Perhaps THE most professional recording studio in all of Orange County. It's run by the visionary, talented Lewis Richards and is a headquarters for collaborative community of musicians. I worked with Lewis for an LP album, and the experience was nothing short of perfect. In terms of leadership, he provided the perfect balance between creative autonomy and editorial feedback during the album's inception. Great communication with myself and the rest of my band members, kept the process transparent for everyone. On a technical level, Lewis is a brilliant sound engineer and knows his programs like the back of his hand. He's well read on various different recording methods and seasoned in a multitude of programs and equipment. Completely satisfied with my experience working with him. I came in with the intention to record music, and 17th St. Recording Studio sent me off with an album I'm proud of. Not to mention, I gained a valuable friend in Lewis along the way. Also, Lewis' chihuahuas (studio mascots, whether you like it or not) are the only chihuahuas that I have ever liked. Ever. read more

Lew is probably the most talented producer/engineer that I've had the pleasure of working with thus far in my career as a drummer. The first time I came in to record some tracks, I was instantly at ease from the relaxed atmosphere and positive vibes from Lew and the rest of the 17th Street staff (Anik/Micah/Juan/ whoever else stops by!!). Recording here is ALWAYS a good time, period. I've been to a few studios around South Bay and LA where you have an engineer who has a negative personality and trust me, things like that will have an affect on your overall product. If you want to take your project's sound and professionalism to the next level, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Lew makes himself available to artists/bands at all stages of their career, and he sincerely wants your music to sound the best it possibly can. I can honestly say that I am a better drummer and musician with the guidance I've received in studio (and on stage) from Lew Dog!!! Kevin Offitzer read more

Wow, what can I say that hasn't already been said?!!! Lewis Is literally The BEST engineer I have had the privilege to work with!! I got lucky and stumbled upon 17th Street Recording studio and what a Blessing that was!!!! Lewis has the ability to get the EXACT sound you are going for out!! As stated earlier, his laid back but professional demeanor adds the icing to the perverbial cake.. I have personally recommended artist to Lewis and now with the help of Lewis and 17th Street Recordings those same artist are now touring world wide as members of a multi platinum selling band and solo careers are SOARING due to the Guidance and Vision Lewis brings!!!! If you are a serious musician looking to do serious business I Strongly suggest 17th and Lewis!!! This place is will facilitate Exactly what you are looking to accomplish musically!!! When it's time to do work, I know exacty where I'm going!! Hopefully I'll see you there!! Thank You Lew!!! Till Infinity read more

This Studio is top notch in any book. This studio is conveniently located off the 55 and has state of the art equipment along with some instruments you wouldn't find in many studios to give you eclectic sounds if that's what you want. Lewis Richards aka Lew Dog is a the master in command at the studio and has worked on multiple albums of friends that I know in other bands as well as some that have hit the billboards at #1. He takes pride in his work and is beyond knowledgable in his craft. When you pay by the hour, it's hard to actually be happy about recording at place you may not have personal knowledge of, but I can tell you this, I've never seen anyone work as fast and as amazing as Lewis Richards. His speed and ear for sound are unmatched anywhere I have personally been and I've been blessed to be in many studios. A definite must if you want A+ Quality for any music you plan on producing, making, or releasing! Matthew Liufau Seedless read more

these guys are dope. i went in there to record my band and i met some of the sublime guys there, and a few other really famous people. ive been to every big studio in orange county, and this one was my favorite. other studios have better interior designers and furniture, and i have to say it was pretty messy. the place is dog friendly, which is good if you like dogs. bad if you are allergic. we didnt have to bring drums, they had everything i could ask for with instruments and pro gear, analog, even tape transfers. the producer Lewi is an amazing musician too. he made us sound way better than we do live. the manager Anik helped us get gigs and we still go to him for design stuff. so if you're in a band and you want to make a demo for cheap, go buy a computer and make it yourself. if you want to start shopping your music to producers and radio stations, definitely record at 17th Street. if you have the money, its worth it! read more

