#55: Tom Elmhirst: The Midwife of Audio

Explicit content warning

05/14/19 • 90 min

This is part 1 of a 3 part series recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. Tom Elmhirst was a 1 year old when Electric Lady first opened its doors in 1970. Today, Tom resides in Studio C as Electric Lady’s lead mix engineer. Tom began his career at SARM studios in London under the tutelage of Trevor Horn, and spent close to a decade in residence mixing at London’s Metropolis Studios. Needing a change Tom found his way to New York City, and has become an integral part of the community that makes Electric Lady what it is. He has received 13 Grammy awards for his mixing work, and holds the record for winning the most Grammy’s in one night, taking home 6 in 2017 for his work with Beck, Adele, David Bowie, and Cage the Elephant. Tom was kind enough to show us around his mix room, and share his insights and passion about the craft that he has mastered.

Previous Episode

#54: From the Heartland with Jay Farrar

After spearheading the alt country movement with Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar pursued his vision with Son Volt, who recorded three landmark albums in the ’90s before the groundbreaking artist put the band on extended hiatus and cut three solo LPs. Missing the free exchange of ideas and the surprises that inevitably occur when a group of simpatico musicians lock together, Farrar assembled a new lineup of Son Volt in 2004 and has since released five albums. Along the way, Farrar has collaborated with Ben Gibbard, Jim James, Will Johnson and Anders Parker to produce odes to Jack Kerouac and Woody Guthrie. The latest Son Volt album, Union, out March 29, confronts our turbulent politics and articulates the clarity and comfort music can offer in the tumult.

Jay Farrar’s work often seeks out the ghosts of America's discordant or forgotten past, converses at length with them, and writes songs that stake a claim to a better future.

Next Episode

#56: Fostering Creativity with Lee Foster

This is part 2 of a 3 part series recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. As Manager and co-owner of Electric Lady, Lee Foster juggles schedules, personalities, and a river running underneath studio A on a daily basis. Beginning his time at the studio as a general assistant, Lee worked his way up to become Studio Manager. With an eye for both preserving the history of the studio and maintaining a presence in modern music, Lee has cultivated a staff, atmosphere, and clientele that continues to make Electric Lady a go-to recording destination.