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10 Recording Studio Tours That Take Fans Behind The Music

Found in the forgotten corners of Alabama, amid the bustle of Nashville, in Midwestern suburbs and the Pacific Northwest, these 10 studio tours allow fans to wax nostalgic about iconic albums and artists.

Whether you’re an eternal Elvis enthusiast who wants to see where the Tupelo titan made his very first round of licorice pizza and where he recorded more than 240 singles, an audiophile who geeks out at the slightest turn of a soundboard knob or the old-timey crackle of feedback, a vinyl connoisseur who wants to gather historical context for his collection, or just looking for something fun to do on vacation, consider touring a historic recording studio.

Found in the forgotten corners of Alabama, amid the big-city bustle of Nashville or Detroit, and nestled into quiet Midwestern suburbs or rainy regions of the West Coast, studio tours offer behind-the-scenes scoop on the making of iconic albums by household names from the Aretha Franklin and Rolling Stones to Dolly Parton , Lizzo , and Billie Eilish .

The number of studios being restored and opening their doors to offer music fans in-depth experiences seems to be climbing alongside the growing interest/reinvestment in vinyl. While some of these studios ceased production years ago and exist only as musical time capsules, others are still making noise.

These are 10 of the most exciting recording studio tours strewn across the lower 48 where you can wax nostalgic about classic cuts while standing in the exact spot where they came together. Armed with old photos, music clips, and sometimes the actual gear used back in the day, guides regale visitors with tales of budding romance, epic fights, intense late night sessions, studio wizardry, custom instruments, memorable moments, and quirky habits — like Keith Richards lyric-writing breakthrough in the bathroom or Prince ’s penchant for playing his favorite movie Finding Nemo while working .  

Sun Studios

Memphis, Tennessee Who Recorded Here: Elvis Presley, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Rufus Thomas, Bobby Blue Bland, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Wynonna Judd, Roy Orbison

Sun Studios is rightly dubbed the birthplace of rock 'n' roll: It’s the studio where B.B. King and Jerry Lee Lewis were discovered, and where Elvis recorded his first hit single, "That's All Right." 

You’ll hear the story of those sessions and more as you walk through the original operating base of Sun Records owner Sam Phillips from 1950-1959. Tours begin in the memorabilia gallery, which contains the original radio broadcasting booth of influential Memphis DJ "Daddy-O" Dewey Phillips, and proceed through the reception area and into the room where the sonic sausage was and is still made. (Sun returned to its recording roots in the ‘80s.) The space is filled with retro furniture and equipment from Sun’s heyday, but little of it was ever near that gyrating pelvis.

Presley’s history with Sun precedes working with Sam. At 18, he paid $4 to make a 78 featuring two slow jams called "My Happiness" and "That’s When Your Heartaches Begin" with the help of assistant Marion Keisker (Phillips was not in that day) in 1953. Fairly unimpressed, he jotted down his name and number alongside a notation that he was a good ballad singer. The following year he returned, picked up the tempo, snarled the word "mama," and the rest was history.

Much of the gear used at Sun in Elvis’ day is on display in other museums or held by private collectors, such as the Million Dollar Quartet piano you’ll find at Graceland . One mic is original to the space however, and visitors can use it as a prop in photos when they bust out their best impression.

FAME Recording Studios

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Who Recorded Here: Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato, Otis Redding, The Osmonds, Terri Gibbs, Band of Horses

FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) and its leader Rick Hall (who was nominated for Producer of The Year in 1970) put the Muscle Shoals region on the commercial music map. Originally founded in 1959 and located above a drugstore, Hall eventually took his earnings from Arthur Alexander’s "You Better Move On" and a $10,000 loan to buy out his partners. He built  the current headquarters and studios, turning his passion project into a blues and soul powerhouse that gave the Memphis music industry one state over a run for its money. 

The first session in the new digs resulted in the chart topper "Steal Away" by Jimmy Hughes. Over the next few decades, numerous classics were captured on vinyl under the same roof:  "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett , Etta James ’ Tell Mama , "Slip Away" by Clarence Carter, "I Never Loved A Man" by Franklin, and "You’re Having My Baby" by Paul Anka.  

Currently run by Hall's children, Studios A and B still pull big names like Phish , Jason Isbell , and Gregg Allman , who recorded his farewell album Southern Blood there in 2016. Whether you opt to take the standard tour or the new backstage experience (which adds stops in the publishing office, Hall’s personal office brimming with awards and gifts, and instrument exhibits to the basic studios tour), be sure to pose under the sign above the hall that reads "Through these doors walk the finest Musicians, Songwriters, Artists, and Producers in the World." The sign has been up since the studio first opened. 

  Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Sheffield, Alabama Who Recorded Here: The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Cher, Staples Singers, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Lana Del Rey

After honing their unique funky R&B style together up the street at FAME, the Swampers (David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Roger Hawkins, and Barry Beckett) struck out on their own in 1969. Using a loan from Atlantic Records VP Jerry Wexler to buy equipment, the four opened  what was then the only recording studio owned and operated by session musicians. 

First to record there was Cher , whose 3614 Jackson Highway takes its name from the studio’s address and features the building’s exterior on the cover. The cover, in turn, inspired the studio’s now signature sign. Before moving operations to a bigger facility in 1978, more than 200 albums (75 of which earned RIAA gold or platinum status) and hundreds of songs were cut at the original property. Among the biggest hits were Paul Simon ’s "Kodachrome" and Bob Seger ’s "Old Time Rock and Roll." 

After the Swampers moved out, it became an appliance repair shop, headstone showroom, and pro audio retailer and then spent much of the ‘90s abandoned. A local entrepreneur started to return it to its former glory and run it as both a recording studio (that’s when the Black Keys laid down the first tracks in 30 years at the studio) and museum in the aughts. But it was 2013’s Muscle Shoals documentary that really stoked both public and deep-pocket interest — Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine donated a million dollars to the preservation of the studio  — and further restoration was completed in 2017 under the watchful eye of the new owner, the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation. 

Visitors are treated to fascinating session stories with corresponding audio snippets, photos, and equipment while wandering around the basement writer’s room, secret speakeasy where booze was hidden (it was a dry county until the ‘80s), and the one-room studio which includes the tiny bathroom Keith Richards locked himself in to finalize the lyrics of "Wild Horses" and Mary MacGregor captured her "Torn Between Two Lovers" vocals.

London Bridge Studio

Shoreline, Washington

Who Recorded Here: Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Blind Melon, Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, The Strokes, Fall Out Boy

Though it was opened in 1985 by brothers Rick and Raj Parashar, this Seattle-adjacent studio didn’t rise to prominence until the ‘90s when a who’s who of grunge pioneers used it to record seminal albums like Ten , Louder Than Love , and Dirt . Tours are offered several days a week and on dates that hold significance to the studio and now owners/producers Eric Lilavois, Geoff Ott, and Jonathan Plum, including an annual Layne Staley tribute. 

Admirers of alt-rock can take a peek at a wall covered in early headshots and items left behind by bands, as well as the original guestbook that features a few work-in-progress band names. 

The tour visits isolation booths, the control room, a Neve A599 console commandeered from Decca Paris Studios, and the original Yamaha C7 Piano that appears on Mother Love Bone’s "Chloe Dancer" and Dave Matthews Band's "When I’m Weary." Among the studio's most interesting artifacts  is the rope swing in the live room, which Eddie Vedder swung from upside down to achieve the Doppler-like sound effect on "Once."

And it isn’t just grunge acts for whom London Bridge has played a significant role in their career.  Brandi Carlile met her longtime bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth through Parashar in the studio's kitchen.

Hitsville U.S.A .

Detroit, Michigan

Who Recorded Here: The Miracles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, Martha and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson

Berry Gordy established his game-changing label Motown Records in 1959 inside a simple home on Detroit's West Grand Boulevard. The ground floor held the administrative offices, control room, and tape library while the Gordy family posted up on the second floor. A photography studio in the back was converted into what became known as Studio A, which was open 22 hours a day. 

As business grew in the ‘60s and ‘70s, he bought neighboring houses and expanded the footprint of Motown Records. Today, three of his houses, including the original abode, contain the Motown Museum, which maintains the studio and his living quarters as they looked during the label's zenith. Tours include a trip through the Gordy family's recreated apartment and the legendary Studio A.

While you likely won’t be granted permission to tickle the ivories as Paul McCartney was when he took a private tour, you can eyeball the 1877 Steinway Model D grand piano heard on many Motown favorites. Fun fact: After discovering the antique in unplayable condition, the Beatle helped restore it and eventually played it at a charity gala.) 

Historic RCA Studio B

Nashville, Tennessee

Who Recorded Here: Dolly Parton, Elvis, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, Al Hirt, Amanda Shires, Perry Como, Everly Brothers, Don Gibson

Plans for this studio were first written on a napkin by chief audio engineer Bill Miltenburg. The fabled hit factory operated by RCA Records is located in the country capitol’s Music Row neighborhood. 

RCA Studio B churned out so many ballads, bangers and boppy pop tunes between 1957 and 1977 that it earned the nickname "Home of 1,000 Hits." Elvis alone knocked out 240 songs there. 

As rock began to dominate, house producers Chet Atkins and Anita Kerr removed or downplayed the twang of traditional Western ditties, adding strings, background vocals, and smoother instrumentation. Their Nashville Sound is said to have rescued country music from certain obscurity. 

This key point is made by docents and audio and video clips during daily tours, which depart from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and last about an hour. Visitors will pass through the hallowed halls where Parton belted out "Coat Of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You." Also on display are two original recording consoles,  a prized 1942 Steinway Grand Piano, and the building’s recently restored exterior. 

The studio is still in operation. Occasionally, artists like Gillian Welch , Marty Stuart, and John Hiatt return to record new projects with the old-fashioned analog flair. 

Paisley Park

Chanhassen, Minnesota Who Recorded Here: Prince, Madonna, Lizzo, Chuck D, Beck, Gwen Stefani

Prince built the mural-covered creative compound of his dreams in a suburban cornfield 20 minutes from the Minneapolis music scene where he first made a name for himself. Paisley Park includes his home, four still-active recording studios, a Hollywood-sized soundstage where Prince rehearsed for tours and made music videos, concert movies and films like Graffiti Bridge , and a nightclub. His trademark shade of purple reigns supreme in the color palette.

Prince cut every album — from Sign O’ the Times until his last release — at Paisley Park and welcomed artists from Chaka Khan and R.E.M. to Sting into the booths. And when he wasn’t working, he was playing…hard. His late-night impromptu parties at the NPG Music Club were legendary, including one particularly epic evening when Madonna arrived around 2 a.m. and sat at stage’s edge while Prince serenaded her for an hour. 

While all three tour levels feature peeks at the studios, musical instruments and Prince's massive shoe collection, diehards can book the three-hour ultimate experience which adds exclusive access to a private screening, a playback session in the control room, and even more archived items. All visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the modified road case Prince used to hide inside in order to be moved through concert crowds undetected. It is tucked along the tour route but never mentioned. 

Capricorn’s Studio A

Macon, Georgia

Who Recorded Here: Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie, Elvin Bishop, Blackberry Smoke, Eddie 9 Volt

After building a name for himself as a booking agent and manager for soul artists like Otis Redding , Percy Sledge , and Sam and Dave, Phil Walden founded Capricorn Records with Wexler and used the FAME model as a roadmap. He put together a Swampers-style house band and built them a studio from the ground up in downtown Macon.

When Mercer University cleaned up the Capricorn complex in 2019, adding a museum, music library kiosks, and a state-of-the-art Studio B, it thankfully left A untouched. The ‘70s time warp continues in the control room, where they custom-built a soundboard to mimic the one that was used during Capricorn's pinnacle (around the time when fellow Georgian President Jimmy Carter attended Walden’s infamous summer artists’ barbeque). 

The studio remains so true-to-vibe that you half expect to find a stash of illegal substances  in the basement's reverb chambers (a favored hiding spot according to rumors), the Allman Brothers jamming on their highest charting work "Ramblin’ Man," or Joe Cocker laying on the floor with a mike stand bent down to meet his mouth because he was too inebriated to duet with Bonnie Bramlett standing up. Less scandalous is the piano Redding composed on, complete with cigarette burns, displayed in the museum.