Best recording studio I have ever been to, point blank, period. 17th street studio offers a perfect ambience and creative environment to get all your musical needs taken care of, and beyond that, Lewis Richards is by far the best engineer i have come across and been blessed to work with. He works fast and brings out the absolute best in everyone he works with. Plus, he offers incredible rates and is one of the most straight-forward and honest guys, you are going to come across in this industry. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and he has a plethora of experience and knowledge. If you are serious about your career/artform, then this is the place you need to be at! I'll leave you with this, i started off working with Lewis on a business level, but, after all the years of seeing him give his all to help me succeed with my music career, i consider him family. Big Up!!! - DEEN read more

Recording at 17th street was a great experience. Lewis Richards has an amazing ear for good sounds, is an astonishing musician, and backs it all up with some serious pro-tools wizardry. Though 17th street is known for it's cali reggae-rock/ska type music that it tends to churn out, Lewis is a versatile man and was able to help us despite the fact that our musical direction was nowhere in the realm of this. From indie/math/post rock to the traditional cali reggae dub sound that 17th street is known for I would highly recommend this studio to both artists new to recording and veterans alike. Lewis, Anik, and their charismatic gang of interns know how to push you to your artistic limits, yet keep the atmosphere lively and filled with jokes, all while churning out a seamless final product. Lew you are the man, and keep churning out the good stuff. -The Byzantine Empire read more

All in one stop music shop! Recording, Engineering, Videography and now music/instrument lessons all by the beach! Not to mention, Lewis Richards, Owner/Engineer/Writer/Producer is amazing. Professional attitude with an amazing ear for all types of music, Lew can power through an all night session and he can let lose and have a good time, giving every project all the energy it deserves. You can hear that energy in every track that comes out of 17th Street Recording studio (all the way from the car in the parking lot playing the new track on the car stereos- on blast! Anyone who has recorded at a studio before knows what i am talking about!) All of that combined with a great atmosphere and friendly people make it easy to feel comfortable and welcome. Check it out! read more

I recorded with Lew a couple of months ago and it was the best recording experience I've ever had. Lew is not only a great sound engineer/producer, but he is also a wonderful multi-instrumentalist and a true musician at heart. It is a the total package when you are working with Lew. He has a great ear for arrangement and will make sure that you are walking away at the end of the day with a hit single. Not to mention his rates are killer and nobody works faster/efficiently in pro tools than Lew, giving you a bang for your buck that beats inflation. All in all if you are serious about your music and are looking to bring it to the top of its game, Look no further than Lew Dog and 17th Street Recording Studios! read more

I have recorded 13 songs with 3 different bands all with 17th st Recording Studios, from styles such as Progressive Rock to Hip-Hop to Blues to Folk to Indie to Reggae, Lewis Richards made every song sound amazing. He provides a comfortable working environment.. very chill atmosphere.. He has great ideas and an impeccable ear. This place is also perfect for the songwriter that needs a band for recordings because Lew plays almost every instrument very well. My favorite is watching him play bass.. just flawless. As for the sound board, he is a MASTER behind the controls. All in all, I will continue to return to 17 st because Lew Dogg is a really cool guy and very good at what he does. read more

Hands down the BEST studio in Orange County with by far the most talented, intuitive, musical genius producer/engineer Lewis Richards. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else. I've been working with Lewy and team for about 8 years. 17th street studio and Lewy have been instrumental in the success of my career as musician/producer and music supervisor for film and TV. Everything that comes out of 17th Street Studios is of the highest quality. If you want to get with the best, go see Lewy at 17th Street Studio, anything else would just be a waste of your time and money. -Mike Meeker Music Supervisor at mikemeeker.com Label owner at Citrus Recordings bassist at siniZen.com read more

