Matt Schaefer
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Matt Schaefer
@mattschaefer.bsky.social
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Audio/Visual Archivist, NC transplant in DC.
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mattschaefer.bsky.social
June 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
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a crowd of stick figures has a discussion, with one stick figure as an outsider. Someone in the huddle gives the outsider a giant thumbs up, they then continue the huddle, unperturbed.
June 8, 2025 at 9:34 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
The studio space itself was fascinating too, I loved looking at the geometry of the soundproofing, and of course the instruments they had recovered from private collections to bring back to where they recorded so many iconic tracks. 7/
A trumpet and a tenor saxophone in glass cases. There are posters on the wall and faded foam geometry mounted on the walls. A Fender Bass and a Fender Guitar in glass cases, with more foam geometry on the wall in the background. A Hammond Organ used for recording at Stax. A Hammond Organ has two keyboards vertically positioned on top of one another with buttons and switches to control sound effects to the left.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
Of all of that, this is what made my audio archivist heart sing. Bookshelves full of the original 1/4" reel recordings from people like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, and so many more. Click into the alt text for more. 6/
Two bookshelves meeting in a corner. On them are a large number of 1/4" reel to reel audio recordings in paper cases with labels. I'm not going to transcribe them all here (DM me if you would like me to), but highlights are, if you zoom in: Otis Redding Reel 3 "Give Up None of My Love" "Think About It" Lindell, Lynda - Safety 1 Mad Lads - Masters Thomas Rufus King Albert Booker T & The MGs Carla Thomas And so much more I don't have time to transcribe. DM me if you want more transciption. 4 images in collage, the upper half depicting several bookshelves stuffed with 1/4" tapes, the left lower quarter with a black man smiling in front of bookshelves full of tapes, and in the right lower quarter a caption reading "The Tape Vault" and below it another picture of tapes. If you're curious about the rest of the caption, DM me.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
Over the years since they've rebuilt it the museum has recreated the sound booth and studio space. My inner audio archivist got so excited looking at this original sound mixer they recovered from a private collector, and the reel to reel 8 track and stereo 1/4" tape recording devices. 5/
A view of the Stax sound booth, with the sound mixer, an 8 track reel to reel recorder and an stereo recorder. A window opens out to the studio space. An 8 track reel to reel recording device on the left and a stereo recording device on the right. Coca-cola and beer bottles are on top of the stereo device.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
I'm not including the entire museum here (go visit it!), just the highlights, but here's Isaac Hayes' desk. 3/
A semi-circular desk is placed against a white and red vertically striped wall. A plush fancy chair in what appears to be satin is behind it. The desk has a number of photos on it, the wall has posters and memorabilia. The desk and its surround has a very mid 20th century vibe to it, reminiscent of 60s movies, or more recently, Austin Powers, though Isaac would probably hate that comparison.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
Immediately upon entering, after you watch an excellent short film in a screening room to establish context for the museum (if you somehow haven't, go listen to some soul music), you will find a transplanted one room church from the Mississippi delta, repping the origin of blues, R&B, and Soul. 2/
A view from outside a wooden one room church transplanted into a museum whole, there are wooden slats unevenly put together as the outside with a traditionally slanted roof. Looking through the front door you can see an informational plaque in the foreground, behind it are pews, the pulpit, an upright piano, and an exhibit screen playing a video giving context to the exhibit. A side view of the one room church, visible are the pews, pulpit, upright piano, and the wood burning stove necessary for warmth during the winter months. It was noted that during the summer mosquitos and other pests were a persistent problem, and dedicated fly swatters (usually children) were part of the community.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
mattschaefer.bsky.social
So, several weeks ago I got the chance to visit the Stax recording studio museum while I was visiting Memphis, TN. For those not familiar, Southern soul icons such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Sam & Dave all recorded at Stax. Even Elvis Presley recorded there. 🧵 1/
Exterior daytime shot of a 50s era marquee on a somewhat neglected street. Above the marquee is STAX in neon letters, on the marquee is "Soulsville USA". There are posters along the wall. A brick facade rises above the marquee. A black and white collage mounted on the wall from inside the museum of different eras of the Stax studio. Included is a photo of the building when it was still "Capitol Theatre" when it was "Satellite Records" and one in its heyday as "Stax Records, Soulville USA". There is also a photo of it in a dilapidated state in the lower right.
November 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM