Brett, Bob, and Dana McCutcheon with music legend Smokey Robinson.
Bob McCutcheon’s dream of running his own recording studio became a reality in 2016. After rising through the ranks of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the RMU alum retired as managing partner and decided to pursue his lifelong passion for music by opening The Vault Recording Studio on Neville Island.
Now in its 5th year, the state-of-the-art studio boasts a Grammy-award winning and multi-platinum team of engineers and producers including Jimmy Hoyson (Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, etc.), Dave Hillis (Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, etc.), and Rob Deaner, sound designer for such brands as Coca Cola, UPMC, Dick’s Sporting Goods and motion pictures with Warner Brothers, Disney, and DreamWorks, to name a few.
The impressive team is housed in the former PNC Bank (and later Cyrus Rice) building on Grand Avenue. In addition to the studio, they also run an independent record label called The Vault Records. Founder & CEO McCutcheon says The Vault is a family-run business.
“My wife, Dana, is the heart and soul of the operation. Everyone knows she’s really the glue that holds it all together. My youngest son, Brett, is a music major at Slippery Rock University. He is an active performer, arranger and songwriter. He frequently records at the studio and also helps with video and social media,” said McCutcheon.
Bob and Dana’s oldest son, Ryan, passed away in 2017. The RMU sophomore loved working in the studio. Bob says all of their work, both at The Vault and through their charitable arm, The Rhythm19 Fund, is inspired by Ryan every day.
“Through the foundation, we do a lot of work with children and young adults to support and encourage music, art and education. [We] are particularly proud of the volunteer work we do. Prior to the pandemic, we hosted a number of local school group tours to the studio to meet and learn from professionals and gain exposure to a real studio environment,” he said.
The Rhythm19 Fund honors the life of late Ryan McCutcheon by supporting the musical ambitions of young people through scholarships and opportunities.
Bob says one of their main goals is to develop an ecosystem of engineers, producers and aspiring artists in both music & film.
“By providing access to a world-class recording facility, educational programs and industry resources, we will elevate the experience and enhance Pittsburgh’s music industry profile on a national scale,” he said. “And we can do it right here on Neville Island.”
McCutcheon feels that the Coraopolis area has a lot to offer. “It’s a vibrant community with so much potential for growth. Recognize that if we all work together and help lift and promote one another, we can all rise with the tide.”
Having served as a board member for countless nonprofit organizations including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and WQED Pittsburgh, Bob is no stranger to community work.
“We need community based not-for-profits like CCDC to carry the torch and tell our collective stories in order to succeed. They are essential ambassadors for our community,” he said.
Though thriving, The Vault has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a huge blow to the music and entertainment industry,” Bob said. With local venues closed, many artists lost a primary source of income. Not to mention all of the venue owners and service staff. With the lack of live performances, many musicians turned back to creating and recording original music.”
Fortunately, the studio was able to record and operate after the initial shut down in a limited capacity. Twenty-twenty saw the team ramp up their charitable support through a number of projects and programs, including the opportunity to host a charity event with Smokey Robinson in the studio’s basement lounge.
As a life-long music fan, Bob is often in awe of some of the industry icons who walk through the studio’s doors.
“We have had a number of legendary producers such as Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Bon Jovi), Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, Megadeath, UFO) and Ron Fair (Christina Agulera, Pussycat Dolls, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga) work on projects with us over the last 3 years,” he commented.
The McCutcheon family’s “leap of faith,” as they call it, has taken Bob’s dream - and second career - to a whole new level. He adds, “If you aspire to own and operate your own business, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. Trust your instinct, follow your passion and take a risk. You won’t be sorry!”
Check out The Vault Recording Studio online at www.thevaultrecording.com to take a virtual tour of the studio, read more about their team and clients, and more. Make sure to join their newsletter list to stay up to date.