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Creative Gatherings at The Record Co.

Why Host Your Event at TRC

Written by Bobby Boyd
Updated over a week ago

When you host an event at The Record Co., you are not just renting a room — you are activating a creative ecosystem and directly supporting Boston's music community.

Your event does more here:

Supports emerging artists. Every rental helps keep studio time accessible for musicians who could not otherwise afford professional recording.

Builds community. Your guests experience a working music facility buzzing with creative energy, not a sterile event hall.

Creates unique experiences. With 12,500 square feet and 20 distinct rooms, we can curate spaces for networking, performances, breakouts, and flow that no traditional venue can match.

Invests in sustainability. Your dollars help us build a creative home that will serve Boston's music makers for generations.

This is what makes TRC different: when your event ends, the impact continues. You are not paying for four walls — you are investing in a movement.

Ready to start planning? Email us at events@therecordco.org or call (617) 765-0155.


Event Packages & Pricing
We offer rental configurations at two locations, depending on your needs.

What Makes an Event?

To ensure our spaces remain sustainable and accessible, we distinguish between recording sessions and events. Any of the following triggers event pricing:

  • More than 10 people are present

  • External guests not directly involved in a recording or rehearsal session

  • Food or beverage service

  • Public promotion, event pages, social media announcements, or RSVPs

  • Ticket sales or suggested donations

  • Commercial photography or video production

Not sure if your gathering qualifies? Email events@therecordco.org — we would rather have a conversation upfront than confusion later.


960 Massachusetts Ave — Boston's South End

Three rental configurations available. Pricing varies by day of the week — off-peak rates apply Monday through Wednesday, peak rates apply Thursday through Sunday, and on holidays.

Studio A: Our flagship recording studio transformed into an intimate event space. Perfect for album releases, listening parties, showcases, and creative gatherings.

Capacity: Up to 40 guests Minimum block: 4 hours (includes setup and breakdown) Includes: Basic house PA with 2 microphones, tables and chairs, WiFi, shared lobby access, on-site parking

Rate Tier

Off-Peak Mon–Wed

Peak Thu–Sun + Holidays

Community

$600

$600

Partner

$1,000

$1,200

Institutional

$2,400

$2,880

Studio A + Community Room Studio A plus our Community Room — ideal for events that need dedicated space for both programming and reception.

Capacity: Up to 60 guests Minimum block: 4 hours (includes setup and breakdown) Includes: Basic house PA with 2 microphones, tables and chairs, WiFi, shared lobby access, on-site parking

Rate Tier

Off-Peak Mon–Wed

Peak Thu–Sun + Holidays

Community

$900

$900

Partner

$1,500

$1,800

Institutional

$3,200

$3,840

Full Facility: Transform our entire 12,500 square foot facility into your creative canvas. Twenty distinct rooms for performances, networking, breakouts, and experiences you cannot create anywhere else.

Capacity: Up to 150 guests. Minimum block: 6 hours (includes setup and breakdown) Includes: All 20 rooms, basic house PA with 2 microphones, tables and chairs, WiFi, shared lobby access, on-site parking

Available at Partner and Institutional Rate only.

Rate Tier

Off-Peak Mon–Wed

Peak Thu–Sun + Holidays

Partner

$5,000

$6,000

Institutional

$7,000

$8,400


55 Morrissey Blvd — Dorchester

One flat hourly rate. No tiers. Everyone pays the same.

Period

Rate

Minimum Block

Minimum Spend

Off-Peak Mon–Wed

$400/hour

4 hours

$1,600

Peak Thu–Sun + Holidays

$500/hour

4 hours

$2,000

Note: All amplified sound must conclude by 11:00 PM at 55 Morrissey Blvd.


Add-On Services

Customize your event with these add-on services. All add-ons must be booked in advance. Pricing is the same regardless of peak or off-peak period.

Service

Rate

Microphones

$15 each

Live Sound Tech / Engineer

$65/hour

Live Performance Bundle (55 Morrissey only)

$150 flat

Staff Support

$35/hour per person

Food & Beverage Coordination

$250 flat

Photography Package (includes editing)

$500 and Up

Video Package (includes highlight reel)

$750 and Up

Early Access (setup before your block)

$175/hour

Overage (exceeding your time block)

$250/hour

Cleaning Fee — Studio A (if space not reset)

$150

Cleaning Fee — Full Facility / 55 Morrissey (if not reset)

$500

Questions about add-ons? Email events@therecordco.org.


Rate Tiers Explained — 960 Mass Ave

Our tiered pricing reflects our commitment to accessibility while ensuring TRC remains sustainable for the long term. Rate tier is determined by the organization that benefits from the event — not the individual making the booking.

Community Rate: Individual music makers booking personal events with no organizational affiliation, or organizations with annual operating budgets under $250,000 and no active TRC Partnership Agreement. This is our most accessible tier, reserved for the people the mission was built to serve. No security deposit required.

Partner Rate Organizations with annual budgets between $250,000 and $1,000,000, or any organization with an active TRC Partnership Agreement, regardless of budget size.

Institutional Rate Any for-profit entity, regardless of size, or any organization with an annual operating budget over $1,000,000. This is the default rate for any organization that does not provide budget documentation.

