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Musician helps artists record at Barrington's Gray Wolf Records

Nobel Prize laureate, songwriter and performer Bob Dylan has been an inspiration to Anthony Lachus of Algonquin.

After his parents gave him a guitar, Lachus loved to play, especially folk music. He enjoyed many artists and their work, such as Dylan's hit song, "Hurricane," about murder and social activism.

Lachus was drawn to songs that had meaning and told stories. That's what eventually led Lachus to the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. From there, his career in music and recording expanded further.

In March, Lachus opened his first recording studio, Gray Wolf Records a record label and boutique recording studio in the Ice House Mall and Village Shops in Barrington. It's where he helps other musicians find their niche in music.

"It's a place where they can produce and display their vision," said Lachus, 33.

Lachus was born in Bartlett and raised in Algonquin. He studied film at the University of Colorado, but decided to return to the Chicago area because his heart was in music. After he went to the Old Town School of Folk Music, he made several connections with artists, including song writers, poets, singers and others. He helped them record their music and often went on site to where they were the most creative. He met people from all over the world, and they brought the world of music back to him.

He officially incorporated his business in 2014. His studio gives them another site to be creative. But he doesn't restrict it to professionals. He also opened the door to others who are eager to make a name for themselves or just everyday people interested in recording something for a special occasion.

He charges $75 per hour and can seal their work onto the old-style 45 vinyl, digital recordings or CDs, he said.

He allows the artists to do their own thing. But if they request some guidance or musical backup, he'll do that too. He plays guitar, keyboard, harmonica and sings.

Lachus is also an avid cyclist and takes to the road a lot. The sounds of nature have inspired him to include the songs of birds and nature in some of his work as well. Some of his work is on Instagram and YouTube.

"I'm open to anyone who is passionate about music," he said.

New name, updates

President Scott Unter said Antique Coffee & Vending in Elk Grove Village was renamed BrewSmart Beverage. His father, Kurt E. Unter, founded the company about 50 years ago and it has since expanded to 14 states. The company also updated its website, has a new online ordering and bill payment center, and a service department with new tablets and smartphones.

FastTracks

• Amy Orlando, vice president of Geneva-based Fox River Distilling Co., said its Bennett Mill single barrel straight bourbon won a number of awards, including Best in Show against 75 other products from 10 states in the 2017 Heartland Whiskey Competition, sponsored by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board.

• There's more to business than just the bottom line. We want to tell you about the people who make business work. Send news about people in business to akukec@dailyherald.com. Follow Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter.

Anthony Lachus enjoys cycling and owns Gray Wolf Records, a recording studio in Barrington. COURTESY OF GRAY WOLF RECORDS
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