Ben Tufts has been at Region Buzz 219 since 2019 Interning as an audio engineer, then progressing through the ranks to overseeing our entire Audio Department. A musician since early childhood, he is now a songwriter, live sound technician, and can be found gigging and recording with his band Frigid, amongst other projects. He has strong ties to rock, metal, and alternative genres, but also respects the story telling and (dare we say) acoustic realms of the singer-songwriter subgenres. 

Ben is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, focusing on Audio Arts and Acoustics. Since then, he’s been involved in multiple recording projects at Region Buzz 219. His influences include Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins), Steve Albini (Low, Cheap Trick, Nirvana), Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Megadeth), Bob Rock (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, The Cure), and Scott Burns (Death, Obituary).  Bringing both the perspective as the artist and the engineer to his sessions, Ben makes it easy to communicate with when sharing your vision. If you’re looking for an engineer with the knowledge, the experience, and the humor that goes along with it, Ben’s your guy. Contact Ben directly at benrb219@gmail.com or (219)302-0332, or contact the studio at info@regionbuzz219.com or (219)472-0626.

Nicholas Kazonis is an audio producer, recording engineer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and founder of Region Buzz 219. Region Buzz 219 began in 2016 with the intention of creating a creative haven for songwriters, musicians, and other artists. With over 20 years of experience as a performer and educator, Nicholas brings a deep musical perspective into the studio. This allows him to compose, program, and arrange parts across the spectrum of music and the nitty-gritty of audio cohesion. Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Columbia College Chicago, along with multiple certifications from Berklee College of Music, 

Technically, Nicholas specializes in vocal tracking and production, full-band recording, composing and arranging, editing, mixing, and modern remote collaboration workflows. He is proficient in Pro Tools and knowledgeable in Logic Pro, using DAW-based environments to capture performance-focused recordings with precision and musical intention. His production work spans pop country, alt-pop, classic funk, 70’s groove instrumentals, and world jazz fusion, with a consistent emphasis on feel, musicality, and artist-driven sound. To book with Nicholas, contact the studio at info@regionbuzz219.com or (219)472-0626.

Dale Struebing is the newest member of the Region Buzz 219 family, recently brought in as an audio engineer. He takes his projects seriously, always wanting to put his best foot forward by preparing as much as possible before meeting with a client or artist for a session. Efficiency is also a priority when working with Dale, but so is making sure that the artist is comfortable, relaxed, and in a supportive, creative atmosphere. Like other members of our audio team, Dale is a recording musician in the area, playing mostly rock and heavy metal music. Some of his influences as an engineer include Mike Shipley (Def Leppard, Shania Twain, Maroon 5), Michael Wagner (Alice Cooper, Extreme, Ozzy Osborne), and Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, My Chemical Romance, Daughtry).

A graduate of Flashpoint Chicago, Dale holds an associates degree in the applied sciences of the recording arts, spending his time studying on Mac’s and in ProTools primarily. While completing his education, Dale has had the privilege of working with Enuff Z’Nuff (a band he’d been following since he was in high school) and is listed with an assistant credit on one of their projects. He also has a credit in the movie “Cover-21: Ignite Chicago” which had a theatrical release and was available on Prime Video for some time. Dale would love to add your project to his schedule, so contact us today to book a session with him. To book, contact Dale directly at dstrueb2@gmail.com or TEXT (219)776-9478. You can also contact the studio at info@regionbuzz219.com or (219)472-0626.