The Church Studio

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Who Recorded Here: Leon Russell, Tom Petty, J.J. Cale Willie Nelson, Gap Band, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Buffett, Air Supply

In 1972, Sooner State native and Elton John mentor Leon Russell bought a 1915 Methodist church in Tulsa's Pearl District and converted it into offices for his Shelter Records label, a recording studio, and a hangout for his creative pals. 

Russell eventually left Shelter in 1979 to start his own label, Paradise, for which he constructed a same-named studio complex in Burbank, Calif., but not before numerous household names made magic within those stone walls. Tom Petty also signed his very first record deal with his early band Mudcrutch at Church. 

In 2016, Tulsa businesswoman/Master of Space and Time megafan Teresa Knox bought the holy ground of the Tulsa Sound (now located on Leon Russell Road), renovated it, and used her personal Russell memorabilia collection to jumpstart a museum. According to Knox, her prize purchase to relaunch Church’s recording side was a NEVE 8068 mixing console from Daniel Lanois, who used it when producing records by U2 and Emmylous Harris . In fact, the machine is pictured on the cover of Bob Dylan ’s Time Out Of Mind . 

In 2022, the Dropkick Murphys chose The Church to put together a Woody Guthrie concept album. (Guthrie was also from Oklahoma and a museum in his honor is less than 15 minutes away.) Tours begin near the bronze statue of Russell in his signature top hat.

Third Man Records

Detroit and Nashville

Who Recorded Here: Bob Weir, Billie Eilish, the Hives, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jack White, MC50 (anniversary MC5 band)Former White Stripes’ frontman Jack White started a label and three same-named record stores, all with live music venues tucked inside.

The two American outposts of Third Man Records offer tours once or twice a week. Established in 2015 in the longtime cultural hub Cass Corridor, the Detroit tour includes visits to the state-of-the-art vinyl pressing plant, a stage, and the control room, and giant depictions of local superstars the MC5, White Stripes, and the Gories. In Nashville, which opened in 2009, the longer, pricier tour takes guests through the warehouse, control room, and live space. Like many of the aforementioned studios, guests exit through an expertly curated gift shop. 

Coordinate visits on days where someone’s rocking the mic, as these two venues are the only live music halls where artists can record performances direct to vinyl. With a lathe procured from King Records in Cincinnati and a pressing deal with United Record Pressing, Third Man recorded a live 7-inch by White and made it available less than four hours after he’d exited the stage. Could there be a more ultimate souvenir for music lovers?

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Natalie Bergman

Positive Vibes Only: Natalie Bergman & The Chicago Children's Choir Deliver An Uplifting Performance Of "Talk To The Lord"

Get ready to raise your hands up to the heavens with this soulful performance from Chicago-bred singer/songwriter Natalie Bergman and the Chicago Children's Choir

In the latest edition of GRAMMY.com's inspirational video series, Positive Vibes Only , Chicago-bred singer/songwriter Natalie Bergman delivers her psychedelic, gospel-infused "Talk To The Lord," with angelic support from the Chicago Children's Choir .

Written by Bergman, "Talk To The Lord" is the lead single off her forthcoming debut solo album, Mercy , out May 7 via Third Man Records. She recorded the entire album at the Los Angeles-based home studio operated by her brother, Elliot, with whom she makes up one half of indie folk duo Wild Belle.

Learn more about the Chicago Children's Choir and how to support their work .

Positive Vibes Only: Israel & New Breed Perform An Ethereal Version Of "Accepted"

Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Jack White To Release Live Album On Blue-And-White Vinyl

The main man at Third Man preps a new live LP to be distributed through his Vault subscriptions service

On the heels of his adventurous new album, Boarding House Reach , GRAMMY winner Jack White has announced his label, Third Man Records, will release a new live album titled Live At Third Man Records/Nashville & Cass Corridor .

Recorded during two shows on the Boarding House Reach tour — a show at the Blue Room at his label headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., in March and a concert in Detroit in April — the new project will be released via White's exclusive Vault subscriptions service. Fitting with White's latest visual theme, the LP will be pressed on "beautiful blue and wonderful white vinyl," according to Third Man's site .    

The live album will mark White and Third Man's 37th Vault release and follow the recent landmark reissue of Captain Beefheart's Frank Zappa -produced seminal sound collage Trout Mask Replica . In addition to a remastered version of the influential album, the Vault package contained extras such as a special seven-inch single, lyric book, tote bag, patch, and even a printed replica trout mask.

White's latest live album will also feature a few extras, including three glossy 8 by10 photos, logo flag and "a die-cut sleeve with peep-in artwork reminiscent of Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti or the Stones' Some Girls , the interplay between the sleeve and the jacket will provide fans with hours upon hours of flip-flopping fun."

Live At Third Man Records/Nashville & Cass Corridor is available for preorder through July 31 for those who join The Vault .

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Watch: U2's "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" At Third Man Records

The GRAMMY-winning band records a new version of their 2017 song at Jack White's Nashville studio for a special limited-edition vinyl release

From Dublin, Ireland, to Nashville, Tenn., U2 made a special stop at Jack White's Third Man Records studio to record an intimate version of "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" from their 2017 album,  Songs Of Experience .

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A handheld video posted on the band's Facebook page shows U2 delivering a stripped-down acoustic version of the song after an endearing false start. The footage provides an equally candid glimpse into the band's raw live sound as it does into the music memorabilia-lined walls of Third Man Records' retro-rock studios.

The recording will be available on a "special limited-edition vinyl coming soon," according to the video's caption. Earlier this year, U2 performed another song from the same album, "Get Out Of Your Own Way," from a barge in the New York Harbor with the Statue Of Liberty in the background at the 60th GRAMMY Awards .

U2's previous album, Songs Of Innocence , earned the band a GRAMMY nomination for the 57th GRAMMY Awards . The pair of albums take their names from William Blake's 1789 illustrated collection of poems, "Songs of Innocence And Experience."

The session at Third Man Records comes during U2's Nashville stop of their Experience + Innocence Tour, which stretches across North America and Europe through November, making its final show a homecoming in Dublin, Ireland, on Nov. 10.

For a full list of tour dates and ticket information, visit the band's website .

Photo: Richard E. Aaron/Getty Images

Prince's Paisley Park Announces Four-Day Gathering: Celebration 2018

Event will honor the Purple One's memory on the anniversary of his death with performances, panels, and presentations

For the second consecutive year, Prince 's Paisley Park will host an event in the late icon's honor. Celebration 2018 will feature performances, panels, and presentations at the Chanhassen, Minn. compound celebrating Prince's remarkable work and commemorating the two-year anniversary of his death.

Set for April 19—22, Celebration 2018 will feature musical performances from the likes of Sheila E , fDeluxe (formerly known as the Family), and a debut appearance from a new supergroup composed of members of Paisley Park and New Power Generation alumni, according to Rolling Stone .

On April. 21, the festivities will move to Minneapolis' Target Center for Prince: Live On The Big Screen featuring "newly remastered and never-before-released audio and video of Prince accompanied live on the Target Center stage by an all-star ensemble of musicians who performed alongside him throughout his storied career."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">N.E.W.S. for our Purple Friends and Fams: <br>Programming details announced for Celebration 2018!  <a href="https://twitter.com/SheilaEdrummer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SheilaEdrummer</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFdeluxe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheFdeluxe</a> &amp; new super-group of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaisleyPark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaisleyPark</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NPG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NPG</a> musical alumni to perform live at Paisley Park.  Full details = <a href="https://t.co/NzlV2uW69F">https://t.co/NzlV2uW69F</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceCelebration2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceCelebration2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/y6eRirnaGA">pic.twitter.com/y6eRirnaGA</a></p>&mdash; Paisley Park (@PaisleyPark) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaisleyPark/status/967071085832351744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The four-day event will also feature several guest speakers, including Sheila E., Susannah Melvoin and a host of other Prince collaborators and friends. Tickets for Celebration 2018 are now on sale through Paisley Park's website .

Getting The Latest Music News Just Got Easier. Introducing: GRAMMY Bot. Find it On KIK and Facebook Messenger

• 1 10 Recording Studio Tours That Take Fans Behind The Music
• 2 Positive Vibes Only: Natalie Bergman & The Chicago Children's Choir Deliver An Uplifting Performance Of "Talk To The Lord"
• 3 Jack White To Release Live Album On Blue-And-White Vinyl
• 4 Watch: U2's "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" At Third Man Records
• 5 Prince's Paisley Park Announces Four-Day Gathering: Celebration 2018

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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

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• 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S Nashville, TN 37203
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Nashville’s Historic Temple of Sound

Historic rca studio b.

Built in 1957, RCA Studio B became known as the birthplace for the “Nashville Sound,” a style characterized by background vocals and strings that helped establish Nashville as an international recording center, located on Nashville's Music Row.

The Studio B Experience

After exploring the Museum’s galleries, the Historic RCA Studio B Tours will transport guests back to moments that made history. You’ll stand right where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and other greats recorded hits, and hear stories and songs born in this historically important studio.

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The Music of Studio B

The songs and artists.

The songs recorded inside Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s “Home of 1,000 Hits,” reach across decades and emotions, from traditionalists to trailblazers. Don Gibson captured “Oh Lonesome Me” at Studio B in 1957, the studio’s opening year. Waylon Jennings cut the defiant “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” in 1968, and Dolly Parton’s heartrending “I Will Always Love You” was made at B in 1973.

Historic RCA Studio B played a major role in establishing Nashville’s identity as a recording center. Dozens of country and pop stars made recordings here, primarily from 1957 to 1977, when the studio was operated by RCA Records. There are few recording studios that can claim the number of hit records that have come from Historic RCA Studio B, located in Nashville’s famous Music Row area.

Historic RCA Studio B—once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and the Everly Brothers—is both a classroom for Nashville area students and a popular cultural attraction.

Snapshots from the Past

Chet Atkins (left) and recording engineer Bill Porter in the control room, c. 1962

Porter Wagoner with Dolly Parton, c. 1967

The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, 1957 ( Elmer Williams )

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Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

HOURS OF OPERATION: TUESDAY-SATURDAY  10AM TO 4PM.  

TOURS TIMES: TOURS BEGIN EVERY HOUR ON THE HALF HOUR STARTING AT 10:30 AM TO 3:30 PM.

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Entries on This Tour

Constructed in 1929 and home to the Film Guild Cinema in its early years, this Greenwich Village building would later become home to the Village Barn, a country-themed nightclub that inspired an NBC spinoff. During the late 1960s, the building was home to the Generation, a legendary but short-lived live music venue, and later, a recording studio owned by Jimi Hendrix. Although Hendrix is most often associated with Seattle and London, this building is an important part of the musician’s legacy and he and his manager purchased the nightclub in 1968 and transformed it into a state-of-the-art recording studio that continues to operate as Electric Lady Studios. Hendrix’s untimely death occurred not long after the studio was completed, but it continues to draw some of the biggest artists of the day, including Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey.

The Motown Museum is located at Hitsville USA, the original home of Motown Records from 1959-1972. Founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., Motown Records would become the most successful independent record label in the industry and the largest Black-owned company in the U.S. at one time. The "Motown Sound" jump-started the careers of notable artists like The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5. Visitors to the museum can see Studio A, where some of the most famous Motown songs were recorded, along with a collection of other memorabilia from the era.

Historic RCA Studio B was the original recording home of Elvis Presley and has been used by dozens of country and folk music stars such as the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. In 2002, the Mike Curb Family Foundation purchased the building, renovated and restored it back to its appearance in the 1970s, and then granted the Country Music Hall of Fame a perpetual lease of the building so that they could operate tours of the studio for the public.

