January 2026

New Year starts with buzz around NAMM and Grammy week celebrations. Enjoy two good reads, visit Night People and connect to a studio wife. 
A historic studio in LA gets its heart beat back. This studio hosts a playback session for our community. Fly with a remote mixer. Learn secrets told by these producers. We have artists and music in the video spotlight, and congrats to all you nominees and creators! Grab an espresso & enjoy this month's serving.

Multi-award winner producer Mark Ronson (Lady Gaga, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, the Barbie soundtrack) evokes the rush of the 90s NY club scene in his new book: Night People. The DJ vibe of the era was where fashion folks and rappers on the rise danced alongside club kids and 9-to-5'ers. He invites us into the tribe of creatives who came alive when the sun went down.

The DJ tools became his first obsession and the music he played --Public Enemy, QTip, Stevie Wonder--were introductions to his production career that followed. This period also provided controls to balance what he calls an "out of control childhood" with young partying parents. 
"For the first time in my life, I knew I've done something right," Ronson writes about the validation from the audience that became addictive. Mark realized that he could never be a band like Slash while he was in his high school band. DJ-ing, on the other hand, appeared more accessible, and provided the rich musical knowledge that contributed to his success a a producer. What really stands out is Mark's observations of how music moves people.

"It (the book) chronicles three of my great loves: the art of DJing with all its emotional highs and lows, the electric energy of New York after dark, and the wild, wonderful clubland characters who became my second family," says Ronson. Order it here on Amazon



Jimmy “The Senator” Douglass will be honored at the Producers & Engineers Wing's annual GRAMMY Week Celebration during GRAMMY Week 2026 in Los Angeles. A five-time GRAMMY winning producer, engineer and mixer, Douglas started his studio career while still attending high school. He has consistently worked with an extraordinary variety of industry luminaries, spanning from the greatest engineers, producers, and record moguls such as Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet Ertegun and Timbaland, to legendary artists Aretha Franklin, Roxy Music, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Aaliyah, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Al Green, John Legend & the Roots, AC/DC and Bjork, to name just a few.

Jimmy continues to display his versatility by remaining current while drawing from his years of experience and is best known for bringing unconventional techniques into the studio and encouraging artists to transcend genre restrictions. He is credited with bringing a raw edge to sound and specifically bringing a heavy funk bass sound into rock music. His hard work and immense talent have carved a place for him among the most respected engineers and mixers in the world.



Goo Goo Dolls photo by Tony Aldolfi from Beacon Theatre

Last November was a busy month for Remote recording engineer, Ian Charbonneau (left). He flew his Fly Pack across the country with crew engineer Todd Shaffer to record the Goo Goo Dolls at the Beacon Theatre, NY for a special VR capture by META. The GGD played two nights at the Beacon Theatre, benefiting The Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation. They played a 24 song set list that included favorites: Naked, Feel the Silence, Acoustic #3, Let Love In,and Iris.

Meanwhile Charbonneau's second Fly Pack system was booked in Los Angeles and utilized at PBS Burbank studios for a Live telethon. "The Recording Project's second fly pack is an exact duplicate of our first fly pack, built around DirectOut Technology’s Prodigy MC modular converters remotely controlled via Globcon software which proven time and time again to be a pristine Sonic workhorse. I now can offer 2 separate fly packs or one big powerful one having 128ch of Analog MicHD preamps and converter or 512ch of Digital Madi Inputs," says Ian. With projects often well over 64ch now, having two fly packs can accommodate more projects. "This will open many doors to new opportunities," says Charbonneau.

What's next? " Now the last piece of the puzzle is to fully complete my recording system by adding a new updated console for on-location live mixing," Charbonneau adds.



ATC speaker subs playback with SonoruS Tapes and Analog Tape Player at East West Studios on January 16. Trans Audio Group's pre-NAMM preview for select production community and guests. Below Brad Lunde with guests, and host Candace Stewart of East West and Claris Dodge of studioexpresso. Photos: studioexpresso

TransAudio Group hosted a NAMM preview of the new ATC speaker subs on January 16 at East West Studios. Guests from studios and production community attended and enjoyed the playback on the new line of speakers, using SonoruS Holographic Imaging (SHI) Tapes played on SonoruS Audio ATR10 mkII Analog Tape Player.

The longtime U.S. ATC distributor launched the new ATC SCS120 Pro, a powerful new 15-inch active subwoofer designed to deliver outstanding low-frequency performance for modern professional studios. Designed to partner with ATC’s mid-field and main monitor systems, the new model builds on the SCS70 Pro with more headroom, deeper bass, and performance suited for stereo, surround, and immersive formats including Dolby Atmos.

The SCS120 Pro uses ATC’s newly developed 15-inch carbon-paper composite driver, hand-built in the UK. The driver combines a short-coil/long-gap motor system with optimized airflow for low distortion, extended response below 20Hz, and improved cooling. The subs achieve deep, accurate bass through high-quality drive-unit engineering and a slightly larger cabinet – without relying on heavy electronic processing – resulting in better phase response and clearer integration with monitors.

