About Los Angeles

Boasting a sun-drenched setting on the coast of Southern California, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most iconic cities. It’s home to countless celebrities as the main hub of the American film industry and boasts exceptional museums that delve into the worlds of art, science, and history.

L.A. is also a major center for the music industry, with both American and international artists choosing the city's recording studios to create their albums. As a result, there is an abundance of recording studio spaces in Los Angeles where you can host sessions, no matter the style or genre of music you’re creating.

Recording Studio Options in Los Angeles

When you’re looking for a recording studio space in Los Angeles, there are plenty of options to consider.

• Homes
  From downtown lofts to hillside homes, you can find a variety of recording studio spaces in Los Angeles to meet your needs. There’s a huge range of diversity in architectural styles and aesthetics, ensuring you can find a space to inspire your creativity.

• Warehouses
  Offering an industrial-style setting, Los Angeles’ warehouses are the ideal location for a recording studio. They serve as a blank canvas for adding your creative touch, whether you’re looking for something gritty or a space that’s been beautifully restored.

• Studios
  Los Angeles’ studios are an obvious choice as a recording space, with most purpose-built for filming or recording. They come with all the sound and audio gear you need, as well as green rooms or behind-the-scenes spaces for your crew to utilize.

• Rooftops
  Want an incredible view? Los Angeles boasts several open-air terraces and rooftops where you can set up your recording space. They’re a great option if you’re making recordings accompanied by music videos.
  
  
• Bars and Clubs
  Some of Los Angeles’ bars and clubs are well equipped for hosting recordings and can be rented for private sessions on request.

Production Companies in Los Angeles

Need help planning your L.A. recording session? There are plenty of event management companies, sound engineers, and audio rental businesses that can help.

• 360 Destination Group
  This Los Angeles event management company is based on Sunset Boulevard and has been serving the city for more than 20 years. They can turn their hands to a wide range of events, from corporate parties to weddings and recording sessions.

• Passage Pictures
  Based in Los Angeles, Passage Pictures is one of the city’s leading production companies in the television and film industries. It was founded by Uri Singer, who has won multiple awards for his production services and comprises a team of highly-experienced professionals in the audio-visual industry.
  
  
• Westknolls Pro-Audio
  Providing high-quality audio systems for a range of events, Westknolls Pro-Audio is a leading name in Los Angeles’ sound tech industry. They can provide professional live audio services and all equipment, no matter how big or small your gig.

Pros and Cons of Recording in Los Angeles

When you take into account the city’s thriving live music scene, Los Angeles is one of the best places in the United States to record music. But there are a few disadvantages to renting a studio space in the city, including its notorious traffic and high real estate costs.

Advantages

• Live music scene
  Los Angeles boasts one of the best live music scenes in the United States, with a buzzing energy and a reputation for hosting some of the world’s biggest recording artists.

• Diversity of venues
  Finding a recording studio space in Los Angeles doesn’t mean you’re restricted to purpose-built studios, with everything from industrial warehouses to contemporary lofts where you can host your session.

• Experienced professionals
  With its extensive network of creatives, Los Angeles has an abundance of highly-experienced sound engineers and performers who can bring your recording session to life.

• Easy international connections
  With flights to destinations around the world, Los Angeles International Airport makes it easy for your sound engineers and performers to get to and from your recording studio. If they’re coming from out-of-state, they can also take advantage of the train services to Union Station.
  
  
• Good year-round weather
  Los Angeles’ enviable weather makes it the perfect place to host recording sessions throughout the year, whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor event.

Disadvantages

• High costs of living
  With its high costs of living, Los Angeles isn’t the most affordable place to host a recording session.

• High costs of location fees
  The city’s property prices are also exceptionally high, so you can expect to pay more for a recording studio space in Los Angeles than you might in other Californian cities.

• Traffic
  Los Angeles has a reputation for terrible traffic, with the city regularly coming to a standstill during rush hours. It’s something to keep in mind when considering the location of your recording studio space.

• Parking
  Parking spots can be difficult to find in L.A. Finding somewhere with private parking could save you a lot of time.

• Crime
  Generally speaking, Los Angeles isn’t a dangerous city to walk around at night, but some neighborhoods have high crime rates and are best avoided.

Famous Recording Locations in Los Angeles

• Capitol Studios
  Established as a production house for Capitol Records’ artists, this legendary recording studio has played a significant role in the careers of Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and Oasis. It’s been upgraded numerous times throughout its history and currently offers the latest in sound technology.
  
  
• United Recording Studios
  United Recording Studios has been a leading name in LA’s music scene for more than 50 years, with Madonna, Jay-Z, and Eric Clapton having all recorded here. It’s renowned for its simple design and exceptional acoustics.
  
  
• Henson Recording Studios
  Once featuring the sound stages of Charlie Chaplin, this Hollywood recording studio was established in the 1960s and spent many of its years as A&M Records. It was taken over by the family of famous puppeteer Jim Henson and has played host to recording artists such as John Lennon, Coldplay, and Joni Mitchell.