The Quonset Hut, later known as Columbia Studio B, was the first music recording studio in the historic Music Row district of Nashville. In 1954, music producer Owen Bradley and his brother, musician Harold Bradley, converted a house and a surplus Quonset hut into a makeshift music studio on 16th Avenue. Noted musicians such as Brenda Lee and Johnny Cash recorded at the Quonset Hut, known for the superior acoustics it provided. As the studio became more successful, other music labels moved into the neighborhood and it became known as "Music Row." After Bradley sold Bradley Studios and the Quonset Hut in 1962, Columbia Records owned and operated the studio until 1982, repurposing a portion for offices. In the 2000s, music producer and philanthropist Mike Curb purchased the land and office space, and it currently houses facilities for Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

From 1969-1978, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was one of the preeminent recording studios in the world. It was founded by legendary producer Jerry Wexler in partnership with four session musicians (Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins , Jimmy Johnson and David Hood) who called themselves the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. The four musicians got their start at FAME Studios, which was established in Muscle Shoals by Rick Hall. While under the leadership of Hall, the four musicians produced the background msic for musical acts ranging from Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding to the Osmonds and Bobby Gentry. These four musicians were later referred to as “The Swampers” by Lynyrd Skynyrd in his hit song “Sweet Home Alabama.” After partnering with Wexler and creating their own studio, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio produced 400 albums, 52 of which earned gold and platinum status. The Rolling Stones, Cher, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkle, Willie Nelson, Joe Crocker and many others recorded at the studio during this period. The Rolling Stones recorded "Wild Horses" and "Brown Sugar"—two of their more popular songs—here in 1969. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Today it is owned by the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation. The studio moved to a new building in 1978 and sold it to Malaco Records in 1985. Malaco ran the new studio for twenty years. The original building on Jackson is undergoing restoration at the time of this writing but tours will be offered after the restoration process is complete.

The Stax Museum was originally a business called Satellite Records, owned and operated by Jim Stewart. The museum's purpose is to show the heart and soul that was poured into the record company and the musical history. Even though the company shut down in 1975 due to bankruptcy, the legacy lives on and is still impacting people today. Stax Museum is run by Soulsville Foundation, who helps people recognize the beauty of soul music.

Where Rock and Roll was born. Sam Phillips launched his record company in February, 1952, and named it Sun Records as a sign of his perpetual optimism: A new day and a new beginning. Sun Studio became known as a place that nurtured talent and then encouraged it to expand with bigger labels. In 2003 it became a national tourist attraction due to the record company discovering Elvis Presley.

Between 1965 and 1972, many of the leading musicians recorded their albums at Memphis's American Sound Studio. A Family Dollar now occupies the original site and there is only a small historical marker to let the public know the significance of this location to the history of American music. In addition to recording hits, studio owner Lincoln “Chips” Moman created his own house band with guitarist Reggie Young, drummer Gene Chrisman, pianist Bobby Wood, organist Bobby Emmons, and bassists Mike Leech and Tommy Cogbill. This house band provided the background for many leading musicians, including Elvis Pressley.

While it may not look like much now, The Church Studio is historically significant as the birthplace of what became known as the "Tulsa Sound," the style of music that combines blues, country and rock. Many famous artists recorded here including Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, George Harrison, J.J. Cale, The GAP Band, Kansas, and Leon Russell himself. The Church Studio was established by recording artist Leon Russell in 1972 to be the location of his company Shelter Records, which he co-founded in 1969. The building itself was built in 1915 and called Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. As of August 2019, the current owners are remodeling the building and plan to open in the Summer of 2020. They will add a museum, a small theater/screening room, a professional culinary kitchen and bar, and collaborative space for music professionals. The Church Studio also features an archive holding a large collection of 4,000 items highlighting the legacy of Leon Russell, the musicians that recorded here, and the Tulsa Sound. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

Sunset sound studios are located on Sunset Boulevard, and have been in business since 1958. The studio was originally bought for the production of Disney movie soundtracks. Over the years, the studio began to host all types of musicians and become a historical place in the industry for cutting hit songs and albums.

This Tour is a Thematic Tour or Heritage Trail .

A Tour of American Recording Studios from Coast to Coast

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Description

From New York to Los Angeles, the United States is home to some of the most well known and important music studios of the past century. This tour covers covers some of the most famous and influential recording studios in America who primarily focus on Rock, R&B, Country, and Blues. The tour begins in New York in the legendary Electric Lady Studios and travels to the Motor City of Detroit. Following the visit to the birth of Motown, the tour travels south where it visits the birthplace of rock and roll itself and the capital of country music. The tour concludes in the arguably coolest studio of all time: Sunset Sound Studios. Learning the histories of these legendary studios and the people who helped create the soundtracks of generation after generation can give better insight to the state of America during those times.

10 Music Row Studios to Open for Public Tours

Country music fans -- especially those interested in the genre's history and the inner workings of the recording process -- it’s time to start planning a trip to Nashville. The general public will soon be able to experience some of the city’s most iconic recording studios for the first time ever.

According to the  Tennessean , 10 recording studios on Music Row have teamed up with six local tour companies to provide an insider’s look at where country music is made. The partnership will allow tourists and locals alike to step behind the scenes at Ocean Way Studios, Omnisound Studios, House of David, Spirit Music, Black River Sound Stage and Ronnie’s Place, Catch This Music Studio, Jay’s Place Recording Studio, Columbia Studio and the Quonset Hut, the Tracking Room and Sound Emporium Studios.

"People will love it," Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. President and CEO Butch Spyridon tells the  Tennessean . "The whole world is attracted to and driven by experiential opportunities. We have the best of experiential in terms of live music.”

In addition to group walking tours, tour operators -- Sweet Magnolia Tours, All In One Destinations, Art Henry Tours, Flair Tours, Grand Avenue Worldwide and Let's Go Travelin' -- will also offer add-ons, such as classes on recording equipment and even the opportunity for visitors to lay down their own tracks. The benefits of the partnership are two-fold: Tours will provide a unique look inside the music business, and they will also add a new stream of revenue for the studios, which have struggled because of the advent of home recording technology.

Back in 2014, the legendary RCA Studio A was  in danger of being demolished until it was purchased by a local philanthropist with intentions of preserving it . Although the studio is not one of those that will be open for tours, its operations are now in the more-than-capable hands of  producer-in-residence and caretaker Dave Cobb .

More From TheBoot

Iconic Irish studios where U2 recorded albums opens new visitor experience

Feb 24, 2020 • 2 min read

U2 recorded many albums at Windmill Lane Recording Studios © Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

An iconic Irish recording studio has opened its doors to the public with a new guided tour experience, allowing visitors to understand the creation and production of albums and songs by some of the world’s most successful recording artists.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin has produced some of the most iconic rock and pop albums and songs of the past 40 years, and it's still a busy, working studio space. The original studio buildings opened in 1978 in Windmill Lane but were demolished in 2016. They were famously covered in graffiti by U2 fans that visited from all over the world, as the global superstars recorded many of their albums there.

In 1988, the studios relocated to a historic, Art Deco, three-storey building on Ringsend Road in the Dublin Docklands. It was originally a power station for the old Dublin tram network but was re-developed to house three different-sized recording studios. In 2005, singer Van Morrison purchased the studios for his own personal use, and in 2009 Pulse College became the new owners and reopened the studios for commercial use.

The guided tour uses a balance of technology, audio-visual media and intuitive storytelling to allow visitors to explore the studios, discover their history and see how a recording session works. They'll also be given the opportunity to meet a virtual band and have a go at mixing their own session. The guided tour lasts between 50 minutes to an hour, and as it's a working studio, it is essential to book online and check the studio's calendar first as a recording session might be happening.

To book a visitor experience tour of Windmill Lane Recording Studios, please see here.

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Capitol Studios

THE STUDIO THAT DEFINED THE SOUND

Studio services.

• Echo Chamber

Who’s Recorded Here

Sam Smith • Frank Sinatra • Muse • Imagine Dragons • The New Basement Tapes

Studio A has it all

Studio A is our largest recording space. Originally built in 1956, Studio A has more than 1500 sq ft of floor space with over 50 years of audio recording heritage. Not only one of the best sounding orchestra rooms in the world, Studio A holds up to 50 musicians comfortably. The combination of timeless history and modern technology is a special feature of this room. Studio A has a variable decay time that can be tailored to your needs, this is accomplished by adjusting the louvered wall panels. Studios A and B can be combined by removing the retractable wall separating the two. The studio additionally features two isolation booths. Ideal for both acoustic and electric instruments, Artists have their choice of a Yamaha C9 or New York Steinway “B” piano. It also has a large private artist lounge above the control room.

Key Technical Features

• Neve 88RS 72 Input Recording Console
• 7.1 Surround Monitoring Capability
• Encore Automation
• Antelope Isochrone Word Clock
• Pro Tools HDX 72 Inputs 80 Outputs
• Main Monitors PMC QB 1A

Outboard Gear & FX

• (1) Fairchild 670
• (3) Summit EQP-200B
• (4) Summit TLA100A
• (2) DBX 160x
• (4) UREI 1176LN
• (1) SSL FXG384
• (1) Lexicon 480L
• (1) Lexicon PCM 80
• Neo-Classic Masters of Maple Drums
• Includes access to (8) Echo Chambers, (3) EMT 140 Plate Reverb, and (2) EMT 250 Digital Reverb
• Lexicon Reverb
• Antares Auto-Tune 8
• EMI TG 12413
• UAD 2 Octo Ultimate 2 Card with Extensive plugin bundle
• Waves Mercury bundle
• Izotope RX4 complete Audio Enhancement & Repair toolkit
• MC DSP Emerald Pack HD V6
• Native instruments Komplete 10 and Ivory 2 Grand Pianos
• Synchro Arts Vocalalign Pro V4
• Massenberg DesignWorks EQ Plugin
• SoundToys Native Effects
• Serato Pitch n Time Pro 3
• Sonnox Bundle
• PSP Plugin bundle

Oasis • Green Day • The Beach Boys • John Mayer • Bob Dylan

Studio B: The Legendary Sound

Studio B has a long list of legendary albums that were recorded there over the years. Touted as the classic Rock & Roll studio with one of the best drum rooms in LA, it is also responsive enough to handle the high demand of orchestra sessions. The room is designed for adjustable decay times to suit any application. The room has one 154 sq ft. isolation booth, a choice of Nat King Cole’s New York Steinway “B” or Yamaha C9 pianos and a private artist’s lounge overlooking the studio. Studio B is the smaller of our two recording rooms but still encompasses 1023 sq ft. of floor space and 19440 cu ft. Studio.

• Neve 8068 56 Input Recording Console
• Flying Faders Automation System
• (2) Pultec EQP-1A
• (1) Neve 33609
• (2) DBX 160VU
• (2) Distressor EL8X
• (1) Lexicon PCM 70
• (1) Teletronix LA-2A
• (2) Teletronix LA-3A
• (1) Lexicon 300

Al Schmitt • Beck • Skrillex • Gloria Estefan • Robbie Williams

Studio C: It’s All In The Mix

This large, fully scalable mix suite has been the site of multiple Grammy winning mixes over the years. Along with Jazz, Pop and Rock the room is often used to mix music scores for feature films and is comfortable for long-term mix projects. Studio C has a full assembly of outboard gear and surround capabilities, experience mixing in a room with intrinsically superb sonics and on a large format console. The console is a 72 input Neve 88R console fitted with Flying Faders Automation system and full surround monitoring scoring formats. In 2017, Studio C expanded to accommodate Auro-3D and Dolby Atmos multi-channel sound for audio and video production.

• Neve 88R 72 Input Recording Console
• 5.1/7.1/Atmos Surround Monitoring Capability
• Main Monitors PMC IB2s XBD-A
• (2) Pultec EQP-1
• (2) Teletronix LA-2A
• (2) Summit EQF100
• (1) Summit DCL 200
• (2) Roland SDE3000

Capitol Studios Echo Chambers

Thirty feet underneath the Capitol Tower lies Capitol Studios’ eight Echo Chambers. These chambers have been used to create some of the most memorable recordings in modern history. Each chamber has a unique ‘personality’ as each has a unique design, speaker selection, and microphone placement. The trapezoidal chambers were built from reinforced concrete and designed with sloping ceilings to avoid any parallel surfaces. Approximately 2000 cubic feet, the 8 chambers can provide a maximum reverberation period of 5 seconds, with average signal level the delay is approximately 3 to 3.5 seconds. The chambers deliver a relatively smooth sound decay curve (approximately logarithmic with time), and make a completely natural room tone.

