By Olivia Grant, NYC Business

Music is the heartbeat of the Bronx, and DeShawn Harris, founder of Bronx Beats Recording Studio, has spent 9 years providing a professional space for local talent. Located in South Bronx, the studio caters to singers, rappers, bands, and producers, offering recording, mixing, mastering, and production services.

Bronx Beats goes beyond the technical side of music. Harris mentors emerging artists, teaching studio etiquette, songwriting, and music business skills. “Our mission is to provide opportunities for young artists who might otherwise be overlooked,” he says.

The studio has worked with local schools and community centers, offering workshops and internships to introduce youth to music production. Bronx Beats also hosts open-mic nights and showcases, helping artists gain exposure while strengthening the community’s cultural fabric.

Harris reflects on the studio’s growth over nearly a decade, noting that what began as a small room with a handful of clients has expanded into a fully equipped studio with a professional staff of 10 sound engineers and producers.

Running a music business in the Bronx comes with challenges such as tight budgets, limited access to high-end equipment, and competition from larger studios in Manhattan. Harris addresses these by prioritizing personalized service, community relationships, and flexible pricing models.

Being a New Yorker, Harris says, means resilience, creativity, and hustle. “The city inspires you to push boundaries, take risks, and innovate,” he notes. Bronx Beats plans to expand its facilities, collaborate with more schools, and launch a local artist mentorship program to ensure the Bronx remains a center of musical creativity.