Top Cool Recording Studios in the World

As a novice musician who also writes songs, I decided to discover more about cool recording studios that shaped the music industry. They produced award-winning film scores, world hits, and iconic tracks. As there are hundreds of such recording facilities in the world, it might be challenging to choose the ones that stand out among the rest.

I decided to explore the most famous recording studios to discover the best places for producing and recording music. My findings will be of interest to other music enthusiasts who want to learn more about the unique creative environments where famous musicians record their tracks.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is well known among music enthusiasts who value this facility for its unique history and excellent sound. It’s located in Sheffield, Alabama. Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as "The Swampers," founded this studio back in 1969. At this studio, many classic pieces were recorded in different genres, including soul, rock, and country music. Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other famous artists created their tracks here, which makes it a cool recording studio in the eyes of every person who loves the history of music.

LowSwing Studios is based in Berlin. It allows professionals to capture crystal clear sound and use vintage recording techniques. This studio supports analog recording. This is why it is preferred by those who want to capture authentic sound with warm tones. It was frequented by such top artists as Agnes Obel and other well-known indie musicians, as it allowed them to record high-quality music.

Blackbird Studio, located in the center of Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, is a top-level recording facility known for its variety of services and an impressive choice of vintage and recently released equipment. World-renowned stars like Taylor Swift, John Mayer, and Dolly Parton have used this studio, which makes it stand out among other cool home recording studios.

Sunset Sound is a famous studio that was founded in Los Angeles back in 1958. It has become the birthplace of many best-selling albums. The Beach Boys, Prince, and Fleetwood Mac, together with many other artists, recorded their hits here. It is famous for its classic sound and perfect acoustics, which makes it popular among top stars.

Westlake Studios in Los Angeles has significantly contributed to the development of R&B. At this studio, Michael Jackson recorded his hugely popular album Thriller, which became the cornerstone of the success of this facility. Madonna, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake also recorded songs here, making this studio one of the most iconic recording locations.

Ocean Sound Recordings is a music recording studio built on the island of Giske, Norway. This beautiful location makes every visit to this studio quite memorable. The facilities are surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Artists like A-ha and Aurora have used modern equipment to record top-level soundtracks. Many professionals also prefer this facility as it has top-level podcast equipment.

Air Studios is located in London. It was founded by Beatles producer George Martin in 1969 and became one of the best-known studios in the world. Famous for its impressive acoustics, it hosted Coldplay, Adele, and Hans Zimmer. The studio offers a variety of services, making it best suited for creating music and film scores.

The Record Plant is located in Los Angeles. Founded in 1968, it’s one of the best-known cool recording studio names, as it hosted such stars as Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga. The studio has new equipment and is famous for its relaxing atmosphere, which allows artists to use it to record hits.

Orbit Audio is a Seattle-based studio that allows its clients to use vintage and contemporary recording techniques. It’s a popular choice among local and international artists who value its unique offerings. Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and other popular bands recorded their songs here, which contributed to its popularity.

Elfo Recording Studio is located in Tavernago, Italy. It has a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, which makes it a popular spot preferred by many European and international artists. It’s suitable for intimate and creative recording sessions. Patti Smith, Francesco Guccini, Zucchero, and Giorio Conte were among many artists who recorded their songs here. However, those who are looking for modern, cool recording studio designs might have to look for alternatives.

Studios 301 is located in Sydney, Australia. It’s the oldest and largest recording studio in the country. Famous for its facilities, it hosted such artists as Kanye West, Elton John, and Powderfinger. Its innovative equipment and team of professionals make it popular among local and international talents.

Metropolis Studios is a recording facility located in London. It remains one of the largest studios in Europe. It stands out for its luxurious interiors and superb sound quality. This studio was used by Queen, Adele, and Amy Winehouse. It has undisputed historical significance and exceptional recording equipment, making it suitable for music and film production.

Real World Studios was established by Peter Gabriel in Box, England. It remains a magnet for musical professionals who want to find creative inspiration. Located in beautiful countryside, it is perfect for recording music in a harmonious environment. The most photographed people, like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Gabriel, recorded their tracks at this studio.

Hans Zimmer’s Studio in Santa Monica is the perfect place for film composers and professional musicians. The studio is fitted with the newest recording equipment and has a recognizable design. This creative space was used for recording many film scores, including soundtracks for Inception and The Lion King. The studio stands out for its focus on superb quality. It was used by Billie Eilish, Pharrel Williams, Junkie XL, and many other famous artists.

Question de Son in Paris is a cool recording studio known for its creative spirit and superb recording quality. It was used by many French and international musicians and rock bands, including Christine and the Queens and Phoenix. Located in the center of Paris, it remains a popular place for musicians of all kinds.

Onkio Haus is a popular studio located in Tokyo, Japan. It remains one of the most reputable studios in the country. The studio stands out for its excellent acoustics and high-tech gear. It hosted such artists as Utada Hikaru and many others. The studio prioritizes high quality and remains one of the best recording spaces in Asia.

Electric Lady Studios, located in Greenwich Village, New York City, was commissioned by Jimi Hendrix in 1968. This cool recording studio has historical significance as David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Kanye West created their recordings here. It has an exquisite atmosphere and boasts top-level equipment, making it the most preferred choice among many musicians.

Sun Studio in Memphis is where Rock ‘n’ Roll allegedly originated. After it was opened in 1950, it hosted Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis when they were at the beginning of their careers. Its old-fashioned atmosphere and undisputed historic significance make it an important place for music enthusiasts.

Abbey Road Studios is a London-based recording studio that is known all around the world. It gained prominence due to the fact that The Beatles used it. Besides, it was preferred by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and many other groups. Its recognizable crosswalk and popular recordings make it a significant landmark in music history.