The subwoofer is powered by ATC’s hand-built 300W Class AB amplifier, featuring balanced inputs and output for pass through, analogue 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley low-pass filtering (including an 80Hz option and bypass), adjustable phase and polarity, and precise level control. A footswitch-operated mute circuit allows multiple subs to be muted together.

The SCS120 Pro pairs naturally with ATC SCM100/110/150A Pro monitors, and multiple units can be used for larger rooms or with main monitors like the SCM200/300A Pro. The increased dynamic capability makes it particularly suitable for immersive audio and post-production environments with demanding LFE content. ATC recommends using the Dolby Audio Room Design Tool (DARDT) for Atmos room system design.

Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Rarely do you find a company that values creativity, musicality, and performance with precision engineering."

The SCS120 Pro is available now. For more details visit here

Seven-time Grammy winner singer songwriter John Mayer and film maker Joseph McG Nichol aka McG (Charlie’s Angels director) are bringing back the famed Jim Henson Studio lot at 1416 N. La Brea in Los Angeles.

The two preservationists have renamed the studio after its original owner, the silent film giant (Charlie) Chaplin Recording. Mayer and business partner McG purchased the Henson Studios for $44 million while there's widespread upheaval in the entertainment industry.

The official word is the historic property will continue “operating as a major working studio in the heart of Los Angeles.” And the good news for recording community is that the place is fully staffed and open for production and recording projects.

According to various reports, the Hanson family (vs Disney) owned the 80,000-square-foot property they purchased in 2000. At the time, the recording studios, came with Chaplin’s 10,000-square-foot sound stage and original woodworking shop. “This place has a beating heart. All we have to do is effectively not kill it, right?” Mayer told The Times’ @mikael.wood "The goal for me is to have this be the site of every major artist who has been here in their golden era, and sculpt it to be someone's else's dream" adds Mayer in an Instagram post. Beyond its film legacy, the musical history at this historic location includes the A&M years (Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss’ A&M Records) with landmark albums recorded on this campus, including We Are the World being captured inside Studio A. "John and I are committed to respecting that heritage while ensuring the studios remain a vibrant, fully operational home for filmmakers, musicians, and creators," says McG

NcG’s believed to be the only person in Hollywood history to have written a song, produced a TV show and directed a movie that all made it to No. 1. A Newport Beach native, McG co-wrote the No. 1 songs Fly, Every Morning and Someday for the band Sugar Ray, formed by his childhood friends. McG’s directorial debut for a feature film was the 2000 blockbuster Charlie’s Angels, starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, which opened at No. 1 domestically and went on to become the biggest opening ever for a first-time director. And he produced TV show The O.C., which was the highest-rated new drama of the 2003-2004 season for young adult viewers, and Supernatural, the longest running science fiction show in American TV history, which ended in 2020 after 15 seasons.

The collaboration between McG and business partner Jordan Otterbein has produced A Crystal Cove, CdM Restaurant and others within the River Jetty Restaurant Group. He was honored as the grand marshal for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade’s opening night last year. And he recently took over operation of the restored Lido Theater, just ahead of the New Port Beach Film Festival. What's next? “I’m attached to a movie about the rock ’n’ roll band Kiss,” he says. “That should be fun. Back to the synthesis of my two favorite things: rock ’n’ roll and film,” says McG.

Renowned guitarist John Mayer has toured, and recorded prolifically, winning acclaim for hits such as Your Body Is a Wonderland, which won a 2003 Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocalist, and Daughters, which won a 2005 Grammy for Song of the Year. Two more songs won Grammys in 2006.

He also collaborated with blues and jazz artists such as Buddy Guy and Herbie Hancock, gaining recognition for his guitar work. Mayer's song Last Train Home (the ballad version) was recorded at Hanson (now Chaplin) Studios, produced by bassist, artist (The Pan-Detroit Ensemble), and six-time Grammy-winning producer Don Was. Mayer will be touring in India and Bahrain in February. They have done three albums together, Born and Raised (2012), Paradise Valley (2013), and Sob Rock (2021) top right. Watch Mayer sing Last Train Home here or on YouTube

East West's legendary Studio One (Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones) is booked for variety of sessions from single voice to 70-piece symphonic orchestra. Brent Fischer Orchestra recorded in one with a 56-piece ensemble.

Spanning over 61,000 cubic feet with a vibrant sound, the iconic studio comes complete with a spacious isolation booth and a beautiful Bechstein D-280 Concert Grand Piano. The control room features an 80-channel Neve 8078 Console, the largest in the world (originally commissioned for Michael Jackson's best-selling album, Thriller).

Each room at East West is equipped with a DB Technologies db4496 A/D-D/A Converter and ATC SCM25 Pro Mk2 house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD.

