By Ellen Barnes
Ben’s Studio is home to 47 years of musical genius. The open and impressive recording space at 30 Music Square West is a historical goldmine that continues today as a successful studio. After almost a decade of private use, artist Ben Folds decided to open his space to outside sessions. “He wanted it to be commercially viable with a focus on orchestra and classical, two of his passions,” recalls Studio Manager Sharon Corbitt-House.
A wide array of musicians now rent the space. Several tracks from the acclaimed Tony Bennett Duets II album were recorded there, and some of those sessions were taped for the upcoming PBS special and DVD. Joining him for the sessions were Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill. “Producers really wanted to make full use of the space because it was the largest studio they had recorded in for the project,” explains Corbitt-House. “Everything was cut live on the floor, and the addition of a raised stage and backdrop made for an amazing finished product.
“There’s a very distinctive sound that this room has. It’s just very beautiful, like a big bubble,” she muses. “It’s a big, controlled, space—you’ve got this large sound but it doesn’t sound boomy.” She proudly notes the studio is also now home to a classic API 3232 console.
Ben’s Studio is not only a studio space, but ideally suited for recording live performance. “You record live, you cut live, you’re capturing a moment, you’re capturing a feel—I think that people want to go back to that,” says Corbitt-House, who believes digital recording can sometimes result in a record that sounds a little too perfect. The studio vet explains, “the imperfections of records are what make them perfect.”
Sharon Corbitt-House with the Blind Boys of Alabama at Ben's Studio.
Following tenures at Ocean Way and Sound Kitchen, Corbitt-House recalls the good feeling she experienced the first time she walked into Ben’s Studio. “All the records that were the reason I got in the business were made in this room,” she explains, referencing albums by Jerry Reed, George Strait and Reba McEntire. “Those records influenced my decision to have a path in music, and being in the space where it was all created…is really a blessing.”
The Nashville Symphony recorded several tracks of its Grammy nominated album at Ben’s Studio—it is one of the few local spaces that can house such a large group. Walmart’s Soundcheck web series is often taped there as well, hosting Underwood, Laura Bell Bundy, Josh Turner, and Alan Jackson. Pop singer Sara Bareilles, who is a judge alongside Folds on NBC show The Sing Off, recently spent three weeks there recording an EP with Folds helming production.
Folds has lived in Nashville and owned the studio for nine years, using it to record his albums Songs for Silverman and the chart-topping Way to Normal. The pianist’s latest, the three-disc retrospective The Best Imitation of Myself is an inadvertent result of the 2010 Nashville flood. Like numerous other musicians, he lost tapes, live recordings, and notebooks when his storage unit at Soundcheck flooded. Folds’ management and staff salvaged what they could and compiled it into the box set. Ben Folds Five reunited to make three new songs for the project, and plans to team again this year for a new album.
The studio is available for non-recording events, such as a recent reception for The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award honoring producers Norbert Putnam and David Briggs who once worked there. Guests and honorees enjoyed reminiscing about the storied studio.
HISTORICAL GOLDMINE
The studio houses Folds' prized pianos.
Built in 1964, the studio was established by producer and pioneer Chet Atkins. Originally known as RCA Studio A, or RCA Victor Nashville Sound Studio, it was a key piece of Atkins’ vision for Nashville and country music. “Everybody from Dolly Parton to Waylon Jennings to Elvis to Roy Orbison has cut in this space,” affirms Corbitt-House.
During Atkins’ reign at RCA Studio A, Parton recorded classics such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” while Jennings did “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line.” The latter also teamed with Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser for Wanted! The Outlaws. The Monkees used the space for the vocals to “Daydream Believer.” Atkins drew a mix of country and pop artists, and helped create the countrypolitan Nashville Sound.
The room is the only one of four identical studios—including outfits in New York and Los Angeles—that remains intact as a commercial recording studio. Interestingly, Ben’s Studio is still connected to Studio B next door through an underground trough—in the past, cords connected the buildings, so recording could be done at one location and engineering at the other.
The studio has gone through a series of evolutions. In 1979, famed Music Row producer Owen Bradley took over the space, changing its name to Music City Music Hall. During this time, the studio hosted artists including Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Joe Cocker, and Leon Russell.
George Strait and Bill Harris at Music City Music Hall
In 1989, ownership changed yet again and producer Warren Peterson took over, bringing the new name Javalena and accommodating artists such as Neil Diamond, Mark Chesnutt, and early projects by Gary Allan.
By the early ‘90s, Folds moved from North Carolina to Nashville and Peterson allowed the young musician to use the studio to record demos, often letting him work through the night. Hit producer Paul Worley also offered Folds encouragement early in his career, but the artist eventually followed his pop-rock dreams back to North Carolina and formed the successful Ben Folds Five.
