Eric Valentine’s Longtime Private Studio Was Formerly Crystal Recording
Pictured in Studio A (L-R) are recording artist Grace Potter, producer and studio owner Eric Valentine (seated), UnderToneAudio equipment designer Larry Jasper, and studio manager Tim O’Sullivan. Photo by David Goggin.
Hollywood, CA, December 2018 – Barefoot Recording has officially opened its doors to outside clients after serving as Eric Valentine’s private studio since 2000, where he has produced albums for artists such as Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, Nickel Creek, Queens of the Stone Age, Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, The All-American Rejects, and Slash, among many others.
Valentine, who is still active making records, brings the perspective of an end user to the studio design process. Striving to fulfill the needs and solve the problems of today’s record makers, he developed Barefoot Recording and the equipment manufacturer UnderToneAudio as outlets for his creative vision, making it available to a wide variety of musicians, engineers, and producers.
Valentine explained his reasoning for opening the doors and making Barefoot a fully functional commercial recording studio: “I have hogged this place to myself long enough. It is time for others to experience this creative wonderland and how inspiring it can really be. I also now have a new world of inspiration at the studio I have built for myself in Topanga that keeps me close to my family.”
Studio manager Tim O’Sullivan added, “Barefoot is a place that combines the tradition, service and professionalism of a big classic LA commercial studio with the comfort and creative energy of a world-class producer’s private studio. Before opening to the public, we thoroughly checked every technical detail and made sure that every piece of gear and every instrument was in tip-top shape. In addition to our main Studio A, Studio B now hosts projects with Joe Napolitano, Nick Zinner and myself, and Studio C is home to Mike Pepe.”
Originally built as a post office in1950, it was converted to Crystal Industries Recording Studio in 1967 by Andrew Berliner. Through Berliner’s innovative acoustic and electrical design, the studio quickly became one of the premier recording facilities in Southern California. Artists ranging from Barbara Streisand to Jimi Hendrix and with the high point being the recording and creation of Stevie Wonders “Songs in the Key of Life”. Other notable artists include Supertramp, Jackson 5, War, The Doors, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Marvin Gaye, and The Byrds.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s the facility was leased by the producer Matt Hyde (Deftones, Slayer, Parkway Drive) for projects that included Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros, and Monster Magnet. In 2000, Eric Valentine took ownership of the building and it’s resident “Stevie Wonder” 9ft Yamaha grand piano, which was used on the Stevie Wonder records recorded during the Crystal Industry era. From 2000-2018, Studio A became Eric Valentine’s private studio and studio B hosted producers like Jon Brion, Jacquire King, Matt Rad, and Cian Riordan. For more info, visit: https://www.barefoot-recording.com