Right: Grammy-winner producers Brent Fischer and Dave Reitzas in studio one control room during a VIP event hosted by Source Connect

photos: by the C

Housed in 1920s Medinah Temple, the historic landmark studios, for almost six decades, The Village has recorded hundreds of legendary Grammy Award-winning albums and Academy Award-winning movie soundtracks. One of the studio's Grammy-winning, staff engineers, Alex Williams, used ATC 25s on the Jon Batiste We Are sessions, as well as the award-winning Odessa sessions. He also worked with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Regina Spektor, Perry Farrell and many more. Noted Williams, “The quality of ATC’s design and construction is apparent upon opening the box. From recording to mixing, the ATCs perform flawlessly on rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, or orchestral. I know what I’m hearing is what I’m getting. I’m thrilled that The Village is outfitting three studios with the new ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s.”

“Choosing ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s for Village's main studios is an incredible validation of this product’s excellence,” says Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group.

Top Left: Jeff Greenberg, owner and CEO with Snoop Dogg at The Village

Left: Mastering engineer Natalie Bibby at Air with ATCs

In 2018 the studios started by Beatles producing genius George Martin added a full-range of speaker monitoring system with two ATC P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier additions.

Invest in Good Speaker Stands. Why? While looks can be deceiving, you must have seen concrete blocks and other DIY configurations used in some project studios. Speaker stands may not be on top of your purchasing list, but this 19-minute video by Colt Capperrune @ColtCapperrune may change your mind. $20 block stands are compared with professional stands ranging from $140 Gators to $1,200 Sound Anchor stands. Can you guess which one performs the best? check it out here Adjust-ability is also important for Speakers. For optimum sound quality the speaker’s acoustical axis should be at approximately ear level for the most consistent and best sound.

Sound Anchor adjustable monitor stands allow you to adjust the position of the monitors (height, angle and tilt) so you can place the monitors where they need to be for the highest quality sound.

Sound Anchors and Redmount products are designed and manufactured in Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. using American parts and skilled American labor. click here for Sound Anchor dealers in USA

Starstruck Entertainment, the parent company of Starstruck Studios was founded in 1988 by Narvel Blackstock. Located on Music Row, Starstruck Studios is considered one of the top iconic Nashville recording facilities, and recently chose an ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration and paired it with their SSL System TS-500 console for their Dolby Atmos room.

"ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system is cited as the speaker system of choice for the growing number of multichannel immersive sound studios.

Manufactured and designed in the UK to the highest engineering standards, it was only natural ATC could develop this solid niche," says Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group.

ATC models:

SCM25As

SCM45As,

SCM50ASLs

SCM100ASLs

"ATC monitors are something you have to experience. Lets just say that you can hear details you’ve never heard before, leading you to faster, more accurate decisions in your creative process," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group

ATC SCM 25a pro mk2 has been upgraded with ATC’s hand made proprietary SH25-76S Dual Suspension Tweeter, extending the high-frequency response with a reduction in distortion. " The best of the best rely on ATC monitoring as their main solution for tracking, mixing and mastering. Like the original SCM25A, the new upgraded Mk2 is a compact 3-way high-performance active studio monitor loudspeaker, based around the hand made proprietary ATC 3”/75mm soft mid-dome driver and 6.5”/164mm bass driver loaded in a 25-litre vented cabinet," adds Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group. Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. More info here

TransAudio Group, U.S. distributer of the finest professional recording equipment in the world, is pleased to announce the new ATC SCS70 Pro, a compact, ultra-high performance subwoofer using ATC’s first, in-house-designed and built sub driver.

Designed by Billy Woodman and his team of engineers, this new 12-inch sub driver delivers the kind of honest and detailed low-frequency information that professionals have come to expect from ATC. “Subwoofers can be a source of distortion, making the mixing or mastering process a guessing game. Now an ATC system, complete with the one or two SCS70 subs, can deliver full bandwidth audio for any genre, enabling superior translation on any system it gets played on, from ear buds to home hi-fi to clubs and everything in-between. Other subwoofers rely on EQ and poorly implemented ports, transmission lines or passive radiators to boost low end and make their subs sound impressive," says Brad Lunde. USA List Price: $5,490.00 USA MAP: $4,990.00

TransAudio Group, founded by industry veteran Brad Lunde, has quickly become the premier U.S. importer/distributor and/or U.S. sales and marketing representative for high-end audio. TransAudio’s skilled team of in-house and field representatives provide dealers and end users with product expertise and support far beyond the norm.

Music’s Biggest Night®

Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8PM ET/5PM PT!

Live with the Paramount+ Premium plan

Emmy^® Award-winning, Golden Globe^® Award-nominated and Grammy^® Award-nominated comedian Trevor Noah will return one final time as master of ceremonies of the 2026 Grammy Awards^®.

