Blue Rock provides a destination studio experience where the artist and team can live, work, play, and eat together, also hosting concerts, artist residencies, and workshops. The studio was designed and built with native wood and stone in the spirit of a 19th century fort/mission, converted to acoustic spaces for tracking and mixing audio + video. It’s owned by Billy and Dodee Crockett and has a team of specialists—tech, operations and hospitality. Mayer recently ran into Billy at a show and he gracioulsy agreed to sit down and tell us about Blue Rock.
Location: Wimberley, Texas – in the Hill Country a short drive from Austin.
Notable Artists: Lyle Lovett, Eliza Gilkyson, Jesse Winchester, Mac McAnally, Mary Gauthier, Cliff Eberhardt, Bill Frisell, Antony Hegarty (Anoni), Ruthie Foster, Sarah Jarosz, Hattie Webb, Scott Mulvahill, Grace Pettis…. oh, and Paul Simon (who became a neighbor recently). Over 20 years and many genres, the list is a fun one.
How did you start the studio or what led you to start the studio?
I guess it started this way: I’m an artist and producer/engineer. Seems I always wanted to get away physically to breathe, to connect fully with a few bandmates. But we also needed interesting spaces and great tools. What I found was that when you get this right, it increases the chance of flow. I was inspired by the records, and also the stories, that came out of famed Caribou Ranch studio in CO. Dodee and I loved the chance to collaborate on Blue Rock and it became quite a bit more spacious and welcoming with her gifts and input.
How do you go about finding new gear for the studio and what’s your favorite toy?
Our greatest audio inspiration has been Mr. Rupert Neve. We realized, soon after starting construction, that the famed UK audio designer, and wife Evelyn, had also moved to Wimberley. What a stroke of brilliant luck, or destiny, that has been. His 5088 console plus many outboard preamps, compressors, and EQs are anchor pieces in the control room. Additionally, he personally inspired us with his curiosity and kindness. Current favorite gear item is the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel.
Name 1 or 2 favorite/most meaningful sessions/albums from the studio.
Here’s two memorable projects we made: The final album of the great Jesse Winchester, a heroic and gentle soul who lifted up generations of fans and friends. We have his memorial bench underneath the singing tree onsite. Another is Ruthie Foster’s Grammy nominated Healing Time, produced by Mark Howard.
Name 1 or 2 most surprising moments in the studio.
There have been a lot of surprising moments in the studio. In particular, there were two strangely prescient artists — Jennifer Warnes and an Aussie band, The Heart Collectors—who randomly wandered the studio singing the songs we had given the architect (in order to inspire his drawings) years earlier.
What’s the best/worst part of running a studio?
Best part of running a studio is that shared passion among artists and engineers to make something stunning and for keeps. The difficult part is barbecue (unless it’s the end of the day). Often, artists who travel here have their hearts set on this essential Texas experience. We can bring in the brisket and charro beans, but very little work ever gets done afterward.
What was the first session done at the studio?
Our first session was a chamber project with a Dallas Symphony players and producer Kurt Kaiser.
Is there a non-musical aspect of the studio that you are proud of?
The Tower rises 50’ above ground and is the place to watch the sunset or realize exactly what the last verse needs. Or simply to chat with the birds for a few minutes.
How would you describe the vibe in your studio? How do you maintain it?
The vibe is turn off the world and remember why you do this—why you chose this life in the first place. Let work and play become one thing. We maintain that vibe by seeing it “happen” again and again.
Any final thoughts?
Thanks for your interest in this art form. It takes kind of an analog brain and interest in humans!
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.