Michael's definitely among the best producers in the country. He's hands on with really fantastic…read moresuggestions, but also a very peaceful and relaxed presence. He's very particular about what gear he uses for what, but also works super fast and you'll come out of the recording experience wanting to go back ASAP. Also, the newly renovated studio is swanky af. Attached a pic of the smaller room, not the big one you'd (likely) be recording in.

I've spent a ton of time at Empty Sea in the past year. Last summer, my band came here to record…read moreand mix our first album. I've been here for concerts, both as a performer and an audience member. I'll be returning to Empty Sea soon for more recording and to see more shows. I definitely recommend that you stop by and check this place out. Every neighborhood needs a venue like Empty Sea. It's essentially an old house that's been converted into a performance venue, teaching space, and recording studio. This is the proverbial "place down the street" where you can drop your kid off for music lessons during the day and saunter by to catch a show at night. Tiny local bands come here to record their albums. It's small, homey, comfortable. The place has a friendly neighborhood vibe, from the sign outside proclaiming "Phinney's Home for Acoustic Music" to the audience of locals who actually did amble down the street for some live music. But Empty Sea also has this secret superhero identity going on. It may be Phinney's neighborhood music venue, but it's also quickly becoming a hub for bluegrass/roots/acoustic music in the Puget Sound area. I receive Empty Sea's newsletter, and each month I'm impressed by the line-up of musicians due to perform. A lot of these folks come from out of town to play here. So when you head down the street to see a concert at Empty Sea, be prepared to have your socks knocked off. The performance space is like nothing I've seen before. What used to be a living room is now occupied by a stage. The stage itself is tiny - fits about four musicians (plus gear & mics) comfortably. But it's made of beautiful varnished wood, and all the stage lighting is professional quality. The venue seats an audience of only 35-40 people, making for a truly intimate concert experience. You'll be able to see every movement the musicians make and hear every note they play. My only complaint is that it's difficult to see the stage from the back rows - the level floor makes it so that you'll have to peer around those sitting in front of you to glimpse the musicians. Risers would definitely help. I really have to hand it to Michael, the one-man army who owns and manages this place, for having the knowledge and drive to make his vision for Empty Sea a reality. Michael is a lot of fun to work with. He definitely knows his stuff, whether it's related to sound engineering, instrument building, teaching, performing, the music business, etc. Not only did Michael record and mix our album with finesse and aplomb, he's also given us tons of advice on all sorts of music-related matters, from tips on writing a band bio to ideas for marketing. Give this guy a call if you ever need to record anything!

A few years back Nick Taylor and his company went out of there way to help me find a rent to own…read moreguitar. I wasn't from the Bellingham area, but he was still willing to help. Now I am looking for a second guitar. Hopefully Nick will be able to help out again. Nick and his team know what the true meaning of customer service is. They continue to go above and beyond for the people they serve. I look forward to doing business with them again.

From the owner: A professional recording studio and rehearsal space for all ages. We specialize in tracking and…read moremixing audio for artists and full bands. We are set up well to do live tracking for multiple band members with 6 isolated rooms. We provide videography and video editing services.

Had a great haircut by Vic. Easy to schedule with through The Cut app. He was on time and ready to…read morego. Good haircut with good conversation.