This sampling of local recording studios is purposefully incomplete: gleaned for the discriminating, aspiring local recording artist. It contains several of the worthy, for-hire places in the Tampa Bay Area where you can commit your creativity to digital (and/or analog) posterity.
Atomic Audio — A fave of indie bands and others with that DIY ethic, except that you won't be doing it all yourself, you'll be having them sympathetically do it with you. atomicaudiorecording.com.
Clear Track Productions — A high-end professional set-up in Pinellas with deep talent and real gear. Could be a contender for top studio honors in time. cleartrackproductions.com.
Morrisound Studios — The granddaddy of all professional local studios, they can do it all, and they have. Near the top of the ladder of studios in Florida and the Southeast. morrisound.com.
Red Room Recorders — Real musician-run offshoot with tons of gear and audio options. This studio is diverse in its aspirations and it looks plenty welcoming. redroomrecorders.com.
Short Circuit Studio — A multimedia house that claims to do it from soup to nuts, including video. Acclaimed locally for affordability and great results. scsav.com.
Springs Theatre — Focused mostly on classical and jazz, this is an impressive space and it boasts some big-name clients. springstheatre.com.
Zen Recording — Run by the inimitable guitarist and knobsman Steve Connelly, this place is a haven for everything from power pop to Americana to jam bands. Maybe Steve will add a sweet pedal steel guitar part to your song if you ask nicely. zenrecording.com.
Advice: Learn a little about recording gear (microphones, pre-amps, digital audio formats, etc.) and listen to finished products recorded at the studio(s) under consideration for your project. Also, learn something about how sounds are processed by using Garage Band on your Mac (or, better, buy and install Logic Pro). Then, take your ideas to a real recording studio and let the pros have at it …
This article appears in Dec 9-15, 2010.