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Abbey Road Studios

Iconic spaces, legendary gear, latest news, discover our enhanced online mastering service.

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Create your own history

Record in the gatehouse and front room.

Making the magic of Abbey Road more accessible to a new generation of artists are our two new studios, designed as more intimate creative spaces. Recent sessions include Maverick Sabre , Jorja Smith , Emeli Sande , Ella Eyre , JP Cooper , Nile Rodgers & CHIC , Noel Gallagher and Novelist . Discover more.

Trust our engineers’ experience and expertise to guide you through the final stage of your creative process.

Master your music with Abbey Road. Our legendary gear and world-class engineers will improve the sound quality, elevate the listening experience and help you bring your musical ideas into the world.

World Class Recording & Production

Incredible equipment, facilities and sound

The creative skills to deliver your vision

Film Sound Post-Production

The best sonic experience for your film

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• Inside Blackbird

Where Legends Make Records.

Nashville’s premier recording studio. world-class tracking, overdub, and mix rooms – plus a dazzling collection of gear. call 615.467.4487, as one of the world’s most prestigious recording facilities, blackbird studio almost needs no introduction. our incredible multi-studio complex has a stunning range of top-spec rooms for every purpose..

THE RECORDS

Blackbird studio is a haven for artists of all genres to make music without limits. here you will find refuge, inspiration, and a dedicated space packed with the world’s finest gear . find out more about our clientele..

Seventy amps, 70 guitars, 160 snares, 65 full drum kits, and legendary microphone lockers with more than 1,400 rare and vintage choices – everything you need to make a record is at your fingertips!

Where the legends make records..

Are you ready to make yours? To book a room at Blackbird Studio, just click below or call Rolff at (615) 467-4487.

Nashville’s premier recording studio with nine world-class tracking, overdub, and mix rooms.

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What You Need To Know About The Tours

Finding Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is easy! It’s located at 3614 North Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama. It doesn’t look like much from the road but it’s one of the most important buildings in music history! You can tour the studio throughout the year, Tuesday – Saturday. The guided tours begin on the half hour starting at 10:30AM with the last tour at 3:30PM.

Each tour of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio lasts about 30 minutes. You’ll learn a few fun facts about the studio and then you’ll have some free time to walk around and take photos.

The History of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

The Muscle Shoals “Swampers” became famous as studio musicians down the road at FAME. FAME was the original Muscle Shoals recording studio and the first to bring in artists from all over the country that wanted the unique sound the legendary musicians were known for. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett, Duane Allman and countless others recorded music in their studios.

Eventually, The Swampers (Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, and Jimmy Johnson) decided to open up their own studio and moved down the road a bit to Sheffield, Alabama. In 1969, they trademarked the phrase “The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section” and opened up their new studio in the tiny, unassuming building on Jackson Highway.

Over the years, The Swampers produced at least 50 hit singles in this new studio. The first hit was from artist R.B. Greeves called Take A Letter Maria . (The song hit #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was certified Gold.) Other hit songs record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio included Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger; Kodachrome by Paul Simon; Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones; and I’ll Take You There by The Staple Singers.

What You’ll See On A Tour of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

The studio itself is quite small and you’ll have access to see everything inside of it. The mixing board sits in a control room behind a large window that looks out into the main studio. Some of the original furniture (couches, chairs, etc) are still where they once sat during the studio’s heyday.

The instruments on display are mostly original as well. The piano, which is a focal point of the tour is probably the most significant item you’ll have the chance to see in person. This piano is where the song Free Bird, a huge hit for Lynyrd Skynyrd, was initially composed. It’s also the piano featured on Paul Simon’s Kodachrome. But its most famous notes are heard on Bob Seger’s hit song, Old Time Rock and Roll. The notable introduction of the song was not only played on that piano, it was also a mistake. It was never intended for the opening notes of that song to repeat a second time. Someone made an error in editing the tape after the session.

The bathroom at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is also a focal point. It was often used as an additional recording space for musicians. Keith Richards notably played guitar here while recording the hit song Brown Sugar. It’s also where he wrote the lyrics for their song Wild Horses.

The only notable difference in the studio is that the original shag carpet has been replaced.

What Does A Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour Cost?

Currently, the cost to tour Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is $20. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.

Do They Still Record At Muscle Shoals Sound Studio?

Yes! Artists still use the famous studio to record, mostly for its incredible acoustics.

If you are a true music lover, you will absolutely appreciate and enjoy a tour of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. If you were a fan of 70s music, especially if you lived through that decade, you absolutely must visit the studio where some of its biggest hit songs were recorded. It’s an unforgettable experience and a bucket list moment for many who come from around the world to say they’ve stood in one of America’s most important recording studios.

Things To See

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Recording Studios in Moscow

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Mixing Studio, Keyboardist

I've been playing keyboards since before the introduction of MIDI. Yes, that long. My ego has been parked in 1995, so all you'll be paying for is experience, experience and experience. My recording studio has been recording music since 1985. I've seen the hardware, seen the plugins of the hardware, and kept the hardware (now is vintage) and ready.

• Mike Sleath (Shawn Mendes)
• Nasri (MAGIC!)
• Cherri Black (Katy Perry)

Remote Mixing, Tracking

Looking to create music that not only captivates the soul but also resonates with the highest standards of audio excellence? Look no further than Studio 1Zero, where Grammy-winning sound meets unbeatable value.

• Nico and Vinz
• Carole King
• Foo Fighters
• Phoebe Bridgers

recording studios

GRecords® - recording studios in Russia (Moscow, Nizhniy Novgorod): arrangement, record, mixing, mastering, songwriting, vocal tuning, editing and more Dream. Do.

mixing mastering miracles)

Hi! I'm Nikita - recording/mixing/mastering engineer/producer from Moscow, Russia. This year i engineered, edited, co-produced & mixed best selling Russian hip-hop album - L'One "Lonely universe". Got many works reached #1 in Russian iTunes.

Pro Recording Studio

Audio production services in Moscow, Russia

• The Syrian Diary
• Collection of Olympic Games Essays
• First Time for Everything

'Rec, Mix & Master Studio'

Recording Studio, Mixing & Mastering Hub, Production house. DTH studios is located in Moscow at the very provocative facility of Elektrozavod. The studio, considered by many as a movement, is now open for projects all over the world.

Mixing, Music Producer

I have been working in the market for over ten years, my works speak for themselves

Recording and Mixing Engineer

Hi, my name is Sergey Kruglov and I'm a recording and mixing engineer, currently working at Mosfilm Music Studios.

• Hibla Gerzmava
• Peter Nalitch
• Evgeny Grinko

Recording / mixing / producer

Recording and mixing engineer (in studio/remote). Experimental music admirer handling with any purpose whether it should be live recorded indie budget high quality EP or full-length LP which would be tracked and mix on a hi-end equipped studio (example.: DTH Studio). Please don’t hesitate to ask any question about you on-coming studio experience!

Recording | Mixing Studio

We are music label. Working hard more than 5 years. We love our work, so there is no presets in our world :) Every client recieve unique mix or instrumentals instead of "please, make this sound like ...". No! Every artist should be himself, should have his own style. As for us mixing is more than just good sound, it is a part of the artist's brand!

Hip Hop Music Producer

hip hop artist, sound designer, ghostwriter, producer

• Master$$$UITE

Producer, Mixing, Editing

Recording/Mixing engineer, producer, working at DTH Studios based in Moscow. Like to work with indie music and punk, hardcore, metal music. I can help your music to sound with full of energy and emotions.

• A Small Spark Destroys A Forest

REC & MIX Engineer | FOH

I always take into account the wishes of the customer in order to achieve better success together. I hear you and your music.

recording&mixing&mastering

can bring your music high level!

• supernatural worship
• lera deremova

Mixing & Mastering Engineer

Alan Blake Records opened on February 1, 2010. All these 5 years were a producer of hip-hop and pop-musicians, rock bands and even folk artists. Behind the back of our sound producer the Russian music education and experience of training in America, creation of several studios in Moscow and work on shootings of series "Web" for NTV.

Play music-guitar drum violin

Performance and recording acoustic or electric guitars from Blues to metal. Gentle or incendiary violin passages. Rocking rhythm or Bossa Nova . I'm at your service Also arrangements of songs. Quickly and tastefully.

• andrey kovalev
• Itzhak Perlman
• The Beatles

Session Drummer&Mixing&Pro rec

Pro Recording & Mixing & Mastering& Producing & Session Drumming

Producer, musician, singer

As a singer I feel music at any stage of it's production and can sing most of the genres, as a musician I can play a lot of instruments using my skills and as a sound-producer I can professionally mix and master tracks of any music style. My Favourite Music Styles are - POP, POP-ROCK, HOUSE, DEEP-HOUSE etc.

Mixing, Mastering, Recording

My name is Vladimir Boytsov, and I am the owner, producer and mixing engineer at Flat 3 Studio, Moscow. Comfortable and inspiring space for creating music.

• Evgeny Lebedev
• Durand Bernarr
• Natural Sequence

Mixing & Mastering, Producer

I've been making records since 1999. I enjoy working closely with clients who are as passionate about music as I am.

Sound design, mix, mastering

Main profile is modern experimental, indie and avant-garde music. I make sound production and record live bands in different studios in Moscow, Istanbul, Kiev. In last two years I made approx 40 releases for various artists in wide range of genres including rock, jazz, metal, electronic, hip-hop music. Perform acoustic room design engineering

• Infidel Express
• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
• The Mars Volta

Editing, Mixing, Mastering

Mixing and mastering engineer. I work with famous artists.More than 20+ million views on YouTube tracks mixed by me.

Mixing, Mastering, Editing

We are mixing / recording / mastering / composing team from Moscow, Russia. We work in different styles from Hip-Hop (American Artists in our credits: Scott Storch, Mario Winans, Fat Joe, Poo Bear) to many outdoor 7.0.4-surround recordings for Classical thru Pop-music and do mixing and mastering 24/7.

• Scott Storch

Recording Studio, Mixing,

MARS Records is a international community of experienced music producers based in Moscow, worked with local stars and new talents, offers professional recording, song mixing, mastering and music production services. Specializing in rock, pop, world, hip hop, and more. Premium equipped studio located in center of Russian capital.

• Konets Filma
• Exit Project

Remote mixing & mastering

Alexey Merganov - One of the most interesting engineer in Moscow, with his own atmosphere and a great experience. Since 2003. We have all the necessary equipment, designed premises. All this gives us the opportunity to achieve a better result in the sound. Choosing Alexey Merganov Studio - you choose a future for your album.

• Argument 5.45

Mixing and Mastering

I have a large experience in mixing rock, indie rock, hip hop, modern pop music and my creative approach leads to bringing power and excitement to music. For mastering session - I will be trying to keep its starting point without changing the mix but also trying to make it louder and wider.

• arseniy krestitel

Sound engineer , Mixing

A recording studio records songs and voiceovers for short films and commercials. Professional mixing and mastering. The place where stars are born

Mixing and mastering service. Best quality. Individual approach. We love our work!

We Have Ears ! _)

• Rate Attack!
• Lizard Hiss

Sound-Prod, Mixing&Mastering

Sound-Prodecer, Sound-Designer

• ENiGMA Dubz

Mixing & Mastering

I’m a huge music fan and audio engineer devoted to making the best out of every record I work on. I work at my own studio in Moscow and have some nice gear, both from analog and digital domains, and will be happy to take your music to a sonic level it truly deserves.

• Hidden Orchestra

Mixing, Mastering, Production

🙋‍♂Hi! My name is Alex and I have my own studio "zverevstudio" in Moscow.

Russian Recording Studio

All our capabilities are best explained in two words: Media Lab. We combine the functions of an advertising and digital agency, a creative bureau, video production, an animation studio and a recording studio.