2026 Recording Industry Golf & Poker Tournament

M June 29, 10:30 Registraton Noon Shotgun start

Sand Canyon Country Club

Register here

"Replace your studio glow with a sun tan, and come join your like-minded colleagues for a day of fun and shop talk, poker or golf, and everybody wins!"

 -- Gavin Lurssen, Golf Tournament Honorary Co-Chair

For more events visit our calendar

Above: studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group presented "Atmos-ize Your Music" at NAMM on Thursday January 23, 2025. Below: Speakers for the session: l-r: Cam O'Bi, Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group, Ryan Ulyate, Eva Reistad, Brent Fischer, Harry Weinger of UMG, and Claris Sayadian Dodge of studioexpresso.

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group have featured many producers, and musicians over the past ten years of TEC Track's history at NAMM

Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Cam 'Obi (J Cole, Chance the Rapper), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Eva Reistad (Dune 1,2, Alien, Sherlock Holmes), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme, Zev Feldman of Resonance Records (Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole), John Wooler of Mood Media (Flying Lotus, Elton John, Miles Davis), David Benoit, Harry Weinger (Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra), Matt Wong, Ryan Ulyate (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Ian Charbonneau (Mana, Neil Young, Jake Owen), Steve Genewick (Spinal Tap, Martina McBride, Michael Buble) David Reitzas (Weeknd, Madonna, Luis Miguel), and Grammy^®-winning Brent Fischer (Usher, Elvis Costello, Symphonic Prince).

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 Convenient, easy-to-use plug-in control and instant recall.

“From Grammy-award winners, to top international recording artists, home and free-standing recording studios, the original Mastering Limiter is that piece of go-to gear that adds that particular dynamic edge and significant touch towards the end of the recording process.

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 has faster release time, a lowered noise floor and the same 100% analog signal path with the ease of digital plug-in control and recall. This one is a superstar product,” adds Brad Lunde, president, and founder of TransAudio Group

Watch Vlog review by DJ, Producer, Jon Sine of the new Bettermaker Mastering 2.0 here

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 is priced at $3,500 in USA and is now available for shipping.

Above at 2025 NAMM Bettermaker Booth 10302 in Hall A, is the legendary Stevie Wonder checking out the game-changing accessibility of the new Bettermaker VSPE which allows for seamless control of Bettermaker hardware and plugins using voice commands, using its cutting-edge open source AI technology (created in partnership with The MIDI Association’s Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Group MASSIG as well as real-time speech feedback for accurate parameter adjustments.

"The Daking Mic Pre 4T, nominated for a TEC Award 2023, will elevate any recording offering unique solutions to common problems," say Brad Lunde (click top left image for a video presentation by Brad Lunde). The “low-distortion” Jensen input and output transformers offer more linear low-end performance under super dynamic conditions. Daking’s own variable high-pass filter dials out the low-frequency mud that can be subsonic and will decrease available headroom. Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. Unusually high 24dB of headroom and easy to read twenty segment meters make proper gain staging easy and forgiving under a wider array of conditions.

Auratone Celebrates its 50th anniversary, Auratone and its US distributor, TransAudio Group, introduced the first-ever Active 5C, nominated for TEC Awards at NAMM 2023.

A careful R&D process has been implemented to maintain the original characteristics of the 5C, utilizing the same amplifier design from the NAMM TEC Award winning A2-30 amplifier.

“We were happy to get boutique Polish manufacturer Bettermaker together with Alex Jacobsen, owner, and grandson of founder Jack Wilson, for the perfectly matched A2-30 amplifier. Now, the two companies have collaborated to get a mono amplifier that contains the guts and soul of the A2-30 into each chassis for the active version,” says Brad Lunde, founder, and president of TransAudio Group.

The Auratone Active 5C is now shipping • MAP: $749/pair

Like the other 5C variants, the Auratone ACTIVE 5C is made in the USA.



Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:

A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech 

Questions- pricing, availability and dealer locations please email sales@transaudiogroup.com

Inspired by the legendary ‘Motown EQ’ sound, Drawmer created two new 500 series EQs. Each unit offers 7-band proportional Q equalizers with EQ curves akin to the renowned ones used in the illustrious Detroit studios of the 1960s. These 100% analog units feature sevens bell curves, each having a variable cut/boost of ±10dB and set at the beautifully musical frequencies of the original.

The MQ-1 offers a single channel Mono 7-band EQ, with the highly regarded ‘CRUSH’ feature present on the Drawmer 1971 Dual 4-Band Parametric Equalizer rack unit. When you activate the crush circuit, get ready for some pleasing harmonic saturation and that classic analog warmth that adds a ton of character to any signal passing through the unit. CRUSH fattens up the bass, adds presence to the mids, and brings a delightful shimmer to the top end. The harder you drive the EQ the more crush you’ll get! The MQ-1 is a single-slot 500 series module. The MQ-2 offers the same EQ curves, but in full stereo, and is far more than an equalizer. It also incorporates a program-dependent, single-knob compressor that adapts its envelope to the characteristics of the signal. The order of the EQ and Compressor in the signal path can be swapped according to your requirements. The MQ-2 also has the same integrated ‘CRUSH’ feature that warms up your mix with harmonic saturation, and additionally includes comprehensive metering. The MQ-2 is a 2-slot 500 series module.

