The Sound Issue 2016 Studio Focus: Soul Shack

Answered by: Peter Atkins, Owner/Managing Director.

Studio address: Northern Beaches, Sydney.

How long has the studio been running? The build was completed in early 2015 and we started sessions shortly after.

What makes your studio different? Soul Shack is not a large commercial studio. We like it this way! We strive to achieve a sound that feels good and to make music that is alive, artistic and representative of the artist.

What's your favourite piece of equipment you have in the studio? I think our Solid State Logic X-rack with two VHD Input Modules, two E-series Dynamics Modules, two E-series EQ Modules and two Mic Amp Modules. This supplies a great front end for tracking, particularly drums!

Do you find you specialise in specific genres? I've worked professionally as a drummer for most of my life and play everything from jazz and funk through to pop and dance music. We tend to find ourselves in these genres in the studio.

Who have been your favourite artists to come in? A collaborative project of session musicians working with Jessie J, Jessica Mauboy, Rogue Traders, Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian. It's all about quality musicianship and creative compositions. We can really take time to explore sounds.

What do believe has been the most well produced album of 2016 so far? Snarky Puppy — Culcha Vulcha. Everything these guys put out is incredibly ambitious. They are continually pushing boundaries both creatively and musically. The recording and production is of equal standing and complexity to the musicianship.

What services does your studio offer? Our services include music/sound production; album/single/demo production; song writing/composition; live vocal/musician tracking/overdubs; custom drum tracks; mixing/remixing; session musicians and digital filming. Bookings can be arranged on an hourly or daily basis.

Do you prefer analogue or digital? Analogue is definitely where we prefer to start. It is more important how tastefully the two are used together. We have a constantly growing analogue instrument and outboard equipment list. The modern studio needs both!

Who would be your dream artist to have record/rehearse in the studio? Esperanza Spalding.