• Mike Shinoda
• Dmitry Malikov

Music Producer, Sound Designer

I compose music, sound design and make audio editing for films, advertising, exhibitions. I made music for Nike, Vogue, Airnbnb, Google Play, Yandex, Transneft, Rusneft, Lumpen etc, more than 20 documentaries, feature films, fashion videos and exhibitions.

• Andrey Loshak
• Nikita Shokhov

Compose, Rec, Mix, Session

Full range service for all music needs. We are five guys who love music and working with it for a last 12 years. In our studio we are Producing, Composing, Arranging, Mixing, Mastering, Recording, Designing... Located in the most creative area of our city we have access to the tons of session musicians who can record different instruments for you.

• Depeche Mode

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Leonid & Friends

Passion. Persistence. Perfection. By Scott Schwebke

With multiple sold-out U.S. tours under its belt and hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, Leonid & Friends continues to astound its global audience with its unique ability in capturing the spirit, musicality, and fire of American supergroup Chicago. And what is even more stunning is that Leonid & Friends, comprised of 11 of the finest musicians in Russia, haven't seen Chicago perform live until recently, yet replicates the band’s complex arrangements amazingly note for note. Chicago has never been in Russia, and none of us have attended their concerts until just recently in the United States," said Leonid Vorobyev, a multi-instrumentalist who is the band’s leader. "We have only recordings and videos (to help us learn Chicago songs)."

Ironically, Vorobyev wasn’t always a fan of horn bands, and as a teenager gravitated to the hard-driving guitar-based sounds of the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Deep Purple, and Grand Funk Railroad. "In the early 1970s in the USSR, electric guitars, amplifiers, and drums were rare to find so at school we were playing self-made instruments," Vorobyev explained. "We were allowed to rehearse in the same room with a horns band. Those musicians almost always were drunk and quite often tried to play with us our rock songs. It was a nightmare, and I hated them all!" But that all changed when Vorobyev heard Chicago. He became an instant fan. "I loved so much the brilliant mixture of rock guitars, drums, and jazz horns with bright vocal harmonies," he said. In 2014, Vorobyev decided to indulge his love for the band by gathering a few fellow musicians in a studio to record a video of them playing his favorite Chicago tune, Brand New Love Affair. No charts or scores of the song existed so Vorobyev transcribed the tune by ear. The result was a YouTube video that quickly went viral. Since then Leonid & Friends has recorded videos of other Chicago hits including Make Me Smile , 25 or 6 to 4 , and Saturday In The Park . All total the videos have received more than 50 million views. Also, Leonid & Friends has recorded two albums showcasing its tribute to Chicago. The process of getting each tune just right is a painstaking labor of love. In addition to scoring and arranging, Vorobyev oversees mixing and mastering of each song. However, he credits his highly skilled bandmates for making each tune sing. "All of my musician friends are highly professional," he said. However, Leonid & Friends hasn’t been satisfied with merely connecting with fans through videos and recordings. In early 2019, the band embarked on its first tour outside of Russia that had fans dancing in the aisles at sold-out shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Florida. Two other scorching coast-to-coast U.S. tours followed that same year. “The fans were so eager to see us that some traveled from as far as Hawaii and the Philippines not mentioning flying across the U.S .and driving for hours to attend our shows,” Vorobyev said. “I was expecting a warm greeting but I didn't expect such a warm reception and with so much love and gratitude for us.” In Los Angeles, the band met its musical heroes, founding members of Chicago, keyboardist Robert Lamm, and drummer Danny Seraphine as well as Michelle Kath Sinclair, daughter of late, great Chicago guitarist Terry Kath. “We were so thrilled that Robert, Danny, and Michelle took the time to visit with us,” Vorobyev said. “It was an experience that we will cherish and remember forever.” When Leonid & Friends isn’t touring, band members are in the studio in Moscow immersing themselves in Chicago’s storied catalog of hits and deep tracks while preparing for the next tour. In September of 2018, the band recorded its first song from legendary supergroup Earth, Wind, & Fire and also paid tribute to the band Blood, Sweat & Tears as well. Borrowing a line from one of Chicago's biggest hits, "it's only the beginning" of great things from Leonid & Friends.

Scott Schwebke has been a journalist for more than 30 years and a longtime fan of Chicago dating back to its incarnation as CTA. His work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Denver Post, Orange County Register and various publications across the U.S.

Learn more about Leonid and his Friends.

Leonid Vorobyev

Musical director and founder of Leonid & Friends.

Leonid Vorobyev is the leader and founder of the band Leonid & Friends. He is the band’s producer, plays bass and piano, sings lead and backing vocals, transcribes all the musical sources, and he produces, mixes, and masters all audio and video productions. Leonid graduated from East Siberian Institute of Culture as a Choir Conductor. He had been working in various bands as a bass player and a singer when in 1989 he chose studio operations as his main interest and began a career as a record-mix engineer and sound producer. He has been working as a music producer, sound engineer, composer, and musician for about 30 years. Many Russian bands and singers have passed through his hands and ears. At the end of 2014, Leonid decided to give himself a gift to celebrate his retirement by recording a cover version of Chicago’s song Brand New Love Affair. No charts or scores of the song existed so he transcribed the musical source by ear, called upon his friends and recorded the song. What happened when the song was released surprised everyone and was the start of the new project ‘Leonid & Friends’.

Vasilii Akimov

Vocals/Guitar

A graduate of the Irkutsk College of the Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art. Vasily has won several international music competitions. He has been a member of the Russian hard rock band Monomakh, where he won praise from former Black Sabbath frontman Ronnie James Dio.

Sergey Kashirin

Vocals/Guitar (Former Member)

Sergey Kashirin was born in 1982 in Tiraspol, Transnistria, in Eastern Europe. A music enthusiast at an early age, Sergey began singing and playing guitar when he was only 8 years old. Following his musical dreams throughout his school years, he was accepted into the Tiraspol Rubinstein Musical College from which he graduated. After graduation, Sergey moved to Moscow where he quickly found work as a studio session musician playing for many Russian pop and rock stars. This led to live performance requests as well. Sergey is a founder of several musical projects, three of which are Real Bodrit, Rock Band, and Smilin’man, a multi-genre project of depth which allows him to stretch his musical and vocal talents. Many people took notice of his talents and in 2012, he began composing music for the film and television industries. Along the way, Sergey made many friends in the music industry and considered a number of them very close. In 2014, he was approached by one of those friends and asked to participate in recording a cover of a song from the American band Chicago for Leonid Vorobyev. The audio recording and subsequent video of the song Brand New Love Affair were not supposed to be anything more than a birthday gift to his friend but the rest of the world didn’t see it that way. After posting it on YouTube for their friends to view the word began to spread, and what was supposed to be a simple act of kindness for his friend, turned into the band Leonid & Friends recording many more songs which have been viewed in over 150 countries at last count. Sergey, being a founding member, performs regularly in both studio and live performances.

Serge Tiagniryadno

Serge Tiagniryadno was born and lives in Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine where he runs the popular recording studio Crystal Sound of which he founded. Serge is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, saxophone, percussion, drums, and keyboards. He’s combined those talents with his smooth vocals as a member of numerous bands throughout the area such as Seven Seas, and Ocheretyaniy Kit. Serge’s love for music started at the age of three with the guitar, and at four years old he began formal lessons on the piano. When he turned nine he added clarinet to the mix. He later went on to study as a television and film director at the Karpenko-Kariy Kiev National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television and he also attended the Kiev Institute of Theatrical Arts. Serge’s introduction to Leonid & Friends came by way of Trent Gardner, the web manager of the band Chicago. He conducted an online contest for Leonid to find a vocal talent comparable to that of Chicago’s Peter Cetera. Serge recorded his first song with Leonid & Friends in the summer of 2015 from his own studio in Kiev but didn’t personally meet the band members until the spring of 2016. Since then he’s been featured in numerous tracks by the band and performs regularly with them on the road.

Igor Javad-Zade

Recognized as one of the best drummers in Russia, Igor has vast experience in live performances and session work. He has collaborated with musicians in Russia and from various foreign countries.

Sergey Kurmaev

Keyboards/Backing Vocals

Sergey Kurmaev was born in the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, in 1980, about 2000 miles southeast of Moscow. His musical journey began at the age of 5 when his parents gave him a small accordion. He started by learning well-known melodies and played them for friends and family long before learning to read music. When he was eight years old, he enrolled in the local School of Music to study the accordion. At the young age of fourteen, he earned admission to the College of Music, where he began seriously studying the accordion and piano. Sergey did so well that at 18, he was awarded admission to the Kyrgyzstan National Conservatory of Music in Bishkek to continue studying the piano, his long time dream. After graduating in 2004, he moved to Moscow, where celebrity singers began requesting his talents. Since then, Sergey has worked and performed with many top musical acts and together with his wife, an excellent singer in her own right, have organized concerts. In 2020, Sergey, his wife, their three sons, and Lucky, their dog, received an early Christmas present. They learned that Sergey was selected to play keyboards for Leonid & Friends, replacing their long time player Vlad Senchillo who left earlier in the year. During his first live streaming concert with the band, Roman Vorobyev introduced him to the fans. Sergey said, “When I saw Leonid & Friends on YouTube, I thought myself maybe one day I would play in a band like this. But now I’m here, it’s a magic, thank you my God, and I very glad to be part of Leonid & Friends. Thank you very much, thank you for trust and I want to see our friends in the future.”

Konstantin Kovachev

Lead Guitar

Konstantin Kovachev, guitarist, composer, and arranger, was born in Ulyanovsk, Russia. After his birth, his family moved to Nikolsk, in the Penza region, some 480 miles northeast of Moscow, where he lived until he was 16. At 12 years old, Konstantin began studying music. In 1990, he was accepted to The Alfred Schnittke Moscow State Institute of Music, where he majored in classical guitar and studied the lute, keyboards, and the ancient harp. After graduating in 1995, Konstantin began performing with popular Russian rock bands and notable musicians, including Leonid & Friends’ drummer Igor Javad-Zade. His talents gained notoriety in the music community, and as a result, he is credited on numerous albums as a studio guitarist and arranger. In May 2005, he became the guitarist of Kalinov Most, considered the country’s first folk-rock band. Konstantin joined Leonid & Friends in 2021 as the lead guitarist.

Vlad Senchillo

Keyboards/Backing Vocals (Former Member)

Vlad is a graduate of the Ufa Institute of Arts as a choir conductor. He has also served as laureate of international jazz festivals in Russia. Vlad has worked with Russian and foreign performers, including jazz musicians from the USA who performed in Russia such as Chuck Loeb, Phil Perry, Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, and Brian Simpson.

Vladimir Popov

Flute/Sax/Vocals (Former Member)

Vladimir is a graduate from the Ulan-Ude Musical College of Tchaikovsky and Novosibirsk State Conservatory of Glinka. He has performed with various bands throughout Russia.

Alexander Michurin

Trombone (Former Member)

Alexander is a graduate of Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin, and Moscow State University of Culture and Arts. He has worked with numerous Russian performers both in the studio and on stage.

Alexey Batychenko

Trumpet (Former Member)

Alexey is a graduate of the Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin and Moscow Institute of Culture. He has worked with many of Russia’s top bands.

Konstantin Gorshkov

Saxophone (Former Member)

Konstantin graduated from the Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin. He has won the Brussels Jazz Contest and has toured in Russia and abroad.

Valery Martynov

Valery Martynov was born in the city of Tolyatti in 1994. Valery’s Father, a guitarist, noticed his son had developed perfect pitch and a strong aptitude for music in general from his childhood. So when Valery first entered music school, he planned to learn to play guitar like his Father, but when he saw the trumpet for the first time, he quickly forgot everything about his guitar plans and decided to study the trumpet instead. Valery eventually heard a recording of Maynard Ferguson, and he realized that the trumpet would be his vocation. He would vow to learn how to play it exactly as the master played in that composition. At 16 years old, Valery became a student at the School of Music. Four years later, he entered the Department of Jazz Music of the Faculty of World Musical Culture at the State Classical Academy, Maimonides, where he studied jazz. Valery studied under Vadim Eilenkrig and Alexander Vishnepolsky. He later became the first trumpet of many Big Bands in Moscow and the first trumpet and accompanist of some of the best jazz orchestras. Later, he became a laureate and a winner of multiple jazz festivals. Valery also teaches the next generation of brass players the skill and accuracy of playing the instrument. He has published teaching aids for his students and enjoys sharing his love for the instrument and music. Trumpet students, both in Russia and abroad, strive to take Valery’s classes and learn the secrets of pitch from him. In addition, Valery’s musical talents and professionalism allowed him to work with numerous Russian pop stars and participate in many individual musical projects in the country. Valery began playing with Leonid & Friends in April of 2022 and is happy to welcome listeners and lovers of this amazing music.