In ’99, Peterson closed down the space and it sat empty for three years before Folds—fresh from a tour with Elton John—saw the For Lease sign and resurrected the studio.
Corbitt-House and others she’s talked to see the studio’s longevity as a positive sign for a struggling industry. “We’re all gonna be okay,” she assures. “Things come and go, but if you have something that’s known for having such a great history and is still being used as a recording facility, then it means that there’s hope for all of us. I hope it makes Chet happy that we’re all still hangin’ around here working everyday.”
Visit Ben’s Studio online or on Facebook.
Ben’s Studio Hosts Four Decades of Musical Genius
/by contributorBy Ellen Barnes
Ben’s Studio is home to 47 years of musical genius. The open and impressive recording space at 30 Music Square West is a historical goldmine that continues today as a successful studio. After almost a decade of private use, artist Ben Folds decided to open his space to outside sessions. “He wanted it to be commercially viable with a focus on orchestra and classical, two of his passions,” recalls Studio Manager Sharon Corbitt-House.
A wide array of musicians now rent the space. Several tracks from the acclaimed Tony Bennett Duets II album were recorded there, and some of those sessions were taped for the upcoming PBS special and DVD. Joining him for the sessions were Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill. “Producers really wanted to make full use of the space because it was the largest studio they had recorded in for the project,” explains Corbitt-House. “Everything was cut live on the floor, and the addition of a raised stage and backdrop made for an amazing finished product.
“There’s a very distinctive sound that this room has. It’s just very beautiful, like a big bubble,” she muses. “It’s a big, controlled, space—you’ve got this large sound but it doesn’t sound boomy.” She proudly notes the studio is also now home to a classic API 3232 console.
Ben’s Studio is not only a studio space, but ideally suited for recording live performance. “You record live, you cut live, you’re capturing a moment, you’re capturing a feel—I think that people want to go back to that,” says Corbitt-House, who believes digital recording can sometimes result in a record that sounds a little too perfect. The studio vet explains, “the imperfections of records are what make them perfect.”
Sharon Corbitt-House with the Blind Boys of Alabama at Ben's Studio.
Following tenures at Ocean Way and Sound Kitchen, Corbitt-House recalls the good feeling she experienced the first time she walked into Ben’s Studio. “All the records that were the reason I got in the business were made in this room,” she explains, referencing albums by Jerry Reed, George Strait and Reba McEntire. “Those records influenced my decision to have a path in music, and being in the space where it was all created…is really a blessing.”
The Nashville Symphony recorded several tracks of its Grammy nominated album at Ben’s Studio—it is one of the few local spaces that can house such a large group. Walmart’s Soundcheck web series is often taped there as well, hosting Underwood, Laura Bell Bundy, Josh Turner, and Alan Jackson. Pop singer Sara Bareilles, who is a judge alongside Folds on NBC show The Sing Off, recently spent three weeks there recording an EP with Folds helming production.
Folds has lived in Nashville and owned the studio for nine years, using it to record his albums Songs for Silverman and the chart-topping Way to Normal. The pianist’s latest, the three-disc retrospective The Best Imitation of Myself is an inadvertent result of the 2010 Nashville flood. Like numerous other musicians, he lost tapes, live recordings, and notebooks when his storage unit at Soundcheck flooded. Folds’ management and staff salvaged what they could and compiled it into the box set. Ben Folds Five reunited to make three new songs for the project, and plans to team again this year for a new album.
The studio is available for non-recording events, such as a recent reception for The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award honoring producers Norbert Putnam and David Briggs who once worked there. Guests and honorees enjoyed reminiscing about the storied studio.
HISTORICAL GOLDMINE
The studio houses Folds' prized pianos.
Built in 1964, the studio was established by producer and pioneer Chet Atkins. Originally known as RCA Studio A, or RCA Victor Nashville Sound Studio, it was a key piece of Atkins’ vision for Nashville and country music. “Everybody from Dolly Parton to Waylon Jennings to Elvis to Roy Orbison has cut in this space,” affirms Corbitt-House.
During Atkins’ reign at RCA Studio A, Parton recorded classics such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” while Jennings did “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line.” The latter also teamed with Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser for Wanted! The Outlaws. The Monkees used the space for the vocals to “Daydream Believer.” Atkins drew a mix of country and pop artists, and helped create the countrypolitan Nashville Sound.
The room is the only one of four identical studios—including outfits in New York and Los Angeles—that remains intact as a commercial recording studio. Interestingly, Ben’s Studio is still connected to Studio B next door through an underground trough—in the past, cords connected the buildings, so recording could be done at one location and engineering at the other.
The studio has gone through a series of evolutions. In 1979, famed Music Row producer Owen Bradley took over the space, changing its name to Music City Music Hall. During this time, the studio hosted artists including Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Joe Cocker, and Leon Russell.
