aaron Neville, Imogen Heap and The Roots; 30+ years active in Maine’s music scene as a founding member of Rustic Overtones; now offering songwriting sessions at [the square]
-
Matt Perry: Engineer, Producer, Performer, Educator
Apple Certified Logic Pro producer; specializes in commercial audio, voiceover, & podcasts; credits include ESPN, Simon & Schuster, & NPR; offering production, educational training, and remote-directed recording sessions at [the square]
-
Kosta Johnson: Engineer, Producer, Musician, Educator
Five-time Grammy-nominated engineer with 10+ years of professional studio experience, plus years of on-location live sound and experience as a performing artist; offering any support needed with engineering, production, recording, and education at [the square]
-
Joseph Cyr: Engineer, Producer, DJ, Social Media Marketing Pro
10+ years producing music; adept in live sound + studio settings; AV integrator; professional DJ; offering recording sessions, post-production, and lessons on engineering + DJing at [the square]
-
Joe Beninati: Engineer, Percussionist, Educator
15+ years experience as engineer & session drummer; Studio Manager at 317 Main Community Music Center; offering home production training, studio pre-production, & drum lessons at [the square]
-
Nate Tower: Podcast Producer and Strategist
Passionate about helping clients make something worth listening to, his work includes We the Children, a climate podcast that earned a Webby nomination, two W3 Gold Awards, and three Anthem Awards; offering podcasting support at all levels at [the square]
Monaco Studios is a Falmouth-based music studio established in 2020, offering solar-powered recording sessions in a scenic farmhouse setting with lodging available on-site. Known for their high-quality audio & video productions, as well as community events, they’re thrilled to bring all that and more to downtown Portland at [the square].
[the square] COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Equal Measure Arts (EMA) is the nonprofit arm of Monaco Studios, harnessing community support to subsidize recording time & education for students and under-resourced musicians. EMA has developed programming with MAMM, MECA&D, and other educational institutions.
PORTL& designs and produces immersive installations, events, and experiences—offering their creative services to businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and artists alike. They are working toward a bold goal: to establish Maine’s first immersive arts theme park and venue, right here in Portland. For now, you can catch them at [the square].
Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM) has been a close collaborator in developing educational programming with Equal Measure Arts & Monaco Studios—in fact, their Studio Recording 101 workshop series was a major driving force behind the founding of [the square]! Now that workshop series is expanding, with enrollment now open for February 2026 classes serving teens & adults! Enroll here.
One Longfellow Square is one of Portland’s most charming and versatile non-profit performing arts and concert venues, and [the square] is thrilled to be supporting the inaugural year of their LEAF program! The Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship (LEAF) is a bold new initiative created to support early-career, Maine-based musicians in building sustainable, fulfilling lives as working artists. Find out more here!
JMG is the largest statewide education nonprofit in Maine, and is an enthusiastic supporter of the subsidized studio time & career training programs provided by Equal Measure Arts at [the square]! JMG serves more than 13,000 students a year in communities throughout Maine’s 16 counties, with specialists on-site at public schools to offer career prep resources based on the needs of their students.
