All I can really say about Ardent is that I have been depressed since I have left! This is a…read moremusical mecca for me! Some of my all time favorite records were made here.. Big Star, REM, the Replacements, Booker T. and the Mg's, Cat Power, White Stripes, Dylan, Zep, Mr. Hayes, Primal Scream, and now a record I'm producing by Christopher the Conquered. I had the opportunity to tour the facilities twice before deciding this is where I wanted to record the record. Nothing like getting a tour from John Fry the guy who started Ardent way back in the 60's and also was a big part of recording those Big Star records mentioned above. All of the studios are capable of hosting and mixing any kind of musical act you throw at them! The best thing about Ardent besides the amazing staff is how it's built around a little court yard that is open air, so you can walk outside and grab a breath of fresh air and not feel like your in box for 10 hours strait! It's a genius design and the best I have ever seen in a recording studio. We were recording in Room A, with master engineer Adam Hill, who is one of the hardest working guys I have ever met.. He get's amazing sounds, is always up for a great joke, and knows the history of the studio and rock and roll and is quite the good story teller! I got to talk a little bit about how great the staff is, always making sure you have what you need weither is back ground singers, beer in the fridge, or you need someone to go grab you a record from the store down the street! They are the best! Also such and honor to get to chat with Jody Stephens the drummer of Big Star who also works there! And I also got to hear him practice in Studio B one day! AMAZING! ANYWAY I COULD GO ON FOREVER ABOUT THIS PLACE, It's the best! and I'm excited to get back there and mix our record we started! Keep up the great work ARDENT YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND!

Ardent Studios is fantastic. I could be mistaken, but I believe they're the only recording studio…read morein Memphis that's still operational that offers tours. Regardless, it's definitely not to be missed. For starters, it's free. The tour itself is free, they have their own parking, which is also free. You really can't beat that. Throughout the studios are lots of memorabilia related to the studios. Lots of gold and platinum records of artists who recorded there, photos and articles pertaining to the studios, even some awards (as in Grammys, etc.). And of course, there's lots of framed records all over the walls of what seems like basically every album ever recorded at Ardent over the years. I don't mean it in a bad way, as no matter who you like, you'll be happy. You also of course get a tour of the studios from an actual guide. You get to see their studios, actual studios people still use if they come and book some time in the studio. To me it's so awesome to think of how many bands have been in each room over the years, especially the older studios. You can see the infamous studio that Big Star used for much of their recording and also see photos from their old location before they moved to their location on Madison. What I really enjoyed too was aside from the walk down memory lane and seeing these historical rooms, I loved being able to see the mix of new and old equipment at the mixing desks. Most use ProTools now, but they do still have analogue so you can see what recording studios used to look like. ;) And everyone is very friendly! You don't feel rushed at all (the tour should talk an hour, tops) and the guides are happy to answer any questions you have. They know everything. It's so worth taking the tour!

American Recording Studio is a legendary gem in the heart of Memphis and is a place of Soul, Blues,…read moreRock & Roll, Country, and Hip Hop. That is very hard to find all in one place. Jason Gillespie is the Head of Production and Engineering and not only does he have 20 + years of experience in the music industry, he is a super nice and an overall great guy. Daniel Williams recorded me and I allowed their intern to sit in on my session because I flew in from LA, and they both were inspiring me as I was inspiring them and that's such a great feeling. Even better their intern, KC Nash is also a song writer and artist, and we became friends and are collaborating on few records here. The legendary DJ Spanish Fly came in and sat in my session and Daniel gave him an amazing tour and he fell in love with the equipment, ambiance, and sound quality. As did I. However, I have known about this place for a number of years. But this was the first time I had the opportunity to book a couple blocks and bring some new ideas to life. Hopefully if everything goes well, I'll help add some plaques to their wall. I'm very proud to call this studio, my go to studio in the city of Memphis. Much love and blessings to everyone involved in the hard work and determination to build this place, keep it up to date, and make moments last forever.

Amazing Studio , first and only free standing purposed built studio in Memphis. Equipped to handle…read moreany serious to simple recording projects. Also fantastic for tracking & transferring files to your project studio or Home studio so you can mix on your own rig . The in house Engineers are consistent in mixing , mastering , tracking for Major Record labels to Independent labels. The history here is a who's who of every genre of music ever to be recorded from Rock , Metal, Rap , Hip Hop, Country, Electronic, Alternative, Classical etc. Its also equipped for pre production, post mixing & mastering for 21st century video & movie, surround sound & Dolby post productions in Studio B. The Studio is Engineer friendly for those who want to have access to one of the finest ( Sound Stage ) floated suspension floors & natural Echo Chambers in the world. Soundtracks from the studios past includes Butch Cassidy & The Sundance kid , to featured music on the sound track " "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood " ARS can go from vintage to the latest technology available. You can travel & have no worries of carrying gear. Bring your Gutiars ,Drumstcks & the studio will have you covered with more software than you can wrap your head around & just want remix some of your past recordings from yesteryear The studio also is great place for younger artist to get there start & if you call with the studio will work with you to get you started. Some great features IMO is access to instruments that would take a lifetime or two to aquire .Many Bands broke thru here such as the White Stripes " Red Blood Cells " It also has the distinction of the last Studio of # 1s of " Back in Memphis" by Elvis Presley & Vegas to Memphis produced by Legendary owner Chips Moman & Don Crews & The Memphis Boys !! Many well known STAX Artists after STAX closed in 1975 ,completed their albums using the studio. What can I say as a caretaker of this historical Landmark . Everyone should record here at least once in there life time. When you walk thru the doors you know your in the presence of a time when only the best of the best could record here. Many acts from around the world send there music to be mixed & mastered or travel thousands of miles to get the Memphis Sound & enjoy some of the finest BBQ in the world & see the sights & sounds of world famous Beale Street Graceland, Sun Studios, Peabody Hotel & enjoy the beautiful parks on the Mississippi River . Contact on Facebook or AMERICAN-RECORDING-STUDIO.COM