Muddy Sunshine

In this day of technology it is important to remember that great music comes from people, not equipment or software!

Recording in a studio can be one of the most exciting experiences an artist can have. Our recording philosophy is unique because we are aware that the energy of the artist, and the space they are in mentally; create the sound, not preamps and gear.

Our goal in recording is to grab incredibly magic moments on tape, which often cannot be repeated, and also to strive for the artist to have a conversation with the listener. To this end we do everything we possibly can to make the artist and the players feel comfortable and relaxed while working. We will not be rushed nor will we rush an artist. Mood is EVERYTHING! Some days the magic is just not there, so we take a break and determine to try again on another day. We do not allow cell phones and other distractions in the studio. It is our belief that when possible we should record “live.”

This creates a “tension of the performance” which cannot be duplicated by laying separate tracks at different times. We record as much as possible tape. We love the warm rich “big space” of tape. Tape machines are a pain to operate and maintain, but we feel the end result is worth it. The results of our process are a true emotional continuity between everyone involved, including the end listener.

While on the subject of tape, most of our projects are recorded to an analog, 2”, 16 track Studer machine and mixed to a Studer machine with either a 1/4” or 1/2” tape head. Every piece of gear the audio signal passes through is tested and modified to provide the purest, most natural sound possible. When it comes to reverb, our equipment includes 1950’s EMT tube stereo reverb and other “antiquated” components.

No software plugin known to man can duplicate the sound of the tube equipment. Of course we have Protools in the studio, but it is just that, a tool, and is used when needed, but the goal of our recording experience is to capture a mood and analog still seems to be, to us, the best way to do accomplish that goal. After recording, our projects are converted only once to digital, in a professional mastering facility that has been involved in mastering great Nashville music for decades.

We grew up with the notion that if you noticed that the music was coming from loudspeakers, something is terribly wrong. The experience of listening should predicated on mood, not equipment. The equipment should fade and you should be left with pure emotion.

At Muddy Sunshine, Steve, Rocky and the gang wake up every morning to experience music, not technology. We hope you are moved by what we do, and we sincerely hope you feel the difference.