Ksenia Buzina

Born in the Transbaikal region of Siberia, in the city of Chita, Ksenia Buzina is credited as being the first Russian singer understood by over a billion people on earth. That’s because Ksenia sings and speaks Chinese fluently and has her own Chinese album and music videos. She was featured in the Russian TV version of The Voice and has participated in numerous television and festival appearances. Now a resident of Moscow, Ksenia began singing as a child in various school events and competitions. She earned her first paycheck singing at the age of 16 accompanied by her musician Father, performing in local restaurants on the weekends. She graduated with her economics degree from the Baikal State University of Economics and Law where she specialized in “World Economy.” She said, ”I do not see myself as an economist, but I was glad to study at the institute because there I learned Chinese.” Ksenia didn’t stop there. Besides Russian and Chinese she can also speak English and can sing in English, Chinese, Italian, Armenian, Kazakh, Bulgarian and French. She joined Leonid & Friends in September 2016 with the debut of the song Wishing You Were Here and has become an integral part of the band’s vocal landscape both in the studio and live performances.

Danil Buranov

Singer and actor Danil Buranov is a talented performer with many accomplishments. A graduate of RUTI GITIS (the Russian University of Theatre Arts, founded in 1878), Danil has participated in TV shows such as "Main Stage," was a semi-finalist of the show "Voice-6" and an artist of the Hryhoriy Leps Human Rights Center. In addition, he was the winner of "The Highest Test" competition and last year, under the stage name BURANOV, represented Russia at the international competition "New Wave." BURANOV has been performing on the big stage, and his fans remember his notable duets with Russian singer-songwriter Grigory Leps and the noted Latvian singer Intars Busulis. Since 2016, Danil has released singles, shot music videos for his songs, and toured with a unique vocal and dance cover show.

Mikhail Puntov

Mikhail (Michael) Puntov was born in Krasny Sulin, Rostov Region. He began his musical career as the soloist of the group Street Magic. Their work was recognized by the Young Artist Awards, which honors the excellence of young performers in film, television, theatre, and music. They were also given the special award for Outstanding International Variety Group in 2007. Michael represented Russia at the Junior Eurovision 2008, held in Limassol, Cyprus. He became the frontman of the group Geroi in 2011 and made his Leonid & Friends debut in April of 2022.

Andrey Zyl was born in the city of Minsk, Belarus in 1992 and now lives in Moscow. His love for music was evident early in life and he began his formal studies at the age of 11. Right from the beginning, the trumpet grabbed Andrey’s attention and he’s never looked back. He also developed an appreciation for the rhythms of music which led him to play percussion instruments but in his words “Trumpet is more fun!” He is a graduate of the Gnesins Russian Academy of Music. Andrey’s musical talents have led him to work with notables such as international jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany from Kansas City, the big bands of Igor Butman, Anatoly Kroll, and George Garanian, and numerous Russian pop stars. He’s been called upon to perform in many individual projects as well. A multi-winner of international jazz competitions, Andrey began playing with Leonid & Friends in April of 2017 in both studio and live performances.

Oleg Kudryavtsev

Oleg Kudryavtcev was born in Severodvinsk, located on the White Sea coast of the Arkhangelsk region, Russia, in 1984. His parents, a musician and kindergarten teacher, realized his affection for music early and at 9 years old his father enrolled him in a school of music and proposed that he should consider the saxophone. Although Oleg was interested in every instrument he saw, he agreed with his father and began formal studies. Everyone quickly realized how well Oleg was progressing and the decision was made to further his studies. Oleg transferred to the college of music in Arkhangelsk and then on to the Academy of music in Moscow. He remained in Moscow and began playing in various groups performing in a variety of musical styles. He never gravitated toward a single genre saying, “I have no preference in music styles. I love Pop, Funk, Soul, Jazz, Indie, electronic, anything is fine with me.” Oleg went on to work with many artists and played for years with the popular group Bravo which was established in 1983, a year before he was born. In 2017 he was excited to audition for Leonid & Friends because he’s loved the music of Chicago since childhood. He said, “My father introduced me to their creativity.” Looking back on his first USA tour with Leonid & Friends, Oleg said, “I am very grateful to my parents and teachers for helping me to become a professional musician. I love my profession and the smiles of the audiences at the concerts. It is very important for me in life.”

Maxim Likhachev

Maxim Likhachev was born and raised in Moscow where he continues to live today. His love for music began early as a student where he focused on wind instruments. He learned to play the euphonium and its variants as well as various percussion instruments, but his heart centered on the trombone of which he is known for. His talent led him to play in a children's brass band and ensemble with a choir and choreography. He entered the musical institute majoring in trombone and focusing on classical music in preparation for a spot in a symphony orchestra. While studying his musical plans abruptly changed the day he was invited to play in a rock band. He was hooked and he never looked back. Along the way Maxim was introduced to the sounds of the American band Chicago from the early albums and he developed a love for the band and their style that is with him to this day. After graduating from the Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin, he played with many of Russia’s top bands and felt right at home performing studio session work as well. Since his graduation he has remained in rock music and travelled extensively performing in numerous festivals within Russia as well as many places in Europe. Maxim explains that when he got the call to join Leonid & Friends, he felt his dreams of many years had come true. “To play the music I have loved since my youth with an amazing cast of fellow musicians whom I love, and being led by an incomparable director, Leonid Vorobyev, I don’t know how things can get any better musically for me.“ His personal life is singing from the same song book as well. With his loving wife and 3 children by his side, Maxim is proof of what hard work will do for you. He began playing with Leonid & Friends nearly 3 years ago and has become a gem of the bands brass section. Many friends of the band favor Maxim and his “Magic Trombone”, and they’re sure there is plenty of magic left in his playing.

Dmitry Maximov

Bass (Former Member)

Dimitry is a graduate of the Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin and has worked with many of Russia’s top bands.

Arturo Sandoval

Special Guest Trumpet

Arturo Sandoval was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1949, just two years after Dizzy Gillespie became the first musician to bring Latin influences into American Jazz. Sandoval began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve, but it didn’t take him long to catch the excitement of the jazz world. He has since evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. He is a 10 time Grammy Award Winner, Emmy Award Recipient, 6 Time Billboard Award Winner, the 2015 Hispanic Heritage Award Recipient, the 2016 Honorary Doctorate recipient in Fine Arts from The University of Notre Dame, and the recipient of the United States of America, Presidential Medal of Freedom. "Born into poverty in Cuba and held back by his government, he risked everything to share his gifts with the world. In the decades since, this astonishing trumpeter, pianist and composer has inspired audiences in every corner of the world and awakened a new generation of great performers. He remains one of the best ever to play." –Barack Obama (presenting Arturo Sandoval The Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Arkady Shilkloper

Special Guest French Horn

Arkady Shilkloper is a multi-instrumentalist and composer. He enjoyed a career in the orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre from 1978 to 1985 and was also a member of the Moscow State Philharmonic Symphony. Shilkloper spent four years with the Vienna Art Orchestra and has over 80 album and film credits to his name. He is considered one of the best jazz performers on French Horn and Alphorn in the world.

Igor Butman

Special Guest Saxophone

Igor Butman, saxophone virtuoso, bandleader, club owner and television host is Russia's number one jazz personality. With a major in Performance and Composition from the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, Butman performed with noteables including Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, The Lionel Hampton Orchestra, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Cole, Billy Cobham and Grover Washington Jr., who took Igor "under his wing." In 2009 Igor launched his own label called Butman Music and he has performed at every Olympic Games starting with Athens in 2004.

Vladimir Osinsky

Special Guest Piano

Vladimir Osinsky is a composer, arranger, sound engineer, and keyboardist who has worked with many of Russia's top bands.

Ilya Prokudin

Special Guest Flugelhorn

Ilya Prokudin is a graduate of the Moscow Music Institute of Gnesin. He has worked with many of Russia’s top bands.

Ilya Vymenits

Special Guest Percussion

Ilya Vymenits is a drummer/percussionist who has worked with many of Russia’s top bands.

Daniil Dubrovsky

Special Guest Saxaphone

Daniil is a graduate of the Kurgan Musical College. He has worked with many of Russia’s top bands.

Irina Kozlova

Special Guest Vocals/Live

Irina Kozlova is a graduate of the Maimonid State Classical Academy. She has worked with “Radio and TV Orchestra” and with many Russian pop-stars. Irina is a singer-songwriter in the project with Igor Javad-Zade "Smotri I."

CHICAGOVICH Leonid & Friends debut album.

"i haven’t been this happy about an album in a very long time. leonid vorobyev and his mighty intrepid band of friends have released what is perhaps the best tribute album in the history of rock and roll. superlative perhaps. but i wouldn’t toss about such a platitude lightly. in short, if you’re a fan of chicago; you’re going to believe me when you hear this record." - phil traynor, contemporary jazz musician, composer, and recording artist., chicagovich ii, the music continues with the release of leonid & friends’ chicagovich ii. eleven more of the most requested tracks everyone loves including beginnings, questions 67 & 68, i’m a man, feelin’ stronger every day, free, if you leave me now, street player, you are on my mind, listen, hard to say i’m sorry/get away, and stay the night. the perfect complement to their debut album, chicagovich ii will keep you singing, dancing, and enjoying their tribute to one of the greatest bands in the world, chicagovich iii, chicagovich iii picks up the pace with ten new tracks. this cd showcases a beautiful mix of early and later chicago gems that are sure to delight. you’ll enjoy the song that started it all, introduction, as well as call on me, dialogue (parts 1 & 2), just you ‘n’ me, hanky panky, life saver, happy man, (i’ve been) searchin’ so long, and mongonucleosis. recreating these tunes as only leonid & friends has done make this a must-have addition to your collection., oldies but goldies part 1, it’s finally here the latest installment of from leonid and friends, featuring the timeless music of earth, wind, and fire, blood sweat and tears, steely dan, tower of power, the ides of march, chaka khan, deep purple, the brecker brothers, stevie wonder, and the black russian band. this fourth cd features the songs that you’ve waited and asked for, all meticulously arranged by the master of music, leonid vorobyev and performed by some of the top musicians from russia. this collection of songs will have you singing and dancing in no time.

Leonid & Friends perform their favorites as a tribute to the greatest bands in the world!

All music and video is edited, mixed and mastered by Leonid Vorobyev.  

All music and video is edited, mixed and mastered by Leonid Vorobyev. All songs recorded in the Osinsky Recording Studio, Moscow, Russia. Vladimir Osinsky, Proprietor.

To sample and purchase the music of Leonid & friends please select from the providers below.

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Get your official leonid & friends merchandise and help support the band. with our cds, shirts, masks, cups, buttons, and more, you’ll look great, feel great, and have an excellent opportunity to introduce leonid & friends to others. these make great gifts too all items are sold by our usa trusted partner imediatv.net so you can shop with confidence. we thank you for your support..