Visit Drawmer at TransAudio Group for more details.

Pricing: MQ-1 $349.00 • MQ-2 $539.00

The new Drawmer 1971 4-band parametric EQ, available in the U.S. from TransAudio Group.

Trans Audio Group introduces Drawmer 1971 4-Band Parametric EQ. This new edition to the Drawmer 70s series of FET-based gear offers two channels of fully featured 4-band parametric EQ and a new CRUSH button with the ability to deliver a myriad of unique musical applications on each bandwidth.

Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Widely popular, the Drawmer 70’s series has received many industry awards, and this new EQ is sure to follow. The features embodied in the 1971, plus the amazing new CRUSH button, allow for fine-tuned tactile tone sculpting. CRUSH is a dramatic tool. Engineers and producers will love the diverse and subtle creative options. Drawmer gear is designed and handmade by Drawmer in the UK – no small feat for a pro audio manufacturer.”

Now Available. Price: $1799.00 Details here

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Alex Warren has been honored as a SoundExchange Breakout Artist. The honor recognizes the success he has enjoyed in 2025, starting with his global smash hit, Ordinary, and continuing with Bloodline (with Jellyroll) and Eternity, all from his full-length debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid.

“Alex Warren’s authentic storytelling fueled a rise this year that has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “With his debut album topping charts and his single ‘Ordinary,’ Alex has redefined what it means to connect with audiences in the digital age. We are proud to celebrate an artist whose journey from adversity to achievement inspires not only fans but the entire creative community.”

“I’m honored to be recognized by SoundExchange as the 2025 Breakout Artist,” said Alex Warren. “This year has been filled with so much growth and excitement. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

Along with hit singles and a hit album, this year has seen Warren performing “Ordinary” with Luke Combs on stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago and sold out shows in Europe and North America on his Cheaper Than Therapy tour. He’ll kick off a string of 2026 European tour dates in April in Düsseldorf before returning Stateside in May for dates that begin at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and wrap in July at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Alex has delivered soul bearing performances, making his award show debut at the 2025 American Music Awards and most recently taking the stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. He also made his late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performed with Ed Sheeran in an underplay at Coachella, and joined Jelly Roll during Stagecoach. Adding to his accolades, Alex was named Billboard’s January Chartbreaker with his track “Burning Down” with Joe Jonas joining for a reimagined version. Since 2003, SoundExchange has been on a mission to build a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry through technology, data, and advocacy. The sole organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange has collected and distributed more than $12 billion in digital performance royalties to date on behalf of more than 800,000 music creators.

Above: L-R: Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group, Engineers David Reitzas, Steve Genewick, and producers/musicians CJ Vanston and Brent Fischer, with Claris Dodge of studioexpresso at TEC Tracks NAMM, Hilton C on January 22.



At the 2026 NAMM Show, the Audio Production & Music Technolog track featured more than 68 sessions with 72.5 hours of programming from TEC Tracks, A3E, Worship Musician Summit, and Studio Summit, covering topics in recording, live sound, and music technology. 

Music Is Medicine panel (above left) at NAMM , moderated by Paula Salvatore featured studio managers (l-r) Zoe Thrall (The Hideout Recording), Tina Morris (The Village), Vicky Giordano (Evergreen Enterprise Experience) , Candace Stewart (East West), took place on Thursday, January 22.

TEC TRACKS Own Your Path: Building a Sustainable Career as a Music Entrepreneur (below right) featured speakers Chandra Lynn, Music Director Larry Batiste, Peter Sotos, Jonathan Spangler, and Roberto Noriega.

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group presented A Spinal Tap Moment with Producers at NAMM on Thursday January 22 (above center).

Sometimes the line between fiction and reality is blurred when it comes to the fictitious band members in the mockumentary, Spinal Tap and all you working musicians. Take the task of keeping a band together. It's a challenge that all musicians face. Speakers talked about key challenges including managing interpersonal relationships, demanding schedules, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining consistent motivation amid high competition.

Guest speakers CJ Vanston (Spinal Tap, Elton John, Mighty Wind, Steve Lukather), Steve Genewick (Spinal Tap, Martina McBride, Michael Buble), David Reitzas (Weeknd, Madonna, Luis Miguel), and

Brent Fischer (The Roots, Prince, Elvis Costello, D'Angelo) shared their experiences from studio to stage to help educate and entertain the TEC Tracks attendees at the Hilton C.

The discussion revealed how to work around technical issues, and leverage the fun factor in production work. The speakers offered their take on managing big egos and ideas, while navigating life.

Vanston and Genewick are working on a solo project for Spinal Tap bass player, Derek Smalls.

