We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brian Kraemer & Nic Aguero. Check out our conversation below.
Brian & Nic, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A lot of people see/hear the finished product — the polished song, the live performance, the highlight reels — and think it’s all just music and fun. And while we love what we do, what’s often misunderstood is just how much happens behind the scenes to make all of this work.
This business demands long hours, deep focus, and constant learning. We’re not only keeping up with evolving music trends — we’re also staying on top of fast-moving tech, new legislation around AI and intellectual property, business strategy, client communication, gear maintenance, advertising, and the ever-changing world of social media. Running a recording studio in 2025 is as much about being an engineer, strategist, and marketer as it is about being a musician.
And then — finally — we get to the music, the people, the stories. And that’s what keeps us going. That’s the heartbeat of it all.
We do this because we get to help people bring their dreams to life. We get to meet artists we never imagined we’d work with, witness moments of pure creative magic, and be part of someone’s most meaningful artistic memories. It’s not always easy — but it’s always worth it. We count it a blessing to live this life, and we’re grateful for every challenge and every high note along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Brian Kraemer and Nic Aguero. We own and operate GFM Recording Studios in Blue Springs, Missouri, along with our production company, MasterFade Music. We built both out of a passion for helping people bring their ideas to life, whether that’s an artist recording their first single, a band working on an album, or an ad agency looking for custom music.
What makes us unique isn’t just the world-class gear we use, like our SSL AWS 900 console, great selection of outboard gear and Yamaha grand piano — it’s the experience people have in this incredible studio. We’ve created a space where people feel cared for, inspired, and confident in what they’re creating. Clients don’t just leave with a polished track; they leave with memories, connections, and a sense that their vision really matters.
Right now, we’re growing our sync licensing catalog, hosting intimate live events that spotlight Kansas City talent, and continuing to build on our reputation as Kansas City’s most trusted recording studio. For us, it’s about more than music, it’s about people, stories, and creating something lasting. That’s what drives us every day.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
We’ve been blessed with many incredible mentors over the years, but above all, our greatest teacher has been our mighty God. Everything we do flows out of that foundation — the way we serve people, the way we approach excellence, and the way we persevere through challenges.
In terms of the music business, we were shaped early on by Chuck Chapman, a recording studio legend here in Kansas City and across the Midwest. Chuck really took us under his wing. He taught us the ins and outs of running a studio — not just the technical side, but how to prioritize customer service and make sure clients always leave with an excellent product. He gave us countless life lessons that went beyond music, and he connected us with other great mentors both here in Kansas City and down in Nashville.
Those lessons have stuck with us. They’re the backbone of how we run GFM Recording Studios today — with integrity, excellence, and a heart for people.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success doesn’t teach us how to weather storms in life.
Success doesn’t teach us true growth to a person living in this world.
Success doesn’t show you to appreciate every day that holds the good and the bad.
Success didn’t bring us to our true purpose.
Suffering teaches all of these things. Without suffering, we cannot truly appreciate the successful things that happen to us in life.
It’s not fun by any means, but the wisdom gained from suffering is priceless, though fruitfulness and success are always welcomed.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is what you get with us. We don’t put on a different face in public — we are our true selves all the time. We believe that how we carry ourselves matters, and that our words and actions speak loudly.
For us, it’s about being an example to the people around us — living with integrity, showing genuine care, and treating every person and every project with respect. The way we care for people and their music, their stories, and their dreams isn’t just part of our business — it’s who we are. That authenticity is what makes the work so impactful, and it’s why people keep coming back.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
We’ve always been the type of people who live and think outside the norm. Creativity has been at the center of our lives from the start, and we’ve never been ones to simply follow a path because someone told us to. Our hearts are with God, and our greatest joy comes from serving Him and serving people.
We’ve been blessed with the gift of music and the gift of love, and we believe those gifts were given to us to share. Every day, we do our best to use them in a way that honors the Lord and impacts the people around us. We absolutely feel like we’re living out our purpose daily.
The road isn’t always easy — in fact, it’s often very hard. But the experiences we get to have, the people we meet, and the stories we get to be a part of are things not many people will ever get to experience. For that, we couldn’t be more thankful. We’re fully dedicated to living out our purpose and redeeming our lives day by day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gfmrecording.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gfmrecordingstudios
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/gfmrecordingstudios
