Alumni news: Giving back to the music industry

Published: July 01, 2021

Author: Terri Sunderland

Paul ’01 and Courtney (Somerville ’03) Klimson have always dreamt of giving back to their industry.

Paul, a skilled audio engineer, has worked for artists the likes of Drake, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and The Roots. Courtney, a gifted production manager, has managed prestigious music events, built an installation division at pro-audio corporation Masque Sound, and together they founded Theory One Productions offering production and technical services to musical artists.

The Klimsons recently purchased an old, abandoned building in Niles, Michigan, with the goal of using it to help others. According to them, with the glamour, comes a dark side to the industry - The relentless pace and freelance nature of touring exhausts musicians, techs, and “roadies.”

No eight-to-five job security.

No going home to spend time with the family at night.

Often roadies succumb to family tensions and financial instability, addiction, and more. Those who tour constantly don’t learn about or engage in things like finances, self-care, and marriage communication.

Personal empathy gave way to action. This retreat space would meet the unique needs of roadies