Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Music Recording Studio in Nashville
Since 1964, Sound Emporium has stood as a cornerstone of Nashville's music industry, blending historic analog excellence with modern recording technology. Founded by Jack Clement, our studios have hosted legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, and Taylor Swift, cementing our reputation as one of Music City's most iconic facilities. Our ownership transition to Lipscomb University in 2017 ensures preservation of our legacy while maintaining operational continuity under President Juanita Copeland. With four distinct acoustic environmentsStudios A, B, G, and Zwe specialize in creating immersive recording experiences for diverse genres, from country to rock. Our Grammy-winning history includes pivotal work on acclaimed projects like 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and 'Raise the Roof' by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.The 2014 addition of a state-of-the-art API console and vocal booth demonstrates our commitment to evolving with artists' needs while honoring our analog roots. As a hub for both emerging talent and industry legends, we continue to shape music history through our dedication to technical precision and creative atmosphere.
Services
Music Production
Studio Rentals
Recording Sessions
Mixing & Mastering
Historic Studio Tours
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We've hosted Grammy-winning projects like 'Raise the Roof' and 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
- Our analog tape capabilities preserve authentic sound in Studios A & B
- Four distinct acoustic environments for diverse music production needs
- Preserved historic integrity with modern upgrades like API Legacy consoles
- Continuity of expertise through 60+ years of Nashville music industry leadership
What people say
Legendary history
Exceptional acoustics
Grammy-winning legacy
Analog expertise
Creative atmosphere
Services
Music Production
Our full-service music production facilities combine vintage analog equipment with modern technology. Studios A and B maintain historic tape capabilities while offering contemporary tools for artists across genres. Grammy-winning producers utilize our unique acoustic environments to create award-winning recordings, from initial tracking to final mastering. The studio's legacy attracts both emerging talent and industry legends seeking authentic sound creation.
Studio Rentals
Four distinct studios (A, B, G, Z) provide flexible recording spaces for any project. Each room features specialized acoustic treatments and state-of-the-art equipment, including API consoles and custom vocal booths. Engineers praise our live room's natural reverb and control room ergonomics. Clients gain access to a historic environment that's nurtured hits from Johnny Cash to the Alabama Shakes.
Mixing & Mastering
Our engineers specialize in refining recordings through precise mixing and mastering. Utilizing both analog and digital workflows, we ensure optimal sound quality across formats. The studio's historic monitoring systems preserve sonic integrity while meeting modern standards. Clients benefit from decades of technical expertise that have shaped Grammy-winning albums across multiple genres.
Historic Studio Tours
Explore Nashville's music history through guided tours of our iconic studios. Visitors experience spaces where legends like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss created Grammy-winning work. The tour includes our 'Cowboy Jack' hall of fame and historic control rooms. Educational groups and music enthusiasts gain insight into the studio's 60-year legacy and technical evolution.
Session Support
Comprehensive support services include engineer staffing, session coordination, and technical consultation. Our team of experienced engineerslike Chief Engineer Skyler Chuckryprovide expertise across genres. From setup to final delivery, we ensure seamless production workflows. Clients receive personalized support that maintains the studio's reputation for excellence in every recording session.
People
Juanita Copeland
President / COO / GM
Music industry veteran with decades of Nashville experience, leading Sound Emporium since 2011. Former executive at Mercury Records and Almo Sounds, she preserves the studio's legacy while ensuring modern relevance. Known for creating welcoming environments that inspire artists.
David Paulin
Senior Staff Engineer / Lead Tech
Audio production graduate with extensive Music Row experience. Specializes in maintaining the studio's historic equipment while integrating modern technology. Ensures technical excellence across all recording sessions, supporting the studio's Grammy-winning legacy through precise engineering solutions.
Joanna Finley
Staff Engineer
Audio production specialist with hands-on experience in Nashville's session world. Trained in both academic and practical settings, she contributes to the studio's technical operations. Focuses on delivering exceptional results while maintaining the facility's high standards for sound quality and client satisfaction.
Skyler Chuckry
Chief Engineer
New York native with University of New Haven audio engineering background. Brings fresh perspective to the studio's engineering team while respecting its historic traditions. Specializes in capturing authentic performances through precise technical execution and creative problem-solving in recording sessions.
Grant Wilson
Staff Engineer
Belmont University graduate with extensive Music Row internship experience. Combines academic training with practical knowledge of Nashville's high-standard recording sessions. Focuses on technical precision and maintaining the studio's reputation for excellence in every production project.
Questions
What services does Sound Emporium offer?
We provide music production, studio rentals, mixing/mastering services, and historic facility tours. Our four specialized studios support diverse recording needs while maintaining analog tape capabilities.
What makes Sound Emporium unique?
Our combination of historic analog equipment, modern technology, and Grammy-winning legacy creates a distinctive recording environment. Studios A and B preserve original 1960s design while offering contemporary upgrades.
Which notable artists have recorded here?
Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, and the Alabama Shakes have all created Grammy-winning work at our facility. We continue to attract both emerging talent and industry legends.
How do I book studio time?
Contact our team through the official website or call (615) 383-1982 for booking inquiries. Our staff will help schedule sessions in Studios A, B, G, or Z based on project requirements.
Is the studio available for tours?
Yes, we offer guided tours showcasing our historic spaces, 'Cowboy Jack' hall of fame, and control rooms. Tours provide insight into our 60-year legacy of music production excellence.
What equipment upgrades have been made recently?
Recent investments include API Legacy Plus consoles, vocal booth additions, and acoustic treatments. Studio Z's 2013 expansion and 2020 pandemic-era upgrades ensure modern capabilities while preserving analog heritage.
Reviews (4)
Jeff Cox
Aug 27, 2021
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I've spent a lot of time recording in both the a room and b room. Lots of hit records made at Sound Emporium. Top notch recording studio right in the heart of Nashville, not far from Music row and right down the street from my alma mater, Belmont University.
C. C. Singer
Jul 19, 2021
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What's there to say about a top notch recording studio filled with only the best equipment and technicians to make your session a pleasant experience with flawless results??? One of the absolute best in the Nashville area.
Joseph Rasbold
Oct 09, 2019
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Excellent recording studio. One of the most vibey studios in town with amazing sounding rooms. Probably my favorite studio in Nashville.
Chris Palowitch
Jul 31, 2019
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YOU SERIOUSLY GONNA LOOK AT REVIEWS CAUSE YOU'RE QUESTIONING THIS PLACE?? MF TAYLOR SWIFT KACEY MUSGRAVES PHARELL AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE RECORDED HERE AND YOU'RE LOOKING AT THIS DAMN GOOGLE MAPS REVIEW? JUST WRITE THE DAMN SONG CALL EM UP AND RECORD IT IT'S THAT EASY!! MAKE IT BIG!! FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!! SHOUTS OUT TO JOE FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS, ASK HIM FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLACES TO EAT OR THINGS TO DO IT'S HIS ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THING TO DO IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!