In September of 2025 Vanston joined the legendary Elton John on stage for a live video recording for Spinal Tap song, Stoneheng. "This award-winning group is known for taking their production work up to eleven," says moderator Claris Dodge. She asked the attendees to observe eleven seconds of silence to honor the memory of acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner (All In The Family and directing Harry Met Sally, Misery and Few Good Men) and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, who tragically passed away on December 14, 2025.

The new Mockumentary Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, directed by Reiner can be streamed on HBO Max. 

Producer and songwriter Charlie Puth (right) started "Charlie's Vlogs" on YouTube Chanel in 2009. Ellen DeGeneres and others noticed, and soon Puth’s songs such as Someone Like You became mainstream. New Jersey Born Puth began studying piano with his mother at age 4 and attended the Pre-college division of Manhattan School of Music as a jazz piano major. He then went to Berklee on a full scholarship, graduating in 2013 with a degree in music production and engineering. As one of music's most in-demand producers and collaborators, Puth (Justin Beiber, Wiz Khalifa, Selina Gomez) has lent his songwriting and production talent to artists such as Katy Perry (Small Talk), 5 Seconds of Summer (Easier), Maroon 5 (Lips On You), Michael Bublé (Love You Anymore) and more.

During his TEC Tracks session, presented by Mix Masters, Puth talked about how half-baked song ideas come to him while he's driving. He also made some old school references on the keyboard, inspired by the vibe of Phil Collins and Patrice Russian. His fourth studio album Whatever Clever is out on March 27, with a coinciding Whatever Clever World Tour kicking off in 2026.

Studio Confidential Storytellers: Niko Bolas, Elliot Scheiner, Frank Filipetti, Sylvia Massy, Jimmy Douglass, George Massenburg and Chuck Ainlay

Studio Confidential is an intimate on-stage event where seven of music's most accomplished producers and engineers share behind-the-scenes stories from iconic recording sessions, personal career highlights and riveting rockstar-studded moments. The show balances reverence for craft with moments of pure comedy. 

Featuring Chuck Ainlay, Niko Bolas, Jimmy Douglass, Frank Filipetti, George Massenburg, Sylvia Massy, and Elliot Scheiner, the show offers a rare look into the artistry and innovation behind legendary recordings by recordings by Eagles, Lowell George & Little Feat, Dire Straits, Jimmy Page, Toto and many more. Together, these studio icons boast 68 GRAMMY® nominations, 31 GRAMMY® Awards, Emmy® and ACM® honors, hundreds of Gold and Platinum albums, and credits on over 7,000 recordings that have sold in the hundreds of millions.

Hear what really happened in those recording sessions with Steely Dan, Led Zepplin, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Justin Timberlake, Prince, Tool, U2, the Eagles, Courtney Love, George Strait, Fleetwood Mac, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.

February 12 to March 1, 2026 at the Loreto Theater in New York.

Tickets range $80-130 Reserve your seat here

More than $15 million toward fire relief efforts. This includes $7 million deployed in the immediate aftermath of the fires to address urgent needs, along with substantial ongoing recovery support that continues today. In total, over 3,200 music professionals have been reached through direct financial assistance. In recent months, MusiCares has continued its on-the-ground support, including hosting free Health and Wellness Clinics for music professionals affected by the fires. At a recent clinic in Altadena, attendees accessed mental health care, physical therapy, vision and hearing services, and guidance on disaster relief resources while also finding something less tangible but equally vital: connection. Many shared that they had evacuated with only minutes’ notice, leaving behind instruments, home studios, generational homes, and entire neighborhoods. Others spoke about managing asthma and other health complications from smoke exposure, supporting children through trauma and navigating the financial strain of relocation while still paying mortgages or leases on homes that no longer stand.

Expanding awareness and access has also been a critical part of MusiCares’ long-term recovery efforts. With a $1 million contribution from Google’s philanthropic arm Google.org and YouTube, MusiCares is strengthening outreach so music professionals affected by the fires know help remains available.

This work includes elevating the voices and stories of individuals already assisted and using culturally responsive and multilingual content to connect with communities that may not yet be engaged with MusiCares’ services. “Even a year later, we want people to know they are not alone and it is not too late to ask for help. Recovery looks different for everyone, and our role is to meet music professionals wherever they are in that journey,” said Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares. Additional information about MusiCares’ impact and details on available resources can be found at musicares.org/lafirerelief. 

Bea Swedien's new book My Life As A Studio Wife arrived during the 2025 holidays with a note: "To Claris: Those were the days. Love, Bea."

The book opens with a forward by the trailblazing producer, film composer, arranger Qunicy Jones (Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Herb Alpert). The Quincy and Swedien team recorded countless hits together. 

"No matter where I go in the world...you hear Billie Jean, Beat It, ...Thriller. That was the sonic genius of Bruce Swedien," writes Qunicy. 
Thriller won Swedien his first Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical in 1984. 

