MiracleArts Interviews: Zach Zurn

Zach Zurn

Meet Zach Zurn is the founder and creative force behind Carpet Booth Studios, a full-service recording hub in Rochester, Minnesota. What began as a scrappy basement setup built from carpet scraps has grown into one of the region’s most collaborative music spaces, offering production, engineering, mixing, mastering, songwriting, and workshops

What’s the story behind the name “Carpet Booth Studios”?

Back when I first started recording, I was doing it in my parents’ basement with next to no budget for acoustic treatment. I literally built this tiny “booth” out of carpet scraps to record vocals in - it was ugly, it was cramped, but it worked. When it came time to name the studio, “Carpet Booth” stuck. It’s a nod to those scrappy beginnings and a reminder that great art can come from humble setups.

What services does Carpet Booth Studios currently offer, and are there any upcoming advancements or expansions planned?

We’re a full-service recording studio offering production, engineering, mixing, mastering, songwriting, and even workshop/educational opportunities. We’ve got Studio A for big projects, and Studio B for more intimate sessions at a more accessible price point for artists working with smaller budgets. We’re always investing in gear, spaces, and people. Right now, I’m excited about expanding our remote workflow capabilities so artists can collaborate with us seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

What’s your favorite part of the recording process?

I love the happy accidents - those moments when something unexpected happens that completely changes how we see the song. Maybe it’s a “mistake” that suddenly feels perfect or a moment of vulnerability that adds real humanity to the track. I like to follow the mojo of the moment and trust that these surprises happen for a reason - they often take the song in a new and better direction we never could have planned.

You’re hosting an Open House & Musicians Market on this Saturday August 23, 2025, featuring local vendors and gear swaps. What inspired this community event, and how has the response been so far?

We wanted to create something that felt like a celebration of Minnesota’s music community - a space for musicians, makers, and fans to connect, swap gear, discover new artists, and just hang out. The idea came from wanting to make the studio feel even more accessible and community-driven. The response so far has been incredible - vendors and musicians are genuinely excited, and people are already asking if we’ll make it a regular thing. This will be our 3rd year doing this event, and we hope we can continue to make it an annual tradition to celebrate Minnesota music as a whole.

How important is collaboration within the Rochester music market to the studio’s mission?

It’s everything. The studio exists because of the relationships and trust we’ve built in this community. When musicians, engineers, photographers, venues, and other creatives work together, everyone wins. Collaboration raises the quality of the art and strengthens the local scene.

You originally founded Carpet Booth as a solo songwriting space. What led you to expand into a full-service studio for the community?

At first, it was just me needing a place to write and record my own songs. But friends started asking to record there, then friends of friends, and pretty soon it was clear there was a need for a high-quality, welcoming studio in Rochester. I realized I could either keep it as my personal creative space or build something that could help a lot more people. I chose the latter, and I’ve never regretted it.

Each member of your staff brings unique strengths. How does the diversity contribute to the culture and creative environment at Carpet Booth Studios?

We’ve got engineers who specialize in everything from hip-hop to folk, producers who think like arrangers, and artists who understand the emotional side of recording. That variety means we can approach each project from multiple angles and find solutions that are both technically sound and creatively inspiring. It makes the work more fun, too - every session feels different because every person brings their own energy and ideas.

Looking ahead, what types of artists or projects are you most excited to work with?

I love working with artists who have a clear sense of their voice but are open to pushing boundaries - whether that’s a jazz group wanting to experiment with textures, a rock band chasing the perfect live tracked take, or a pop artist blending organic and electronic sounds. I’m also excited about projects that have a strong story or message behind them - music that really connects with people on a deeper level.

Zach Zurn and Carpet Booth Contact & Media Links

• Instagram: instagram.com/carpetbooth | instagram.com/zzurn

• Photo Gallery: https://www.carpetbooth.com/spaces