After numerous reports of break-ins and vandalism, Vinyl Records has temporarily stopped using its Hill Hall recording space.
Mark Katz, the music department chairman, decided to close the space almost two weeks ago until the members of Vinyl Records, UNC’s student-run record label, and Katz agree on new security measures for the recording space, such as adding a sign-in sheet and establishing a list of people who have access to the space.
“I’ve been getting reports for a while now, and I figured it was just building up to a point where we don’t want to get this out of hand,” Katz said.
Randy Young, spokesman for UNC’s Department of Public Safety, said there are no ongoing investigations at Hill Hall. Both Katz and senior Carter Fourqurean, Vinyl Records co-president, said they do not know of anyone every reporting to DPS, but Katz said professors have reported vandalisms and break-ins directly to him.
The door code for the Hill Hall room has already been changed, according to Fourqurean, and the members of Vinyl Records met with Katz Tuesday to look over the first draft of the security changes proposals. Fourqurean hopes to have the space open in the next week.
Fourqurean said that during its seven years at UNC, the record label has faced break-ins that have resulted in stolen equipment and vandalism — a cymbal kit was stolen two years ago and a microphone filter was stolen during winter break, but it was later returned.
Fourqurean said the damage he’s noticed has appeared accidental or just odd.
“It’s like little weird stuff — stuff that could be accidental, and stuff that’s just weird that it would happen,” he said. “If people could come forward and say that they did it, it would be more OK.”
Fourqurean also said he attributes the damages to the open-nature of the studio, which allows both students and community members to record music and to utilize their space.