George Strait and Bill Harris at Music City Music Hall
In 1989, ownership changed yet again and producer Warren Peterson took over, bringing the new name Javalena and accommodating artists such as Neil Diamond, Mark Chesnutt, and early projects by Gary Allan.
By the early ‘90s, Folds moved from North Carolina to Nashville and Peterson allowed the young musician to use the studio to record demos, often letting him work through the night. Hit producer Paul Worley also offered Folds encouragement early in his career, but the artist eventually followed his pop-rock dreams back to North Carolina and formed the successful Ben Folds Five.
In ’99, Peterson closed down the space and it sat empty for three years before Folds—fresh from a tour with Elton John—saw the For Lease sign and resurrected the studio.
Corbitt-House and others she’s talked to see the studio’s longevity as a positive sign for a struggling industry. “We’re all gonna be okay,” she assures. “Things come and go, but if you have something that’s known for having such a great history and is still being used as a recording facility, then it means that there’s hope for all of us. I hope it makes Chet happy that we’re all still hangin’ around here working everyday.”
Visit Ben’s Studio online or on Facebook.
Draper Joins The Media Collective
/by FreemanPhoto: Jeff Venable
As we reported on December 15, Jess Draper has joined The Media Collective as Director of Publicity. Previously Manager of Creative Services for ASCAP Nashville, Draper’s new role will involve a roster that includes Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Skillet, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, American Idol’s Mandisa, and more.
“It has always been a priority of this company to obtain multiple levels and styles of coverage for our clients, and introduce them, their talent and their stories to the widest audience possible,” remarks Media Collective head Velvet Kelm. “Jess’ diverse experience, as well as her enthusiasm will only compliment and enhance what we do here. We’re thrilled to welcome her and look forward to giving her the opportunity to meet and work with many of you.”
Draper began her career in 2005 with indie publisher Larga Vista Music, later moving to Schmidt Relations. In 2006 she moved to New York City and worked in PR for Kirshbaum Demler & Associates. She returned to Nashville in 2008 and served as Music Editor for Performing Songwriter before joining ASCAP.
Congratulate her here.
Student Musicians Featured at Keep the Music Playing Concert
/by FreemanThe musical evening features performances from five Nashville school groups including Bellevue Middle School Band; Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet Theatre and Orchestra Departments; McGavock High School Wind Ensemble; and a special duet between the Glengarry Elementary Orff Ensemble and Singers with Suzy Bogguss. Chris Young will perform with Nashville School of the Arts student Mignon Grabois and Charley Woods, who performed their version of “If I Die Young” on the 45th Annual CMA Awards in November.
Chris Young will host CMA's Third Annual Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert.
“This event is an inspiring reminder of what students can achieve if given the right tools and support,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “We’re extremely grateful to the artists who played during the 2011 CMA Music Festival for giving the next generation of musicians the opportunity to learn the joys of music and shine on this exquisite stage.”
Since 2006, CMA has donated half of the net proceeds from its Music Festival to Keep the Music Playing, for a total of $4.7 million. The 2011 contribution will be announced during a private reception before the concert on January 31.
Artist Round Up (1/11/12)
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Elaine Roy, Vietti Foods Company, Inc. President Philip M. Connelly and Lee Roy. Photo: J. Westby
Brother/sister duo, The Roys, will join Vietti Foods to extend the Vietti Vinyl campaign, with the duo’s image appearing on 500,000 cans of the brand’s Family Style Beef Stew. It will be sold in Family Dollar stores in 25 states throughout 2012. While The Roys are the first artists to grace the Beef Stew can labels, the Vietti Chili line participants include: Chris Young, Bo Bice, The Isaacs, John Corbett and Riders In The Sky.
Television Appearance, New Music From Emily West
/by Eric T. Parker“This is a perfect opportunity for me because this character I play is really raw and kind of messed up so I love that. I love anything that’s a little dysfunctional,” West told John Dwyer of ABC’s WKRN News 2.
West was sent the script in an unconventional way without an agent, manager or acting coach but landed the role from some executives she met an industry party last year.
“[The executive said], ‘Hey, do you act?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah.’ She says, ‘Okay because I’m going to send you a script because there’s a really cool opportunity to play this part in Body of Proof,'” said West, adding, “things like that don’t happen like that.”
West’s TV appearance coincides with her December self-released EP, I Hate You I Love You, which reached the No. 2 position on the iTunes Singer-songwriter chart. This 6-song EP includes “Head On” and joins “Blue Sky” as the only music West has available for purchase from her catalog. West recorded a music video in December for the title track off of her EP, “I Hate You I Love You.”
Watch a video of Emily West singing “Head On” for ABC here.
Sony Names New Top Digital Exec
/by Sarah SkatesKooker joined Sony Nashville to celebrate the New York kick-off of Miranda Lambert's tour in late 2010. Pictured with Lambert and Gary Overton
Sony has a new President of Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales. Dennis Kooker was promoted to the role from his previous post of Exec. VP of Operations/GM of Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales. His career in the music business began 17 years ago.
