Hayward, CA (Top40 Charts/ Lost Monkey Music Studio) Offering Pro Tools LE, great analog outboard gear and the skills of one of the Bay Area's most sought after drummers, Lost Monkey
Music Studio is open for business in its new location, Hayward, CA.
Having spent a lifetime onstage and in the music studio, drummer Mike
Stevens (The Uptones, Cyndi Harvell) began Lost Monkey in Oakland in 2010 to serve local artists and bands seeking a comfortable environment in which to produce broadcast quality sounds. "I wanted to make it fun for the artist to record without sacrificing quality," says
Stevens of his inspiration for starting the studio. With more than 10 years experience producing, recording and mixing bands and 20 years experience as a professional drummer throughout the Bay Area and New York,
Stevens knows well what makes or breaks a recording session. If the caliber of his early clientele is any indication, Lost Monkey is primed to release some of the Bay Area's more interesting work.
"I was so comfortable I wrote half a record and restyled my sound in four days, on the spot, starting from nothing," noted
Berkeley blues guitarist and songwriter Matthew Hanson. "Mikey pulls honesty out of an artist… and captures it."
Hanson wasn't the only local artist to quickly sign on for time at Lost Monkey: San Francisco's Pine and Battery tracked and mixed their latest three-song EP "Goodfight" there, while slide guitarist John Howland has been known to write and track songs on the spot in the studio. "Mike is willing to experiment to get a unique vibe that fits you," says Howland, "One artist even had a customized telephone mic built by Mikey to get the right vocal tone."
The move to the Hayward location allows
Stevens to expand on the work he began in Oakland. The new live drum room is 11'w x 19'l x 10' h, with vaulted ceiling and acoustic treatments to make the drums sound big and natural. This set-up is augmented by a top-notch vocal channel and outfitted with Neumann mics and Universal Audio LA610 tube preamp to capture the most warmth and presence in vocal tracks.
Lost Monkey Studio opened its doors in Hayward,
September 1, 2011. In celebration of the new location, the studio is offering a $200 day rate to artists who book through the end of 2011. For more information and to book studio time, visit www.lostmonkeystudio.com or call (510) 686-3256.
About Mike Stevens
A native of Connecticut, Mike began playing drums at age 9 and by 15, was playing professionally. Equally comfortable playing in the pit for musicals or on timpani with an orchestra, Mike quickly became first-call sub for many Eastern Connecticut ensembles and the resident drummer for several rock and jazz groups in the area.
Offered a position as drummer/percussionist in the Army's prestigious 76th Division Band, Mike went on to dedicate six years to performing an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, and Dixieland in a variety of concert bands as well as a special jazz combo unit assembled for formal military evening events.
Once Mike's Army contract was up, he moved to New York City to hone his skills, performing with rock and folk bands, touring the United States as well as recording albums both locally and in Europe. Here Mike truly discovered his calling to become a professional musician.
After moving to the Bay Area, Mike quickly became sought after by area bands and artists for his versatility on stage and in the studio. At ease playing percussion and drums in any genre, his notable credits include work with ska pioneers The Uptones and songwriter Cyndi Harvell (Fortune Records). When he isn't in the recording studio or performing, Mike dedicates his time to inspiring new and seasoned drummers.
