We’re constantly fascinated with the creative process here at Flavorwire, and one of the most important components of that process is the space in which it takes place. For musicians, at least as far as the recording process goes, this place is the studio, and as such we thought we’d take a look at the studios of some of our favorite musicians. The contrasts on display are intriguing, from the endearingly chaotic to the pristine and very expensive, from analog to digital, from minimalist to decked out in all sorts of crazy-looking gear. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
The Chemical Brothers
Tom Rowlands on the bridge of the Chem Bros’ spaceship.
Steve Albini
Electrical Audio in Chicago: a space as austere as the man who owns it.
Daft Punk
We’d love to believe that Daft Punk really do dress up in their helmets when they’re recording…
Lindstrøm
…and we’re delighted to see that Lindstrøm sports his trademark bucket hat!
Flying Lotus
All that mess would probably make us scream, too.
Dr. Dre
Avec gigantic keyboard.
Brian Eno
Back in the 1970s…
Brian Eno
… and now.
Lee “Scratch” Perry
Shortly before he burned his studio to the ground. No, really.
Radiohead
Who says Thom Yorke doesn’t have a sense of humor?
Lenny Kravitz
Of course Lenny Kravitz has a crazy-beautiful studio.
Bob Moog
And of course Bob Moog has a gazllion amazing-looking synths.
Jimi Hendrix
The Jimi Hendrix Experience at the newly opened Electric Lady Studios on West 8th Street in New York.
J Dilla
With Peter Adarkwah from BBE Records at his home studio in Detroit. Look at all that vinyl!
Animal Collective
More controlled chaos.
Phil Spector (with Ike and Tina Turner)
Before the crazy.
Sly Stone
Before the crazy (II).
Johnny Jewel
We’re amused and entirely unsurprised to see that the Chromatics and Glass Candy producer’s neo-disco aesthetic extends to his workspace.
King Tubby
The great Jamaican dub pioneer at his self-built home studio in Kingston.
Aphex Twin
He even looks terrifying in the studio.
Daphne Oram
Female electronic pioneers, take one.
Laurie Spiegel
Female electronic pioneers, take two!
Pharrell Williams (with J. Cole)
It’s kind of reassuring to see that Pharrell isn’t above using cheap MIDI keyboards.
Michael Rother
Suitably spaced out, some time in the mid-1970s.
Tom Waits
And finally, the only man who can make a tiny toy piano somehow look cool. Bless.