The legendary LA recording studio The Record Plant has announced its closure after 55 years of operation.
The studio, known for producing numerous hit albums such as Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’, Lady Gaga’s ‘ARTPOP’, and Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’, will be shutting its doors.
The Record Plant is closing due to the declining profitability in the recording music industry. Studio engineer Gary Myerberg explained that spending $2,000 a day in a studio may not be worthwhile compared to investing in a laptop and a sample library or using AI to create music. He expressed skepticism about the future of the recording industry in LA.
Guitar technician Jesse McInturff noted that the demand for large recording spaces has diminished significantly. He mentioned that with fewer rock bands around, even major artists like Taylor Swift could be recorded in a small vocal booth.
Record Plant Recording Studios, founded by Gary Kellgren and Chris Stone, opened on North Sycamore Avenue in Hollywood in 1972. The studio also had locations in New York, which closed in 1987, and Sausalito, which closed in 2008.
The studio was renowned for offering a luxurious and comfortable recording environment, featuring suites for musicians, a hot tub, waterbeds, bondage gear, and mirrored ceilings. In its early days, it also provided a steambath for Bill Withers and pinball machines for The Eagles.
The closure of The Record Plant marks the end of an era for a studio that played a pivotal role in shaping the music industry. Its storied history, from producing iconic albums to offering an opulent recording environment, reflects its significant influence. As the industry evolves, the shift away from traditional studio setups to more accessible and affordable recording methods, like home studios and AI, highlights the changing landscape. While The Record Plant’s legacy is firmly established, its closure underscores the broader challenges facing recording studios in today’s digital age. Its unique features and historical impact will surely be remembered as part of its rich legacy.
–Silviya.Y