Reed recording company

Andy Reed is an American record maker based out of Bay City, Michigan.

Reed's foray into recorded music began in the late 1990's when his Power Pop trio, The Haskels, made an album under the guidance of Brendan Benson, best known for his work with The Raconteurs.  The sessions not only resulted in the band being signed by Bullfrog Records, it officially gave Reed the recording bug.

It was during this period that Reed developed three traits that continue to underpin his work as a producer and engineer.  First, he began to acquire equipment, upgrading as the tools of the trade started to become more accessible during this same period.  Four tracks became eight, then sixteen and more.  Cassettes were replaced by ADATs.  Reel to reel entered the mix for awhile because … why not?  It was good enough for The Beatles and it was an important part of learning how to make a record.  Eventually, he adopted and set out to become an expert in Pro Tools.

The second trait was the ability and interest in melding both modern and vintage technologies into the recordings he was making.  Driven through a combination of economics, opportunistic buying and an interest in trying to emulate the sounds on his favorite records, what was now called Reed Recording Company began to accumulate a vast array of gear that facilitates making world class recordings.  The ability to employ a hybrid of digital and analog, vintage and state of the art is core the the studio's ability to craft recordings across a variety of genres and production styles. 

The third is that Reed made the conscious decision to develop a world class home studio to carry out his business.  Aside from the obvious work / life benefits this provides for Reed and his family, it has created an atmosphere that has proven critical to the development of the studio's growing reputation.  Reed places an emphasis on the human side of production and it starts with the comfort of “making records in Andy's basement.”  When artists are stressed, it shows up in the recordings.  When they are relaxed, the same thing happens.  It's a key to the business model.

Though Reed's main focus for the last decade and a half has been as a producer / engineer, he has also continued his own career as a performer and recording artist.  In addition to the 250 recording projects that Reed has completed with other artists in the studio, he has also toured and performed with many of Michigan’s finest acts, including serving as the bassist for the Verve Pipe from 2009 - 2013.  He has also released several independent solo EP's.  In 2016, European Power Pop label I Am The Cosmos released a “Greatest Hits” compilation, “An Introduction to Andy Reed.”  His “studio” band, The Legal Matters, is currently completing the follow up to the Omnivore Records release, Conrad.

With this wealth experience to call on, it is fair to say there is no such thing as a “typical” session at Reed Recording Company.  One day might call for him to dial in the sound for a band of hard rockers giddy to play on his array of tube amps and his vintage Rogers drum kit, while the next might find him composing ethereal rhythm guitar and drum loops for a singer / songwriter who really needs to lean on his ability to act as a one man band, if necessary.  He is also an expert “song doctor,” who can help with arrangements and other songwriting tips to bring out the best in the basic idea his clients bring in to the studio.  Mid-Michigan's musical community appreciates Reed Recording Company's capabilities enough to have voted it “Best Recording Studio” six years running.

Reed's focus going forward is to build on his strengths as a producer / engineer, working with bands and solo artists to develop their sound and to help guide them through the recording process.  A huge music lover himself, Reed keeps one eye on the future and one on the past.  With this, he is able to fuse varied influences into records that sound fresh, with a touch of familiarity. 

If Reed Recording Company has a philosophy, it is that the song comes first and the vocal will be featured “front and center.”  Many artists choose Reed Recording Company to produce their records specifically for this mindset.  They can rest assured that Reed will work to create a sound that is unique to their musical personality and material, and true to their preferred style and genre.

Reed has also developed a solid network of contacts in the industry, with relationships with a wide array top studios, studio musicians and recording professionals operating locally, nationally and internationally.  He is a voting member of The Recording Academy’s Producers and Engineers Wing and a member of The Audio Engineering Society.  Within the last few years these affiliations have created opportunities to appear as a featured speaker at National industry workshops and as a guest on podcasts, such as Recording Studio Rockstars and Working Class Audio.

Check out the studio's Credits, Gear List and Media for additional information.