"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles Fund

Utica, NY-native Timothy J. Gilles, "Slipperman," passed unexpectedly at his home in Beauty Point, Tasmania, Australia, in January 2022, at the age of 60.

Tim was a self-taught musician, heavy metal drummer, and audio engineer. He played in several local bands, most notably the heavy metal bands “Luftwaffe” and “Fear Tech” that amassed a devoted following in the 1980s. Blessed with an incredible ear, Tim was mentored in the craft of audio engineering by Bob Yager and, in 1991, opened Big Blue Meenie Studios in the basement of his house in Hackensack, NJ. After several years of growing success, he bought the former Quantum Sound Studios in Jersey City, NJ, where he would go on to make more than 800 records, including gold and platinum discs with post-hardcore bands Thursday, Taking Back Sunday and crossover thrash band SOD. To watch an interview with Tim at Big Blue Meenie Studios, click here. He also opened a mastering house, Surgical Sound, and a record label, Black Pumpkin.

Tim was known to many in the international rock music community for his hilarious and brilliant posts as “Slipperman” on industry forums such as ProSoundWeb, Gearslutz, The Womb, and as one of the original panel presenters on The Mixerman Radio Show with Mixerman and Aardvark. He also published online a guide to recording distorted guitars, called “Slipperman’s Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell.”

Both as a mentor and a guest lecturer, Tim contributed to the formation of countless young musicians and audio engineers. While he had many interests, the love of music was the defining passion of his professional life.

To make a gift by check, please make checks payable to the "Slipperman" Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles Fund, mailed to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.