Swedien met the 19-year-old Michael Jackson on the set of The Wiz in Astoria Studios in the Queens. The collaborations lasted for over three decades.

The songs recorded by Swedien remain on our playlists and are embedded in Pop culture. Swedien passed away at the age of eighty-six on Nov 16, 2020.

Quincy and Swedien may have bonded over their jazz pedigree. In 1959 Bruce recorded The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including recordings for Verve records and artists like Oscar Peterson, Stan Kenton, Herbie Hancock, Curtis Mayfield, Woody Herman, Art Blakey, Count Basie, Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, among many jazz greats. Jones brought his arranging and production prowess, while Bruce managed the technical side. His pristine mixes and innovations maximized the sonic potential of a recording. Swedien came up with techniques he called multi track multiplexing which utilized double stereo microphone recordings, designed exclusively for his work with Jones. At times, he used egg cartons in make shift control room walls for acoustic treatments. 
Swedien is quoted in Bea's book in many passages where he explains his techniques on specific sessions. 

Bea married the award-winning engineer and mixer Bruce Swedien (also known as the "Godfather of Twin City Music" in Minneapolis. They met when she attended a Baptist youth picnic. Bruce was behind the wheel of a big blue Plymouth. They celebrated their diamond (60 years) anniversary in 2013. 

Bea's book chronicles her life and how she learned to carve a new role, replacing that of "the traditional wife." She learned the studio lingo, helped with studio set ups, and tear downs in earlier times where assistant engineering was not a concept! She did paperwork, booked hotels and flights, and entertained Bruce's colleagues and friends with dinners at their home.

You could say Bea became Bruce's true partner. It started from their early life and work together in Chicago at Bill Putnam's Universal Recording and at Paragon Studios where Bruce meets a young Robert Moog and Ed Cherney, followed by their big move to sunny Los Angeles (Woodland Hills, and Moorpark), working at Geordie Hormel's Village Recorders in West Hollywood.

There are prominent chapters dedicated to life with Bruce while he was working with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones and their entourage of celebrated musicians, songwriters, and engineers - Rod Templeton, Jerry Hey, Jeremy Lubbock. Greg Phillinganes, Brad Buxer, Michael Boddiker, Siedah Garrett, Matt Forger, Brad Sundberg, and many more.

Below: Bea with Bruce, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Above: Bruce and Quincy Jones.

"Don't ever bring your wife to the studio!" they all said. Fortunately, Bruce Swedien happily ignored their advise, and gave us Bea!

Together, Bruce & Bea would met artists and friends at top studios (Hit Factory, A&M, Westlake, Ocean Way, Record One) and restaurants like Spago in LA. They were invited to industry parties alongside celebrity guests to include: Miles Davis, Michael Caine, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Mo and Evelyn Ostin, Stevie Wonder, to name a few.

The couple spent weekends at Jackson's Neverland ranch.

Bruce and Bea were inseparable, and a tight team with a common goal: Take care of talent in or outside the studio and have FUN. Bea tells the story of growing up in India (Naga Hills), she talks about their shared love for Swedish heritage, sailing, animals (Max the studio dog, horses, chickens), and you even get recipes for her Swedish meatballs and sugar cookies (on page 92)!

Bea also tells the story that many spouses and partners in entertainment industry can relate. Families learn to adapt and thrive, adjust to crazy work hours while going to school, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. The Swediens have three children. Son David, daughters, Julie, and Roberta, a classically trained, and accomplished pianist and music teacher. 

Matt Forger was the second engineer on Thriller and engineered and mixed many other projects with Bruce, and Quincy. "She (Bea Swedien) was one of us," says Forger.

This book made me Smile (MJJ recorded this song by Charlie Chaplin at the Hit Factory, NY), recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien, naturally!

Bea can now relax in the massage chair Michael Jackson gave to Bruce and Bea one Christmas. 
"Bruce was my constant companion. In many ways, he took me a long for the ride.

In other ways, I made the ride possible for him and us," she writes.

Bruce Swedien was born to classically trained musician parents; he became enamored with music after his father gave him a rudimentary disc recorder. He received an honorary doctorate in 2001. He received 5 Grammy Awards with multiple nominations (13) for his work, famously with Michael Jackson on albums like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, as well as with Quincy Jones on Back on the Blockand Q's Jook Joint. His wins were all for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical). Swedien has two books Make Mine Music, and In the Studio with Michael Jackson. His third book, The Bruce Swedien Recording Method, by Bill Gibson, is published on Hal Leonard. He taught many audio engineering classes (Full Sail University in Orlando) and spoke at numerous events worldwide, including at AES, and NAMM.

This is Bea Swedien's second book. First one is called The Red Blanket (about her childhood with her missionary parents in India).



