Recording Studio Rockstars RSR543 - Travis Harrison - Recording Guided By Voices, Built To Spill, The Men, and Tons of Garage and Punk Rock in Brooklyn, NY
What actually happens when you stop isolating everything and just let a band play together in the room?
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com
My guest today is Travis Harrison, founder of Serious Business Music, a Brooklyn-based studio known for capturing raw, honest performances from real bands. Travis joined me to talk about how his studio and workflow evolved over time - from early audio-only recordings to embracing video, hybrid setups, and modern tools - while still staying rooted in classic recording approaches.
We talked about recording bands live in the room, why Travis embraces bleed instead of fighting it, and how capturing the energy of a performance often matters more than perfect isolation. He shared how he'll use simple setups like a single M 160 ribbon mic on drums, how preparation and adaptability become critical when recording larger bands, and why letting musicians interact naturally can shape the sound of a record in ways plugins never will.
Travis also broke down his hybrid workflow, using tape as a tone-shaping tool rather than a rigid format - running tracks through a tape machine for color before moving into Pro Tools for editing and mixing. We discussed mic choices like using an SM57 on bass cabinets for midrange growl, routing and flexibility with a Soundcraft Ghost console, and how his Brooklyn studio has been shaped by real-world challenges like soundproofing, space limitations, and evolving technology. Throughout the conversation, we kept coming back to the balance between tradition and innovation - and why great records still come down to musicians, rooms, and decisions made in the moment.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com
https://usa.sae.edu/ The next program starts May 11, 2026
https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
https://gracedesign.com/ https://pickrmusic.com
https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy
https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/
Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" https://solo.to/lijshawmusic
Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0RdFM4aImmogaEJBwV5pla?si=8b285a72dca7478a
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/543