Interview and photos by Jim Carney
Curran Murphy is an internationally known thrash metal musician who came to Ohio nearly 20 years ago to deal with family issues.
He loved the state and never left.
A few years after he arrived, he set up a music equipment and recording business in Kenmore,
The 50-year-old’s venture, Custom Audio Mutation, operates out of a house at 2036 18th St. SW a few blocks from Kenmore Boulevard.
Murphy is part of the growing Kenmore music scene.
We asked him a few questions.
Where did you grow up and how long have you been involved in music?
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, until I was 4 or 5. My mother married my stepdad and we moved to Elkhart, IN, until I was 15-and-a half. Then, we all moved back to St. Paul, MN, and then moved to Seattle, WA, for 11 or 12 years.
What brought you to Akron?
Personal stuff. HAHAHAHA
How did you come to locate your studio and business in Kenmore?
I had one of my last straight jobs during the pre-housing crisis years. So, I was able to get a mortgage. From there I looked at about 15 houses, and this one here in Kenmore had a waterproof basement, A/C, and a HUGE indoor garage I could convert into a loud room for my studio! HAHAHAHAHHAH!
You record bands in your studio? Are there some hungry and exciting bands out there that you have worked with?
Yeah. I record lots of local and international bands here at Custom Audio Mutation. I have finished up a couple great Ohio bands in the last few years. Stella Erratic, Skeptik Lens, Megaton Communion, Wrath Icon, and my own band, 72 Legions.
What is your goal now that you are in the music business community in Kenmore?
To continue to make killer records for bands, to keep all my musician friends’ tube amps running, and to continue to build up my own amplifier company for the wider guitar playing world in the US.
You perform and record music and make equipment. Which do you prefer?
Oh hell, I love all of it. I like bringing damaged and broken gear back from the dead, and I get people that send me amps from all over the country. Making a band sound killer on their records is always an amazing experience. Touring for me is ALWAYS the “bee’s knees.” I love to travel — hit new towns, wreck ‘em and leave! Nothing touches a live band like tearing the house down for fans. NOTHING.
What do you sell?
I am a dealer for high-end tube guitar amps and FX pedals. The brands I sell are Diezel, Friedman, Soldano, Mezzabarba, Synergy, Strymon, RME and Ridge.
Do you make any of your own?
Yes. I build my own brand of custom tube amps. I have several models and I also build vintage recreations for clients and other custom one-off amplifiers as well.
How long have you been in business?
I started building guitars when I was 19 in Seattle. I apprenticed under Lynn Ellsworth of Boogie Bodies guitars. I started to build tube amps in 2006. I started doing amplifier repairs and resurrections in 2018.
And what band are you touring with?
I am playing guitar for the legendary thrash metal band Venom Inc; I also have been touring the world with my new band, 72 Legions.
Where did you tour?
This year I have been to Jakarta, Indonesia, and all over Europe. I leave for Latin America in a few days with Venom Inc. for several dates and a live album recording. Then I will be back in Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico, and I will be finishing up the year in Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Busy!
What is your role in the band?
In 72 Legions, I am the lead guitar player and the producer of the band’s albums. Everyone in the band writes the music for our records. For Venom Inc., I am playing lead guitar on all their tours
Has Kenmore become a major player in Akron’s music?
There are a lot of studios and some good music stores on the boulevard. I am off the strip a few blocks with my studio, repair shop, and music store. I feel like it is a hidden diamond in a rough spot. Worth the trip.
For more information go to www.customaudiomutation.com.
Murphy shows and repairs equipment and records bands by appointment only. For an appointment, call 234-788-6141 or email Murphy at curranproducer@gmail.com.
Edited for clarity from an e-mail conversation.