Orchestral Recording Company

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Orchestral Recording Company Welcome to home page of “ORC” Orchestral Recording Company. Orchestral Recording Company is the only official North American representative of two major recording orchestras in Moscow, Russia: “Moscow Film Orchestra” (a.k.a. Russian State Cinema Symphony Orchestra) and “Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra” We are premier booking agency for orchestral and studio booking in Moscow, Russia. ORC can offer you a various recording packages including: orchestras from 15-120 musicians, choirs (Mixed, Male, Female, and Children), exotic soloists, jazz ensembles, various studios and engineers. We can provide you with most cost effective scenarios suitable for your music budget. We’ll look after all the logistics of your music project, starting with initial budget estimates, travel arrangements and basically everything else you will need to successfully complete your music project. Duration of our recording sessions is 4 hours with flexible breaks. All necessary personal such as librarian, copyist and orchestra inspector are available at the time of the session. You can send all your scores electronically in advance in any standard format such as Sibelius, Finale, PDF or TIFF. We provide you with world-class orchestral recordings for fraction of cost compare to recording in the USA, Canada, or UK. All recordings are done on full buyout contract. The cost of recording with ORC is also highly competitive to the cost of recording with any other major East European Orchestras. If you have ever thought of recording in Moscow, you have come to the right place!

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“The Chase”: Bonneville Teams Up with the FAME Gang for a Musical Homage to 70s Car Chase Cinema

“The Chase”: Bonneville Teams Up with the FAME Gang for a Musical Homage to 70s Car Chase Cinema Muscle Shoals, AL, June 5, 2024 – FAME Recording Studios is excited to announce the release of “The Chase,” the latest single from the Southern Retro Soul Band, Bonneville. Slated for release on June 5th via Starita […]

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Recording “Superstition” on Antelope Audio’s Zen Quadro

Hello Everybody,

Hope you’re doing marvellously well!

I’m excited to share with you a fantastic recording session (and subsequent interface review) we recently had at La Barca Studios in the UK, where we covered Stevie Wonder’s classic hit “Superstition”.

Download the multitracks here .

Watch the video and enter the giveaway to win 5 annual memberships of Synergy Core native plugins [below].

This session was a special one, not just because of the legendary song, but also because (in addition to providing the guitar parts myself) we had the pleasure of working with:

• Nick Sowden , from La Barca Sound – bass
• Becca Burn – lead vocals
• Luca – drums
• Michael Garding (who happens to be a beloved Academy member) – saxophone

And it was all tracked through the incredible Zen Quadro Synergy Core by Antelope Audio.

Let’s walk through the setup and why the Zen Quadro was the perfect choice for this project.

Versatile and Portable for Remote Recording

Whenever I’m on a remote recording job, the Antelope Zen Quadro is a must-have in my gear bag. The pre-amps in this little powerhouse are top-notch, providing clean and warm audio that stands up to even the most demanding studio environments. Its compact size makes it super portable, so it’s easy to bring along wherever we go. Plus, for the price, you simply can’t beat the sound quality.

Making the Most of Four Inputs

During our session at La Barca Studios, we took full advantage of the Zen Quadro’s four available inputs. We connected outboard vintage compressors, mic pres, and EQs to ensure we captured the rich, analog warmth we love so much. This setup allowed us to blend the best of both worlds: the pristine digital conversion of the Zen Quadro and the character of our beloved vintage gear.

Plugins Galore

One of the standout features of the Zen Quadro is the 37 included plugins. We mixed some of the tracks using these plugins, and I have to say, they’re fantastic. The guitar emulations, in particular, were a great bit of fun for me as a guitar player. They allowed us to experiment and find the perfect tones without needing to set up multiple amps and pedals. The ease and flexibility of these plugins made our mixing process smoother and more creative.

Ease of Mixing

Speaking of mixing, the Zen Quadro really shines in this department. It’s easier to mix on than some other interfaces we’ve used, thanks to its intuitive software and robust performance. The control panel software that comes with it makes routing and monitoring straightforward, so we can focus on the music rather than getting bogged down in technical details.

The Gain You Need

One seemingly minor detail is that of the Zen Quadro’s built-in gain – it’s a whopping 75db. This may seem like a trivial detail but can become non-trivial once utilizing ribbon mics (they require much more gain). And, how nice would it be to not then have to rely on external mic pre-amps?

Priced in a Class of its Own

Though there are many affordable interfaces competing in this space currently, and they’re mostly all great by any standard, yet there still exists a disparity between their features and those that are notably more expensive. The Zen Quandro sits in a spot between these two types and delivers many features and specs comparable to the latter camp. Take a look at some specification to see why.

Additional Specs:

• Microphone : Advanced internal microphone system
• Connectivity : USB and XLR outputs
• Recording Quality : 192 kHz sampling rate
• Bit Depth : 24-bit audio resolution
• Preamps : Discrete, ultra-linear preamps
• Inputs : 4 mic/line inputs
• Phantom Power : 48V phantom power for condenser mics
• Clocking : Antelope’s proprietary 64-bit AFC™ clocking technology
• Conversion : High-quality AD/DA converters
• Software : Included control panel software for advanced routing and monitoring
• Portable : Compact and portable design
• Compatibility : Works with both Mac and PC
• DSP : Built-in FPGA FX for real-time effects and processing
• Synergy Core platform with dual DSP and FPGA processing
• Includes a variety of real-time effects like EQs, compressors, reverbs, and more
• Control via software for routing, monitoring, and effects
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS)
• Direct monitoring with near-zero latency
• High-quality AD/DA converters for pristine audio quality

Thanks for tuning in , and I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at our recording session. Keep making great music, and I’ll see you in the next video!

Don’t forget to download the multitracks !

Many Thanks,

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Nord Stage 4 Review: The Ultimate Live Performance Keyboard

Arrange Music Like A Pro

“Modern Drummer” CEO David Frangioni: Studio Tour, Talks: Gear, Atmos, and Aerosmith

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• The 5 Best Drum Shield Options for Your Home Studio in 2023
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Taylor Swift Takes Fans Inside 'Florida!!!' Recording Session With Florence Welch

The song is off of Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, 'The Tortured Poets Department.'

Taylor Swift is taking fans behind the scenes for one track from The Tortured Poets Department .

On the Instagram page of her official fan site, Taylor Nation, Swift gave fans a sneak peek of how "Florida!!!" featuring Florence and the Machine came to be. The black-and-white clip posted on Monday showcases Swift, 34, unable to contain her excitement as Florence Welch , 37, sings inside a recording booth. Fittingly, the video was posted to the song "Florida!!!"

"the level of talent that was in the recording studio this day 🤯," the Instagram Reel and Story was captioned.

In true Swiftie style, fans believe there's more than meets the eye with this clip. Many theorize in the comment section that a "Florida!!!" music video is in store, or perhaps a live performance of the song during the 100th show of the sold-out Eras Tour in Liverpool on June 13. Swift's lucky number is 13, having been born on Dec. 13, 1989, which adds to fans being convinced something big is coming Thursday.

When "Florida!!!" released April 19, Welch was equally as excited.

"Me and my ghosts we had a hell of a time 🖤 @taylorswift," Welch penned on Instagram to mark the occasion. "Honoured to be in this department."

Swift previously shared the inspiration for writing the track with iHeartRadio, saying the song was based on the question, "What happens when your life doesn't fit, or your choices you've made catch up to you, and you're surrounded by these harsh consequences and judgment, and circumstances did not lead you to where you thought you'd be and you just want to escape from everything you've ever known?"

At that point, Swift wondered, "Is there a place you could go?"

"I'm always watching Dateline . People have these crimes that they commit, where do they immediately skip town and go to? They go to Florida," she said. "They try to reinvent themselves, have a new identity, blend in. And I think when you go through a heartbreak, there's a part of you that thinks: 'I want a new name. I want a new life. I don't want anyone to know where I've been or know me at all.'" 

Updates on Celebrity News, TV, Fashion and More!

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• Taylor Swift
• Florence Welch

Mick Jagger interview: Rolling Stones vs. the Beatles and how it feels to tour at his age

Mick Jagger is speaking by phone from New Orleans.

Two days earlier, on Thursday, May 2, the Rolling Stones did “Time Is On My Side” with local soul queen Irma Thomas, whose 1964 recording of that classic inspired the British Invaders to cut their own rendition that same year, resulting in the Stones’ first Top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jagger and Thomas revisiting the song together as a deeply soulful duet turned out to be an aptly titled highlight of a set that was, remarkably enough, the Stones’ first time to take the stage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

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Two days later, Jagger says he may go out and catch more music while he’s there — which he does, popping in on the festival’s Gospel Tent on Saturday afternoon — before he makes his way to Arizona for the Stones’ first metro Phoenix concert since the death of founding member Charlie Watts in 2021.

The Stones turned in a brilliant set at State Farm Stadium on Tuesday, May 7, the third date on the Hackney Diamonds Tour , named for the Stones’ first album of original material in nearly 20 years.

Boasting guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and founding bassist Bill Wyman, who left the group in 1993 , "Hackney Diamonds" has been hailed as their best work since “Tattoo You” or “Some Girls,” depending on the individual music critic’s level of enthusiasm.

Before the interview gets underway, the singer has a question for the interviewer.

“How hot is it there?” he asks. “ I remember the last time , it was warning you not to go out. Of course we did.”

Jagger laughs, as he does easily and often in the course of a 15-minute conversation that despite the actual presence of a phone never feels like he's phoning it in.

The man is unerringly affable, endearingly self-aware, impressively candid and refreshingly down-to-earth for one of rock and roll’s defining icons, widely held to be its greatest front man, a master of phrasing and a criminally underrated lyricist to boot, all while still doing stadium tours at 80.

Here’s what else he had to say.

Phoenix meets the Rolling Stones: First Phoenix concert in 1965 was a fever dream: 'So raw and so real'

Mick Jagger on touring as an 80-year-old legend with new music

The videos I've seen on social media from Jazz Fest and opening night have been amazing. Is the feeling you get from doing what you do on stage any different today than it was in the ‘60s or ‘70s?

Well, yeah, I mean, of course (laughs). You were younger and more crazy, more excited. And you were new. You weren't like treated like legends and all this. But you're the same person doing the same thing, even doing some of the same songs, so in some ways, it's the same. But it's a different time in the world, so there's a different vibe. It's the same, but only different, yeah.

How does it feel to have new music in the set?

Actually, really great. I love playing the old songs and all that. But it's great to be able to have something new, because you haven't done it before. It's a challenge to you to get it over to the audience and see if they like it, to see if they want to hear it.

It’s easier in a smaller place to play new songs. It's more difficult with a stadium crowd because they want to hear you know…. "Oh, I've come here to hear 'Paint It, Black'” “When are they gonna play 'Honky Tonk Women'?"

Are they gonna really like these songs? Are we gonna play them well enough? We haven’t played them that many times. We've only done “Angry,” like, three times, compared to “Paint It, Black.” (laughs) You go, 'Ugh, I made a mistake! Oh God.’ So yeah, it's challenging, but I enjoy it.

I would love to do more. We're doing three. I'm sort of changing them around, playing the three or four that are the most well-known. I'd love to put some others in, but there's only so much you can do, as I said, in a stadium. Red Hot Chili Peppers have got a new album. They're on tour and they're doing four songs. And I think we're on the same page here, when you're playing a big show. It's about all the audience can really take. (laughs)

Concert review: Time is still on Mick Jagger's side as the Rolling Stones thrash State Farm Stadium

Mick Jagger on being back in the studio with the Rolling Stones

How did it feel to get back in the studio and work on new material?

Oh, I loved it. It was great. I mean, I had a lot of songs I'd done during lockdown. I had a lot of time to write. So I had a lot of different kinds of songs and was glad to get them finally down. I thought, “When are we gonna get these songs down?” And it actually was really quick and fun and quite enjoyable. I like being back in the studio doing new things.

How do you decide “All right, it's time. Let's get in there and make an album” ?

I told this story when the album came out so I don't want to repeat myself too much. But I said to Keith, you know, “We've just gotta go make an album.” I didn't say, “I don't want to tour unless we have a new album.” But I said, “It would be better to go out with a new album when we next go on tour. So let's go do an album.” Keith said “Yeah, absolutely.”

We always used to have a deadline, you know? Like you guys at newspapers. You gotta write that story. And it's gotta be in here by this time. So I said, “We have to have a deadline.” Because otherwise we just keep going in the studio but we don’t finish anything. So everyone was down for that. And then we did it and we made the deadline. It all happened according to plan.

That's great. Were there specific goals you wanted to achieve artistically with this record?

