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Studio4 Background Info
Richie Dekker
Chief engineer/producer of Studio 4 and CEO of Dekkm Productions LLC
Even at an early age Richie's interest in electronics was evident. He built his first Mono Hi-Fi at the age of 8 from some old TV's his father had given him. His interest only grew from there.
In High School he joined his first Rock Band Cosmic where he built the bands sound system and ran sound.
Richie graduated high school from Grandville MI in 1977 and from there went to ITT Tech and earned his degree in Analog and digital electronics. After ITT he built a sound system and went on the road with another band "Yuwanna". During this time he was very fortunate to be mentored by concert pianist Nancy Poltrock in the art of separation of sound.
From there he went to work for Pro Audio Grand Rapids Mi. where he ran sound for many different acts such as Bruce Hornsby, Bill Cosby, Three Dog Night, Drew Carey, Glen Campbell, and President Ronald Regan.
Also at this time he started his first recording studio"Great Lakes Studios" with partner Paul Dams . They decided to merge with another studio "Masterview Studios" in Otsego Mi. where he worked full time with Brent McDonald and Tom Gray.
In 1989 Richie took a job on the road with Joan Jett where he ran front house and production for nearly 2 years.
After coming off the road, he took a job managing "The Circuit Shop" an Audio and Speaker shop in Grand Rapids, Mi. and also work at "Sound Structures" running sound all around the state.
In 1996 he went to work for Clear Channel Radio as an Engineer and helped install and set up 4 new HD transmitter sights for the company. He also worked on live remotes with various broadcasts for station events such as the Ford funeral to B-93 Birthday bash.
During his time at Clear Channel Richie rebuilt "Phase III" studio in Holland, MI. Recording and running live sound for many West Michigan bands and musicians, as he has done for most of his life.
His interest in old Amplifiers and electronics has also brought him to The Hammond Organ where he has repaired, rented , bought and sold and collected vintage hammonds through out the years.
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Melain Dekker
Creative Director / Musical Producer of Studio 4
President of Dekkm Productions LLC
Melain started out singing and playing at a very early age. Her older cousin who was a collector of instruments and also played oboe in symphonies on the east side of the state would bring her all kinds of instruments to try out.
She learned to play them all. At the age of 12 her father took her to the local music shop to buy her first "Real" guitar (The first one was a Sears and Roebuck).
She played flute, piccolo, and oboe in the High school band and took every music class that was offered. At the same time she was the directors assistant, taking groups of elementary kids to the side to help teach them there parts. She also sang in the choir and was one of the main soloists. She did private study,earning straight 1's in solo competitions and sang in State Honors Choir. She continued private vocal study and sang in community choirs after high school.
She joined her first band at 18 singing in the local clubs. At 19 she joined "Artemis" and toured the state working for Sid Artha. From there she went to
"Punch and Judy" which later turned to "Drivin Force". The band recorded a
promotional record at Great Lakes Studio for Steelcase "Blue and Chrome" and "Furniture City". The record was aired on WCUZ and WOOD radio.
Throughout her life she played with many other bands while also giving private lessons to kids in the community. She worked at her church helping instruct children's choirs and singing and playing in the adult choir as well. She also taught music appreciation at the Local Catholic school.
Melain has also been a song writer most of her life and from time to time takes a trip to Nashville to perform her originals. She is a member of ASCAP and Nashville Songwriters Assoc.
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Mike Gensler
Advisor / Assistant Engineer Studio 4
Vise President Dekkm Productions LLC
Mike has spent most of his life as a Drummer / Percussionist in bands and also has ran sound for various local acts from time to time in the West Michigan area. He was a key factor in the design and building of Studio 4.
Mike is a song writer and is a Member of ASCAP and Broad Jam.
He is also a Publisher with ASCAP.
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