With the promotion, Kooker fills the vacancy left by the exit of Thomas Hesse who recently joined Bertelsmann.
Based in New York, Kooker will report to Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Doug Morris.
Gord Bamford’s Next Steps
/by FreemanSony Music Entertainment Canada announced on Monday (Jan. 9) it has signed Bamford for a recording deal, and his major label debut Is It Friday Yet? will be available March 6. The collection’s title track is already impacting Canadian Country radio.
“Sony Music is home to some of the biggest names in Country music today,” says Sony Music Entertainment President Canada Shane Carter. “We welcome Gord to the roster that made us the No. 1 airplay label at Country radio for a second year in row (Mediabase Canada). As well as his burgeoning career, Gord’s philanthropic efforts are to be commended. We are thrilled to have him call Sony Music Entertainment Canada home.”
Additionally, Bamford has inked a worldwide, multi-album publishing agreement with ole. Through the arrangement, ole will also acquire Bamford’s prior catalogue which includes “Blame It On That red Dress,” “Little Guy,” “Drinkin’ Buddy,” and more.
“Gord is always striving to take his songs and artistry to the next level and we’re proud that he’s chosen ole to support him as he ascends in his career over the next few years,” says ole CEO Robert Ott. “Our team is looking forward to great Creative and business success with Gord.”
Bamford swept the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards by taking home six honors including Album of the Year (for Day Job), and earned a Juno Award nomination for Country Recording in 2008. He has placed over 20 singles on the Canadian country charts.
Anniversaries Help Kick-Off New Year
/by Sarah SkatesGREEN HILLS MUSIC GROUP
Woody Bomar’s company is celebrating its 5th anniversary. During its tenure the indie publisher has scored cuts by Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Jake Owen and has upcoming releases by Edens Edge, The Dirt Drifters, Hunter Hayes, and Bucky Covington. Green Hills writer Paul Duncan also wrote the new Matt Stillwell single “Ignition.” The publisher maintains catalog by Bonnie Baker, Bob Regan, Rick Giles, Georgia Middleman, and Steve Williams. Email Bomar or visit GreenHillsMusicGroup.com
NASHVILLE PUBLICITY GROUP
The public relations firm specializing in family-friendly entertainment is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Since launching, Brian Mayes has successfully represented hundreds of clients, including GRAMMY® Award winning recording artists, leading book publishers, feature films, non-profit organizations and more. www.nashvillepublicity.com
YOUNG ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONALS
YEP raised over $2,000 for the Be The Match Registry National Marrow Donor Program during its final event of 2011, held Dec. 12 at Exit/In. Performers included Charlie Worsham, Brent Cobb, Chase Foster, and more. Find YEP on Facebook.
Upcoming Film Features New Keith Urban Song
/by Eric T. Parker“I loved the challenge of writing for a film,” said Urban. “I’ve never done that before. After seeing Act Of Valor, Monty and I wanted to capture the essence of not only what these men and women do so extraordinarily, but how that relates to all of us. ‘Valor‘ shows us what they are willing to give their all for, which made me wonder, ‘what am I willing to give my life for?’”
“For You” was co-produced by Dan Huff and Urban, engineered by Mark Dobson and Todd Tidwell and was recorded at Starstruck Studios. The film’s soundtrack, which includes “For You” and other original material from to-be-announced country artists, is available at digital and physical retailers Feb. 21.
Produced and directed by former Baja 1000 champion Mike “Mouse” McCoy and former stuntman Scott Waugh, the Bandito Brothers’ Act of Valor stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs and tells a story of contemporary global anti-terrorism.
McCreery’s Debut Album Goes Platinum
/by Caitlin RantalaMcCreery says the platinum certification marks a major milestone in his career, “It means the world to me,” he explains. “It’s one of the highest honors you can get with your album and it’s a huge testament to the loyalty of country music fans and how great they have been to me this year. 2011 was absolutely an incredible, life-changing year for me. I want to say a huge thanks to the fans for this.”
Clear As Day debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, making McCreery the youngest man in history to open at the top of the all-genre chart with a debut release. It has also claimed the highest sales to date of any solo country album released in 2011.
The album’s first single, “I Love You This Big,” has been certified gold. His current single, “The Trouble With Girls,” is approaching gold status as well.
On Thursday (1/12), the singer begins his first country music tour when he joins Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour 2012 presented by Chevrolet. The tour, which also features The Band Perry, kicks off in Grand Rapids, MI.
McCreery is well aware of Paisley’s reputation as a great prankster. “The band and I were talking about pranks yesterday in rehearsals. It has to be good pranks, but know-your-place pranks, so we are figuring out what we’ll have in store for Brad. But he has to get us first. We’ll wait!”