Chris Wimberley wrote a song about lizards at age 7 and has been creating music ever since. From guitar lessons and band practice as a teen to being the first person to major in music studies at NC State, Chris has carried his love for music with him his whole life. He continued this passion for music when he started Nightsound Studios in 2001.

nightsound control

Control Room. photo by Jasmin Flack

Nightsound Studios is a recording studio in Carrboro that helps musicians actualize their music goals, no matter where they are in their journey. They work with artists at all stages of production, with all levels of expertise. Owner Chris Wimberley described the Nightsound team as a group of taxi drivers. They get everyone where they want to go, with each client going somewhere different, for different reasons. At Nightsound, a musician can receive assistance with writing, recording, and/or production.

Nightsound is not your typical recording studio. Many studios can be intimidating but Nightsound works hard to be approachable and attainable. Artists are encouraged through their creative process, even if they aren’t quite ready to record. Owner Chris Wimberley said they have always been “a little more art than science” and strive to be “as accessible to as many different kinds of music and people as possible.” They offer free consultations and tours to prospective clients. Also, despite the fact that they are booking months in advance at all times, Nightsound tries to be as available to artists’ immediate needs as possible.

nightsound analog

Analog Recording machine. photo by Jasmin Flack

The magic of Nightsound happens in multiple rooms. Throughout the studio, there’s lounge seating and local artwork featured on the walls. There’s a vocal recording booth, an office, a control room, and the main recording space. The control room features both analog and digital recording, which is rare for a studio of Nightsound’s size. The availability of analog recording gives musicians more creative control over how their work is shared.

The main room, also referred to as “The Room of Awesome” and the “Mojo Room,” is where most of the music happens. Nightsound carries a mix of vintage and modern instruments and the “Mojo Room” is fully equipped with drum sets, pianos, organs, and more. It is set up so that artists feel like they are performing in a live setting while they record, which is more “organic” according to chief engineer Meghan Puryear.

The Mojo Room is very versatile; it is also available for band rehearsal space as well as being the location for Nightsound’s Songwriting and Audio Recording Workshops. The Songwriting Workshop is an invite only workshop for writers looking to collaborate and learn from each other. The Audio Recording Workshop is for anyone interested in learning and covers topics like ear training, mic techniques, and mixing philosophies.

nightsound mojo room

Mojo Room. photo by Nightsound

Another thing that makes Nightsound unique is one of their prized jewels, a pair of vintage Neumann U67 microphones. They were acquired from a studio that produced John Lennon and claims he used them frequently. This, along with the many talented musicians who have created at Nightsound over the years have contributed to the studio’s aura of talent and creativity.

Nightsound is celebrating its 15th birthday Saturday, September 3rd with a big event featuring old clients, a Best Of compilation CD, and multiple local businesses.

 

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