Back in the year of our Lord 2001 (in the year 2000…in the year 2000…) I ventured with my band to Tree Sound Studios to record. We liked what we’d heard with The Tender Idols’ album Distressor and saw that the guitar player produced it. So we struck a deal with the young Dave Cobb and recorded our 10 song debut, which later helped us get signed to Republic/Universal Records. But that’s a story for another day. Today we’re talking with owner Paul Diaz about his start and how he’s kept Tree Sound Studios going and what has become a destination studio throughout the Southeast.
Where is the studio located?
4610 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Atlanta, Georgia
Who are some notable artists who have recorded at the studio?
Elton John, Outkast, Drake, Damien Marley ,Whitney Houston, REM…there is a long list.
How did you start the studio or what led you to start the studio?
The studio began with my 4 track Tascam Portastudio 2 and my 1986 Isuzu Trooper.
How do you go about finding new gear for the studio, and what’s your favorite toy?
We get gear wherever we can, and are always on the hunt. Some of my Favorites are the first SSL 4000 series and the last SSL 4000 G Plus, and the outboard Neve mic pre and EQs. We have over 30.
A view of Studio A
Name 1 or 2 favorite/most meaningful sessions/albums from the studio.
Most meaningful sessions may be Issac Hayes and Shaft 2000, Elton John’s Peachtree Road album, or Lenny Kravitz’s Strutt album. Also, Oukast’s Hey YA and Seven Dust’s Animosity. Too many to remember them all.
Name 1 or 2 most surprising moments in the studio.
Shooting the Tupac movie for a month (All Eyes On Me) and smoking weed with Wiz Kalifa and the Beastie Boys.
What is the best/worst part of running a studio?
The best part of the studio is witnessing the amazing creation of music. The worst part is trying to get paid.
What was the first session done at the studio?
I can’t remember the first session as it was 38 years ago. Probably recording a band in a storage unit in Doraville for a six pack of beer and a pizza.
Is there a non-musical aspect of the studio that you are proud of?
Non-musical stuff would be our Podcast called Talkin Chit, but its really related to music as well. Also we have a peer support group for music industry folks on Sundays called the Beacon Group.
How would you describe the vibe in your studio? How do you maintain it?
The vibe at our place is very much like home. We have a large community of engineers and interns (between 20-30) and we are very open to education and support. We often work with the Recording Acadmeny and Grammy U and many of our interns are Berkeley Graduates. We also work with the Universities in Georgia and beyond, offering classes and hands-on learning.
Maintaining the vibe is difficult, but people say the place has a mind of its own and they can feel the vibe the second they walk in. Others think we have a ghost or a spirit that inspires people.
Any final thoughts?
How it keeps going, I don’t know. Some years are very lean and other busy. In all my life I have not been able to figure it out but have no plans of stopping. Peace.
www.treesoundstudios.com
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.