As a music industry professional with over 25 years experience,I have had the good fortune to record in some of the finest studios with some of the top engineers and producers in the business. I would rank Lewis Richards and 17th Street Recording Studios as one of the very best I've been privileged to record at. Lewis is a top notch engineer and a top rate musician and producer. His easy going manner is supportive and his musical knowledge is stellar. Throw in his creativity and you have the recipe for a great recording experience. If you are looking for a great vibe,great gear with a top notch engineer consider 17th Street Recording Studios for your next project. read more

Lew at 17th St. Studios is 1 of the most knowledgeable Music producers around!! Whether you are a new and upcoming band that needs his help and guidance or an veteran kicking ass band, Lew is the Man. His expertise and experience in all the fields of music is Awesome!! Super friendly, non judgmental and always there to advice on the technical parts where any band needs help!! There is no other Producer who comes close to Lew in how he can transform a mediocre song or album into something legit and super impressive for the bands Fans and Musical Peers!! You will be making the Best decision you possibly can, using Lew to Produce and Master your Songs or Album !!!! read more

When we brought our band PapaFish into record at 17th Street, we already about knew the amazing reputation the studio had (Sublime, The Dirty Heads, Mary J. Blige, Slightly Stoopid, Seedless and much more). After tracking our first few sessions with Lew, our expectations were exceeded BIG TIME. The songs came out far greater than we anticipated and the overall vibe of the studio was warm and positive. Lewis Richards and Anik Dang have built a haven for recordings artists of all types, especially reggae/rock/ska/hip-hop. Simply put, if you're looking to get the best out of your music, you should HIGHLY consider 17th Street Studios in Costa Mesa, Ca. read more

Just finished a track at 17th St Recording Studio and I must say we are definitely going back. We took a sketch of a track we recorded to give Lew a basic idea of what we where going for and he turned our song into a radio sounding HIT, added just enough to make our song really come to life. Ive sat in the studio with many engineers and by far Lewis Richards is one of the most efficient, musically seasoned, and creative ones your gonna come by. If your looking for quality, top notch music production and sound I HIGHLY recommend 17th Street Recording Studio!! read more

This facility is one that most people would envy. However, the quality of the studio equipment pales in comparison to the man behind it all. Lewis Richards is a protools magician working laser fast. He takes it a step further with his musical contributions. Not just Ideas, no, Lew has recorded at least 1 track in each of our cuts. All the while you sit back and watch as Lew naturally and very comfortably navigates everyone involved through the process with a giant smile on his face. Much love to 17th St Studios and I cant wait to visit again! read more

We just finished recording a 7-song EP at 17th Street Recording Studio. I have been performing music for many years but this was only my second studio experience. I did some research to find this spot. I also wanted a place with a real track record for turning out hits. I had recorded once before in another studio, a single with a major producer in his studio in LA and was disappointed with it. I've got to say that our album turned out AMAZING and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND 17th street. Check it out for yourself: www.reverbnation.com/georgehartline read more

Let me start by saying that when we recorded our album, I personally came out of this studio %100 better as a musician. Lewis has taught me how to be a better guitarist, singer, and songwriter since the day I met him. Hands down the best engineer/producer and one of the nicest, smartest dudes I have ever met. I literally cannot see my band ever recording elsewhere, The vibe is so unbelievably awesome. And I truly believe there isn't an engineer out there who knows pro tools as well as Lew-dogg! 17th street for Life!!!!!!!! read more

The studio is Grade A! Lewi is great to work with! I know why the Dirty Heads will only record with him. He's not intimidating at all, but will get a top performance out of you He's fast, he's a finisher, and he's got a great ear! We are recording our next album with him; we had much success around the world with the last one. Listen for yourself: Tall Can Wednesday http://musicbailout.net/free-album-downloads/meet-me-at-the-pub-all-albums.html#.Te6zTGA16eY Jeremy Singer/Songwriter Meet Me At The Pub read more