Verification required: We require documentation — IRS 990, organizational budget, or articles of incorporation — to confirm Community or Partner tier eligibility. Misrepresentation of tier status will result in billing at the correct rate plus a 25% administrative fee and forfeiture of future booking privileges.

Hardship exception: Organizations with active TRC Partnership Agreements and annual budgets under $100,000 may apply for Community Rate pricing on a case-by-case basis. Contact events@therecordco.org to inquire.


Payment Terms

Community Rate

  • 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of booking approval to confirm your date

  • Remaining 50% due 14 days before your event

  • No security deposit required

Partner Rate

  • 100% payment due within 48 hours of booking approval

  • $250 security deposit due with payment

Institutional Rate

  • 100% payment due within 48 hours of booking approval

  • Security deposit due with payment — amount based on rental configuration

55 Morrissey Blvd — All Renters

  • 100% payment due within 48 hours of booking approval

  • $500 security deposit due with payment

All Tiers

  • Accepted payment: Credit card (3% processing fee), ACH transfer, or check

  • Your date is not confirmed until payment is received

Facing financial hardship? We are a community-first organization. If timing or circumstances make these terms challenging, reach out. We would rather have a conversation than lose a connection.


Cancellation Policy

When You Cancel

What You Receive

21+ days before the event

Full credit toward future event (valid 90 days)

14–20 days before the event

50% credit toward future event (valid 90 days)

Less than 14 days before the event

No refund or credit

Rescheduling within 14 days

Treated as a cancellation

Credits are non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers.


Alcohol Policy

TRC does not hold a liquor license and does not provide alcohol service.

If you want to sell alcohol — including ticket prices that include drinks, cash bars, or suggested donations — you must obtain a Special One-Day License from the City of Boston Licensing Board. Apply at least 3 weeks before your event at boston.gov/licensing-board.

  • For-profit events: Malt & Wine License ($75/day)

  • Nonprofit events: All-Alcohol ($150/day) or Malt & Wine ($75/day)

If you want to serve complimentary beer and wine at a private, invite-only event, this requires TRC written approval at least 14 days in advance.

Requirements for all events with alcohol:

  • A TIPS-certified bartender is required for the duration of alcohol service — proof of certification due 7 days before the event

  • All guests must present a valid ID and receive a wristband

  • Proof of a one-day license (if selling) is required 14 days before the event

  • The event host assumes full legal and financial liability for alcohol service and compliance

Need a bartender referral? Email events@therecordco.org — we can connect you with trusted local bartenders at both locations.


Event FAQ

What if my request is not approved? Let's keep talking. We may be able to find another date or format that works. A declined request is not permanent.

Why can't I just book a recording session for my listening party? Events require different staffing, insurance, and wear on our facility than recording sessions. Our event pricing reflects these real costs and helps keep recording rates affordable for everyone.

How do I qualify for Partner rates? Partner rates apply to organizations with annual budgets between $250,000 and $1,000,000 or organizations with an active TRC Partnership Agreement. Reach out to learn more about becoming a TRC Partner.

Is the space accessible? Yes. Both locations welcome guests of all mobility levels. Service animals are welcome at all TRC events as required by the ADA.

Will TRC staff handle check-ins? Your TRC Facilities Rep handles building access and facility oversight — not guest check-in or door management. You are responsible for providing your own check-in staff or booking our Staff Support add-on at $35/hour per person.

What is the TRC Facilities Rep responsible for? The included Facilities Rep coordinates building access, monitors the facility, enforces House Rules, and responds to building emergencies. They are not event staff. See our full policy for details on what is and is not included.

Where do I park? On-site parking is available at both 960 Mass Ave and 55 Morrissey Blvd on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. Availability is not guaranteed. For larger events, we recommend including transit options in your guest communications. Reserved parking may be available for special events — email events@therecordco.org to inquire.

Can I bring my pet? Service animals are welcome at all TRC events. Otherwise, please leave your pets at home.

What happens at the end of my event?

  • All equipment and personal items must be removed by the end of your time block

  • Space must be returned to its original configuration — see our reset checklist in the full policy

  • Cleaning fees apply if the space is not properly reset

  • Items not retrieved within 7 days will be donated or disposed of

Can I nail or tape things to the walls? No nails, screws, tacks, or adhesive products on TRC walls, ceilings, or surfaces under any circumstance. Painter's tape is permitted on non-porous hard surfaces only. See our decorations policy for full details.


How to Book an Event

  1. Review our event packages, pricing, and policies

  2. Submit the TRC Event Intake Form at least 21 days before your ideal date

  3. We will be in touch within 3–5 business days to confirm availability

  4. Collaborative session to confirm details and execute your Rental Agreement

  5. Submit payment within 48 hours to confirm your date

  6. Submit Certificate of Insurance at least 5 business days before your event

  7. Pre-event walkthrough 1–2 days before your event

  8. Your event comes to life

Know someone at TRC? Ask them to refer you — board members, partners, and TRC community members can initiate the process on your behalf.

Ready to start? Email: events@therecordco.org Phone: (617) 765-0155 Web: therecordco.org

Your event. Our mission. Boston's music community.

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