Well, I wanted it to sound like a record made in 2024. The temptation with an old band is to go in and rehash something you've done before. And of course, the band is still the band. That's why I always say, “It's still gonna sound like the Rolling Stones, no matter what happens.”

But I said, “When you hear it, it's gotta sound like a record that's made by a rock band in this era,” you know? That crispness. If you listen to, say, a 1970s Rolling Stones record compared to this, you might love it because you've listened to it hundreds of times and that's the sound you like. But it's different, you know what I mean? It's a different period of sound.

It's much crisper and you can hear everything more clearly. But it's still got the energy level. To me, the energy level in a rock band is the most important thing. You've got to have that. You've got to feel the energy. That's a big part of it. And you've got to hear what everyone's playing.

Rolling Stones setlist: Every song they sang in Phoenix on the 2024 Hackney Diamonds Tour

Mick Jagger on working with Paul McCartney on 'Hackney Diamonds'

It's definitely got that energy. What was it like to work with Paul McCartney on this record?

Oh, it was great fun. We've all known Paul a long time. We worked in the '60s a little bit. He sang vocals with us and stuff. I've played with him in his house. Ronnie (Wood) has played with him a lot. And Andy Watt, the producer, was doing some work with him. So it was very fortuitous.

That's LA, you know. Next door there's Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney. It was great having him come by and he played great on "Bite Your Head Off."

Mick Jagger on losing Charlie Watts and recording with Bill Wyman

This is your first time in Phoenix since Charlie died. What was it like to sort of dust yourself off and get back to the music after losing someone that much at the core of who the Stones are?

Well it's very hard, you know, having Charlie since we first really started. I played with Charlie before the Rolling Stones existed. I played with Charlie as a singer in the Alexis Korner Band. He was playing the drums and I was the singer. Keith was sometimes playing with me. Sometimes he wasn't. So it was a difficult period to be without him.

But, you know, we decided to carry on. We had a tour planned. And Charlie said, 'You should go and do the tour,' you know? 'Go and do it.' So we did. That was tough, you know, doing it. Now, having done a tour with Steve (Jordan), we're kind of into that. But I miss Charlie. I look around and he's not there. But he is on the record. And we've got some other tracks he's on as well that we haven't released yet. So, you know, he's here.

One of the Charlie tracks has Bill Wyman on it. How did it feel to have him come in and kind of complete the circle ?

That was fun because we had this track with Charlie, and Andy and I said, “Well, let's marry up the old rhythm section.” It does sound a bit more like the old Stones, that particular track, “Live By the Sword.” It sounds slightly different from some of the others. But it's great. It's a different feeling.

Mick Jagger on building the ultimate Rolling Stones 2024 tour setlist

I love that you guys started doing “Out of Time” recently. I've always loved that song. What brought you back around to that?

I've always loved it. But the audience in America doesn't seem to know it as well as the European audience. So I think I'm going to give it a miss.

Uh oh. So we're not gonna hear that one in Phoenix?!

In Europe, they all sang along and everything. Here, they don't seem to know the song, you know? I mean, it's not a particularly well-known Stones song. It got a bit of popularity because it was in that (Quentin) Tarantino movie as a playout song. But they don't seem to know it. I put it in the front of the set, or near the front. And everyone's looking around like, “Ehh, what's this?” I don't know. I like to switch the set around. We've only done two shows. And I don't like doing the same set every night.

How do you go about putting a setlist together at this point?

Well, I have a list of all the numbers we rehearsed, right? We rehearsed for four weeks. So then, I go through all the ones I think we have to do, that people expect, that if we didn't do them, people would go, “Well, I came here to see ‘Honky Tonk Women' and they didn't do it.” And of course, I enjoy doing it. It's not a problem.

But then, the front half of the show, I kind of switch around a bit, just to keep everyone on their toes and interested with different ones on different nights. And now I've got to incorporate songs from the new album, which we rehearsed quite a few of them. And as I said before, we're only doing three so I'm switching it around a bit.

Are there other older songs you've never done live that you'd like to get around to someday?

I've tried to hit everything (laughs). I mean, I've been through the whole thing. And we do really weird ones. I mean, we did “I Wanna Be Your Man” (an early Stones single written by Lennon-McCartney) in Liverpool. That was really funny. We do that kind of thing from time to time out of the blue.

Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and rock & roll vs. pop

Speaking of "I Wanna Be Your Man" and Paul being on this record, there's been this ongoing debate for decades where Stones fans argue that the Stones are proper rock and roll and the Beatles are a pop band. What's your take on that?

Well, we're both pop bands, really. In the ‘60s, if you listen to the Rolling Stones, of course we played more blues than the Beatles. And The Beatles used to play more Tamla/Motown covers. We were all cover bands. But we both play pop music. We play blues. The stuff we played in early '60s, it's all influenced. But it's pop music.

“Time Is on my Side,” that we did here, that’s a pop song, you know what I mean? "Let's Spend the Night Together" is a pop song. "Ruby Tuesday" is a pop song. "Angie" is a pop song. Of course, we play rock. The thing about the Rolling Stones, though, and the Beatles, is there are very wide musical influences. Both bands incorporated a lot of styles into their music. Country music, blues, R&B, English music. So we had a very broad range, both of us.

It's difficult to pigeonhole either band, in my opinion. But obviously, the Rolling Stones are the more blues band, right? But we always were a pop band.

You know, one of the things that was so great about the era you guys came up in and defined was that being in a rock and roll band could mean playing any of those types of songs that are on any of those albums either of your groups recorded in the '60s. It seemed as though the possibilities were limitless.

We played Elizabethan songs like "Lady Jane" and "She's a Rainbow." "Paint It, Black" is not really a rock song. It's our most popular streamed song and it's like a Middle East-influenced pop song.

At this point, Jagger is reminded that the interview was scheduled to conclude five minutes earlier.

"Hey listen, I've got to leave you; thank you so much," he says.

And with that, he's off to hear some gospel in New Orleans, time still very much on his side.

Rolling Stones Phoenix 2024 concert: State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ

When:  8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.

Where:  State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Way, Glendale.

Admission:  $63 and up.

Details:  800-745-3000,  SeatGeek.com .

Reach the reporter at  [email protected]  or 602-444-4495. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter)  @EdMasley .

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mick Jagger interview: Rolling Stones vs. the Beatles and how it feels to tour at his age

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Ukraine war latest: Huge explosion reported in Russian city - as Putin 'sacks four defence ministers'

A total of 78 nations call for the "territorial integrity" of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russia's two-year war. Meanwhile, there's been a big escalation in fighting in the Kharkiv region. Listen to our Daily podcast on the situation in Ukraine as you scroll.

Monday 17 June 2024 22:08, UK

• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Escalation in fighting in Kharkiv over weekend
• Huge explosion reported in Russian city
• Putin 'sacks defence ministers'
• US condemns Vietnam for hosting Putin in Hanoi
• Dominic Waghorn analysis: It's a bad week for Putin - but Kyiv's allies face an uncertain future
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all of our live coverage on the conflict for now. 

We'll bring you any major developments overnight, and we'll be back with our regular updates in the morning. 

Earlier today we told you about a Russian missile attack on Ukraine's east central Poltava region. 

Initially, reports had suggested nine people were injured in the strike, but the regional governor has now confirmed 22 people suffered injuries. 

Three children were among the wounded, Filip Pronin said. 

Houses and power lines were also damaged, causing electricity to be knocked out for more than 55,000 customers. 

Ukraine's prosecutor general's office said the attack was carried out with an X-59 cruise missile.

The US has expressed concern over the "deepening relationship" between Russia and North Korea, the White House has said. 

Spokesman John Kirby said the US was "troubled" by the ties between the two countries. 

It comes after both nations confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years tomorrow. 

Mr Kirby said the visit appeared to be part of a post-election "charm offensive" by Mr Putin. 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Mr Putin during a visit to Russia's Far East last September.

Russia's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said the two leaders may sign a partnership agreement during the visit that would include security issues. 

Canada has decided to hold off on sending military trainers to Ukraine, its defence minister has said. 

Speaking to reporters after a NATO summit, Bill Blair said the circumstances for such a move were "not right" at the moment. 

"There was discussion of a NATO mission to enhance the training.  At the present time, the circumstances are not right to deploy - in my view - the Canadian trainers in Ukraine," he said.

"There is, I think, quite an understandable concern about expanding a training mission into Ukraine at the current time."

Canada has helped prepare more than 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2015, but decided to pull its training contingent out of western Ukraine just before the war started. 

The White House has also said it was not planning to send US military trainers to Ukraine. 

Ukrainian police officers, from a unit known as "white angels", have rescued six people from two villages today.

The country's national police force said four civilians were evacuated from Vozdvizhenka, near Bakhmut, and two were rescued from Vovche, in Lviv. 

"The front approached these villages almost at close range. The enemy is shooting at the houses," it said in a statement. 

"While the evacuation continued, the Russians covered the surroundings with fire, so the crew overcame especially dangerous sections of the road at maximum speed." 

It said the people evacuated from Vozdvizhenka were a family who had found "three shells were fired at their garden" overnight. 

"The policemen helped the man and three women to leave, the oldest of whom is 75 years old and has limited mobility," it added. 

"There was also room in the armoured car for all domestic animals - chickens, ducks and rabbits."

In Vovche, it said a man and a woman called for help after a Russian bomb hit their house.

It said some residents remain in both villages, and urged them to evacuate.

A record number of NATO countries are expected to hit the military alliance's defence spending target this year, its secretary general has said. 

In total, more than 20 NATO allies will spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence, Jens Stoltenberg said. 

The estimated figure marks a near-fourfold increase from 2021 among the 32 members. 

Only six nations were meeting the goal that year, before the war in Ukraine started.

The surge in spending reflects the worries of Western allies about the conflict. 

Mr Stoltenberg made the comment during a visit to Washington, where he is laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a pivotal summit of NATO next month.

The mutual defence alliance has grown in strength and size since Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago, with both Sweden and Finland joining.

It comes after US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, seen as "supporting a bridge to Ukraine's eventual membership in the NATO alliance" last week.

Away from the fighting, Ukraine has played Romania today in their first game of the Euros 2024. 

Fans packed out the stadium in Munich, Germany, to watch the match and soldiers managed to tune in as well - although they were likely disappointed by the 3-0 loss. 

Reuters captured these photos of Ukrainian servicemen watching the game near the frontline in the eastern Donetsk region. 

A Ukrainian military unit has released a video claiming to show its men using a "vile weapon" - the SPG -9. 

The clip, which has not been verified by Sky News, purports to show the soldiers from the Azov Regiment firing the recoilless gun in the Serebryansky forest in Luhansk. 

The regiment described the weapon as a "silent tool for eliminating occupiers". 

"Their effectiveness infuriates the enemy. Bombs explode around them and the forest burns. The Russians try to destroy them at any cost. But SPG operators continue to eliminate occupiers every day and night," the caption of the video reads. 

The Azov Regiment, which has far-right and ultra-nationalist roots, is part of Ukraine's National Guard and evolved out of a battalion that was formed in 2014. 

It fought against Russian-backed separatists who carved out breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

Last week, the US cleared the way for the unit to use American weapons. 

US law bars foreign security forces from US military assistance if they have committed gross violations of human rights, but a review cleared the unit for US funds, the State Department said.

The unit said Western weapons would improve the combat  capabilities of their fighters and save lives. 

Russian navy vessels have left Cuba's capital today, the state run news agency RIA has reported. 

A warship and a nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Havana last week and were expected to depart today. 

While their arrival wasn't seen as a threat by the West, the move was considered a Russian show of force amid heightened tensions due to the Ukraine war. 

Four Ukrainian drones were allegedly downed during an attack on Russia's Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant today.

Igor Artamonov, the governor of Lipetsk Oblast, claimed one drone had been "suppressed" while another had been shot down "over the industrial territory of Lipetsk".

The factory, which produces civilian products, has continued to operate as normal, according to owners Novolipetsk Steel.

Lipetsk sits around 250 miles into Russia's mainland.

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