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come here and lay rhythm tracks, strings and horns – things you can’t do at home – and spend time at home doing overdubs and things like that. Tey don’t come in for a month or months to work on an album.” Tese top recording studios have lasted into this new age, through adaptation and vision. “If we hadn't adapted, we'd be out of business,” says Sides. “Probably three quarters of studios that existed in Hollywood 15 years aren't here.” Sides credits various factors for his success including a wide variety of clients and a collection of vintage equipment available to create a specific sound or atmosphere. “We’ve branched out into software and very elaborate sys- tems,” Sides says. “We did Dave Grohl’s studio; George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch control room. We have a lot of clients who have fairly elaborate home studios. Tey come here to do the basic tracking, do the vocals at home and then come back for the mix. We also have sample libraries like the Ocean Way drum library. We’ve diversified. You have to.” Recording studios attract the younger generation, who hopefully will carry on the traditions. Interest in vintage equipment and approaches with analog recording from veteran, younger and new artists are part of what keeps Sunset Sound and Sound Factory busy, says Hubler. “We are primarily a live tracking studio, with medium to large recording areas that can accommodate up to 30 players at a time. Musicians still relish playing as an ensemble, grooving together in the same room.” he says. “Most of these home stu- dios are digitally based whereas we offer a hybrid of analog and digital equipment. We are generally more versatile. All of these factors keep us humming along in this turbulent industry” Brundo is somewhat wary of the future. “We’ve been here so long; we’ve been able to stay. But making big money is a thing of the past.” For an in-depth, lengthier look at legendary recording stu- dios, search out the now out of print book, “Temples of Sound” by William Clark and Jim Cogan (Chronicle Books).DH Darryl Morden was born in Hollywood. He has written for maga- zines, newspapers, radio, television and numerous websites. He was Head Writer/Associate Producer for American Top 40 with Casey Kasem and reviews concerts for the Hollywood Reporter. FALL 2010 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 37