Gurske brought in his own equipment and began operating Winter Sound as a full-time recording operation around 1997. When Winter grew weary of scheduling the room, he offered to let Gurske run it. He recorded his own band, Tusko Fatale, there, as well as other area groups. Gradually, Gurske became the primary customer. And when Winter started renting out a small outbuilding across the street from his store for use as a rehearsal space, Gurske became a regular customer. In that role, Gurske replaced Jim Winter, who runs Winter Sound music store at Gloucester Point. One of his best clients was the Newport News power-pop act The Lift. He also served as soundman for traveling rock acts. He ran sound at the legendary King's Head Inn in Norfolk. Soon after, Gurske began working as a live sound technician. He moved to Hampton Roads in 1986, following other members of his family who had moved here from the West Coast. After college, he played drums in rock bands in Los Angeles. It's probably good to take a break anyway.' Gurske never planned to become a recording engineer. 'But like in any business, if you're only part time, your overhead just kills you. 'If there was some scenario where I could do recording part time, I would probably be interested,' he said. I just got tired of it.' At age 55, Gurske was ready for something more dependable. 'You just can't make enough money doing it,' Gurske said of his decision to leave engineering. After nearly 20 years of service to the Hampton Roads original rock scene, Gurske has decided to trade the hassles, frustrations and meager financial rewards of running a recording studio for a comparatively stable and lucrative post as a high school teacher. 'Now Bob's going to spread his wisdom to the youth of America,' Diederich said. 'It's a true loss to the community.' Her partner, Natural Light in hand, smirked.

'It's pretty sad,' Grottenthaler said, standing near the studio's doorway. So the final moment, which took place on a recent Saturday afternoon, was bittersweet. The rockers had been working with Gurske for years. If it turns out that way, Brian 'Idle' Diederich and Katie Grottenthaler - both of the Norfolk punk band The Strap-Ons - can claim the distinction of being the last musicians to record at Winter Sound. The studio closed its doors last month - possibly for good. Just a few hours before, Winter Sound engineering mastermind Bob Gurske had conducted the last session he's likely to run at Winter Sound. A sign taped to it warned: 'Don't Even Think About It.' Otherwise, though, the studio's main room was empty.

A trash can in the corner was overflowing with beer cans, 7-Eleven coffee cups and empty water bottles. Submit now.Scattered about the floor of Winter Sound Recording Studio was the flotsam of hundreds of rock 'n' roll sessions: broken drum sticks, scraps of paper, extension cords, assorted microphone and drum stands in various degrees of disrepair. The deadline for submissions is December 25th, so don't delay. This year's event is sure to be the biggest yet, and all competitors can expect to gain a lot of exposure, a chance to perform live for a large audience, and to meet and hear other artists, all competing for their own high-quality music video. The winners of each, determined by a panel of judges consisting of prominent members of the film and music communities, will have the opportunity to team up together to create a music video produced by Silver Sound. The night is comprised of two simultaneous competitions: a music video film festival and a battle of the bands. Each year this event brings musicians and filmmakers together in a unique competition that you will not want to miss. Silver Sound is a studio in NY that provides production, post-production, and live sound services in addition to music recording. Submissions are now being accepted for Silver Sound's 3rd Annual Music Video Film Festival + Band Battle, taking place on January 10th, 2012 at Brooklyn Bowl.

Silver sound studio