Every time when the history and evolution of music are discussed one aspect is left out most of the time and it is the place where it was created, recording studios. A recording studio is not just a room made of concrete slabs with recording equipment. The whole ambiance of the studio can make a huge difference in the making of a composition.
The recording studios are as important as the artists in making a song exceptional. These recording studios are the witness of many iconic artists’ musical career initiation and evolution throughout the years. And what is more fascinating is that the recording studios built around the early and mid-20th centuries are still being used to make music. Let’s talk about some of these legendary recording studios that are not just a place for making music but something extraordinary cultural element in the global music industry.
#1. Abbey Road, London
You may not notice this tiny apartment-looking recording studio while walking around Northwestern, London. But this small and cozy recording studio is famous among Beatles fans. It is crowded with tourists and Beatles fans all throughout the year. Most of the band’s songs were recorded in the studio.
It was established in 1931 as EMI Studios and became most famous due to the Beatles. Some of the other famous musicians that recorded in the studio are Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, and Radiohead. Pink Floyd also recorded their album, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ in 1973.
#2. Sun Studios, Memphis
Sun Studios is most famous for being the ‘Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll’. Major 1950 artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, and more have recorded in the studio. Blues artist B.B. King has also recorded music there. It has been a driving force behind the flourishing of classic American music.
Earlier, Sun Records shut down in the early 1970s. They re-opened once again ten years after Elvis Presley died in 1987. It is no longer a recording studio. It is most popular as a tourist attraction for 50s rock n’ roll lovers.
#3. Capitol Studio, Hollywood
Capitol Studios stepped into the music scene in 1956. Many legendary musicians have recorded their music in the studio. Some of the most famous artists are The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and more. They were very popular for using unique eco chambers built in their basements.
They have been in existence for more than 60 years and still acting as a recording studio making upgrades to their equipment. It still is quite famous among musicians and fans. A vast number of brilliant musicians have started their musical careers there.
#4. Sunset Sound, Hollywood
Located on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Sunset Sound is not only famous for working with famous musicians but for recording music for many Disney movies as well. The popular Disney movie ‘Marry Poppins’’s music was recorded in the studio. Both old and new musicians have worked with the recording studio.
Classic rock bands like Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and more walked through the doors. Modern musicians such as The Black Keys, M83, Jason Mraz, and more have also made music there. They have customized consoles and vintage equipment that are used to add ethereal elements to the music.
#5. Hitsville USA, Detroit
Mowtown Records’ first headquarter and recording studio is given the nickname Hitsville USA. The studio has undoubtedly had a massive positive impact on American music. Opened in 1959 by Berry Gordy, it catered to some of the most influential musicians of all time like Marvin Gaye, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Temptation, and more.
Though the actual recording studio is not functional anymore, the building can be visited by music lovers all throughout the year. It is now a museum for fans from all over the world who come to visit the place that shaped their favorite artists.
#6. Trident Studios, London
This old British recording studio was established by the former drummer of the Hunters, Norman Sheffield in 1967. It was highly popular during the late 60s and 70s. Iconic artists like the Beatles, Queen, David Bowie, and many more have walked through its doors.
The studio was the first to use many modern technologies like eight-track reel to reel, Dolby noise reduction, and more reshaping the music production process. But the recording studio was closed in the early 80s.
#7. Muscles Shoals, Sheffield, Alabama
The Swampers, which is the music section of Muscle Shoals, started the recording studio, Muscle Shoals in 1969. It is one of the few studious that was owned and operated by session musicians at the time.
Cher’s debut album, ‘3614 Jackson Highway was one of the studios’ very first releases. They have recorded and played on more than 200 albums from 1969 to 1978. Legendary artists like Duane Allman, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more recorded their music there. It is considered a home base for southern rock n’ roll music.
#8. Sound City Studious, Los Angeles
Sound City Studious is one of the most popular recording studios of its time. It was opened in 1969 and many iconic musicians recorded music there. The film on the studio, directed by Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters brought the recording studio under the attention of music lovers once again. Grohl bought the million-dollar Neve console from the studio used to record Fleetwood Mac.
The studio has given many hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s grunge and rock. It is a family-owned studio and it still operates with contemporary musicians coming in to record their music.
#9. Air Studios, London
The engineer for the Beatles, George Martin opened his very own recording studio called Air Studios in 1069. The wild acoustic characteristics of the recording studio make it stand apart among others.
They are most famous and one of the most equipped studios for recording film scores and classical music. No other recording studio in the world is as equipped to hold so many musicians as this one. The sound quality is also very high compared to its contemporaries. Many renowned artists like Kate Bush, Coldplay, and more recorded music there.
#10. Electric Lady Studios, Greenwich Village, NY
Electric Lady Studios was founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1970. Though, it was very unfortunate that he did not get to use his own recording studio much. He only used it for a month or so before dying in September of that same year.
But the studio did not shut down after his death. Thankfully, it is still running and is graced by many famous artists. Popular bands like Led Zeppelin and Weezer worked with them. Billy Idol and Patti Smith also recorded their music there.