After 55 illustrious years, the iconic Record Plant Recording Studio in Los Angeles is set to close its doors, marking the end of an era in the music industry.
Known for its luxurious recording environment and its role in producing some of the most successful albums in music history, the Record Plant’s closure is a reminder of the shift in the recording industry.
Founded by Gary Kellgren and Chris Stone, the Record Plant first opened in 1968 in New York City. Their initial success was marked by the recording of Jimi Hendrix’s seminal album, “Electric Ladyland.”
The duo expanded to Los Angeles in 1969, transforming an existing studio into one of the world’s most sought-after recording spaces.
By 1972, they had also opened a studio in Sausalito, California. However, the New York location closed in 1987, and the Sausalito studio followed suit in 2008.
The Los Angeles studio, which moved to its Sycamore Avenue location in 1985, quickly gained a reputation for its opulence and the calibre of artists it attracted.
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Over the decades, it hosted a who’s who of the music world, from John Lennon and Stevie Wonder to Madonna and Prince.
More recent artists like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Ariana Grande also graced its studios, producing chart-topping hits.
The closure of the Record Plant is symptomatic of more comprehensive changes in the music industry.
“There is no money in the recording music business,” cried Gary Myerberg, a seasoned studio engineer, to Los Angeles Magazine.
He explained that the traditional model of spending thousands of dollars a day in a high-end studio is increasingly seen as unnecessary.
With technological advancements, artists can now produce music from the comfort of their homes using laptops and sophisticated software.
Guitar technician Jesse McInturff mirrored this feeling, noting the diminishing need for large recording spaces.
“There are fewer and fewer rock bands, and you could record Taylor Swift in a vocal booth the size of a closet,” he said.
This shift has decreased demand for expansive, fully equipped studios like the Record Plant.
The Record Plant was more than just a recording studio; it was a haven for creativity and luxury.
In its early years, it was known for its 24-hour operation and willingness to cater to the fancies of its star clients.
The studios were equipped with hot tubs, waterbeds, bondage gear, mirrored ceilings, and even a steam bath environment for artists like Bill Withers.
The Eagles enjoyed pinball machines, while Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones could count on expert engineering support at any hour.
The atmosphere at the Record Plant was often likened to an unrestrained playground, filled with the latest recording equipment and luxurious amenities designed to make artists feel at home.
This unique environment contributed to the creation of numerous legendary albums, including Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors,” Lady Gaga’s “ARTPOP,” and Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.”
The decline of the Record Plant and other iconic studios is part of a more significant trend affecting the recording industry in Los Angeles and beyond.
United Recording Studios, formerly Ocean Way Recording, recently laid off its staff and now operates solely as a rental facility.
The Capitol Records mastering division has also closed.
Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood has been transformed into a restaurant that pays homage to its musical past.
Sunset Sound, another legendary studio, faces an uncertain future due to issues related to nearby homeless encampments.
The rise of home recording technology and artificial intelligence has revolutionized how music is made.
Today, artists can produce high-quality recordings with a laptop and a sample library.
Myerberg pointed out that, for many, traditional studios have become little more than a costly indulgence.
The ability to create professional-grade music at home has democratized the recording process, making it accessible to a broader range of musicians.
Despite the technological advancements and changing industry dynamics, the Record Plant remains a symbol of a bygone era of music production.
For many musicians and industry professionals, its closure is a poignant reminder of the golden age of recording studios.
Music agent Richard Kraft nostalgically recalled the studio’s “Disco Stu” vibe and imagined “decades-old cocaine embedded in the music faders.”
While the Record Plant’s doors may close, its legacy will stay through the countless hit records.
For aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals alike, the studio represents a time when making music was not just a process but an experience characterized by creativity, luxury, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll decadence.