Go behind the scenes of Music’s Biggest Night^® as the producers of the Grammy Awards^® share a backstage look at the lead up to the awards, on “INSIDE THE 68TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^®,” airing Fri, Jan. 30, 8-9 p.m. ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+.*

Hosted by renowned New Zealand DJ, producer and broadcaster Zane Lowe of “The Zane Lowe Show,” this exclusive look at the lead-up to the Grammy Awards, which will air on Sun, Feb. 1, 8–11:30 p.m. live ET/5–8:30 p.m. live PT on CBS, will give viewers a unique, inside look at what to expect on Music’s Biggest Night.

Nominees for this year’s Grammy Awards include some of the year’s biggest names in music, including Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and many more. “INSIDE THE 68TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS” features exclusive interviews with Best New Artist nominees Leon Thomas and SOMBR, music legends Pharrell Williams and Reba McEntire, and the Grammy^®-nominated, recently reunited hip-hop duo Clipse. The special also includes industry insiders breaking down the major categories while discussing nominated artists like Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars and others.

“INSIDE THE 68TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS” is a production of the Recording Academy^® and Fulwell Entertainment. Ben Winston, Harvey Mason jr. and Eric Pankowski are executive producers. Branden Chapman is co-executive producer.

The Recording Academy^® proudly names Mastercard, IBM, Sony Corporation, Häagen-Dazs, PATRÓN Tequila, Redken, Hilton, United Airlines, City National Bank, Dove, Vaseline, Sharpie, PEOPLE, Frontera Wines, and SiriusXM as the official partners for the 2026 Grammy Awards^®.

"Our partners are not just supporters of the Grammy Awards—they are collaborators in shaping the future of music,” said Adam Roth, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships & Business Development at the Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy^®’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony celebrating the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustee Award and Technical Grammy^® Award recipients will be held on Jan. 31, 2026, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston are the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees; Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri and Sylvia Rhone are the Trustees Award honorees; and John Chowning is the Technical Grammy Award honoree. The Grammy Week event will celebrate the honorees’ outstanding contributions to the recording field.

“It’s a true honor to recognize this year’s Special Merit Award recipients — an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres and the very foundation of modern music,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Each of these honorees has made a profound and lasting impact, and we look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements on the eve of Grammy Sunday.”

Current Grammy^® nominees Clipse and Pharrell Williams will take the stage at the 2026 Grammy Awards^®.

Clipse are up for five Grammy Awards this year: Album Of The Year (Let God Sort Em Out), Best Rap Performance (“Chains & Whips”), Best Rap Song (“The Birds Don’t Sing”), Best Rap Album (Let God Sort Em Out), and Best Music Video (“So Be It”).

Thirteen-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams is up for four Grammy Awards this year: Album Of The Year (Let God Sort Em Out), Best Rap Performance (“Chains & Whips”), Best Rap Song (“The Birds Don’t Sing”), and Best Music Film (“Piece By Piece”).

Previously announced performers include Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, SOMBR, and The Marías. Additional performers will be announced in the coming days. 

"The saddest song I have ever written has been honored by the Grammys… it makes me emotional in the good and the sad ways too I guess…,"

--Rae (left: on the cover of ELLE), social post

The Recording Academy^® has selected the courageous ballad Ice Cream Man as the recipient of The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. Written by four-time Grammy^® Award nominee RAYE, three-time Grammy Award nominee BloodPop® and Mike Sabath, the song and its songwriters will be honored at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

RAYE, BloodPop® and Sabath’s Ice Cream Man which is featured on RAYE’s critically acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues, is a poignant anthem that transforms deeply personal trauma into a purpose: amplifying the voices of sexual assault survivors. “We are honored to present ‘Ice Cream Man.’ with this year’s Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “This song is a powerful reminder of music’s unique ability to raise awareness, inspire change and provide a voice to those too often unheard. Its bravery embodies everything this award stands for, and we look forward to recognizing it along with its songwriters at this year’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony.”

A$AP Rocky & The Art of Don't Be Dumb

In an unexpected bridge between film and music, “Edward Scissorhands” and “Beetlejuice” director Tim Burton collaborates with A$AP Rocky to design his new album artwork for Don’t Be Dumb released on January 16. 
The cover features six stylized Rocky looks embracing Rocky’s affinity for high fashion.

Danny Elfman — the esteemed composer of Burton’s iconic soundtracks — scored Don’t Be Dumb.

The album features a wide range of contributors, including guest appearances from BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Gorilaz, Doechii, Jessica Pratt, Sauce Walka, Slay Squad, Westside Gunn, and will.i.am.

Don't Be Dumb is Rocky’s first release in over seven years. World tour begins May 27.

Until next month,

Express your art whether or not you're nominated. And good luck to those of you who are!

Tell us about your new release, upcoming event, or reach out for music production services. Look forward to seeing more of you in 2026!

Music Lives and Moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, founder/editor

claris@studioexpresso.com

Right: With Sylvia Massy and Rafa Sardina at TEC Awards during NAMM 2026