Welcome to Apogee Studio
Apogee Studio in Santa Monica, CA is a recording studio and performance venue in the heart of Apogee’s solar powered headquarters. The large space adjacent to the company’s offices and warehouse has been a host to legendary recording artists, up-and-coming artist showcases, and serves as “The Lab” for Apogee’s product development and testing. In its short but impressive history, artists such as John Fogerty, Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer and many more have recorded and performed at Apogee Studio.
Apogee Studio is the venue for KCRW’s Apogee Sessions, an incredible series of live performances for the National Public Radio affiliate’s broadcast. The Apogee Sessions archive features an impressive list of artists including Chrissie Hynde, Patti Smith, Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Regina Spektor, The Shins, K.D Lang and many more.
LOCK’N LA Live from Apogee Studio
featuring TaRon Lockett & Stanley Randolph
On the evening of Thursday, February 24th Bob Clearmountain & Apogee welcomed Lock’N Live LA featuring Taron Locket & Stanley Randolph.
TaRon is a grammy nominated drummer/producer who currently plays with Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles and the Mark Lettieri Group. TaRon has recently played with D-Nice and has worked with Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Ceelo Green, and Prince. Stanley is a producer/drummer who has made a big name for himself working with the legendary Stevie Wonder. They brought together their friends, family, and an incredible group of artists for an unforgettable night of funk.
https://www.instagram.com/taronlockett
https://www.instagram.com/stanleyrrandolph
photos by: Hans Hamann
A Very Special Evening of Duets with Family Company
On August 27th 2021, Apogee and Family Company brought together a group of artists to celebrate the launch of Apogee’s Duet 3. The performance benefitted UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, an organization that provides funding for students from diverse backgrounds with a passion to solve problems that are destroying the environment.
Recorded and Mixed by Bob Clearmountain
Apogee Presents – Cory Henry “The Revival”
Following the cancelation of his worldwide tour, The Revival, which features Cory Henry and Funk Apostles drummer TaRon Lockett, partnered with Los Angeles’ Apogee Studio for a weekly livestream session, mixed by legendary mixing engineer, Bob Clearmountain, airing on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter every Sunday at 3pm PDT / 6pm EDT. “With so much broken in the world I wanted to give people everywhere a Sunday musical destination to heal, connect and celebrate life through song.”
KCRW Live From Apogee Studio
Say She She
Brooklyn-based vocal trio Say She She brings a defiant spirit and some serious back-up to their KCRW Live From: Apogee Studio session.
Automatic
Alluring, swirling synths, droning vocals, and a riveting post-punk attitude unafraid of dressing down hypocrisy: Make way for Automatic. The post-wave trio recently joined KCRW for an intimate, extensive live performance and candid interview at Apogee Studios, recorded and mixed by the legendary Bob Clearmountain for a thrilling snapshot of an ascendant artistic voice.
Forged in the flames of LA’s DIY art scene and now signing to tastemaking local indie stalwart Stone’s Throw in 2019, Automatic has thrown a gauntlet with this year’s sophomore album “Excess.” Released in June, the record hones in on the band’s disillusionment with a consumerist and self-obsessed society in a “post”-pandemic world. Critics and fans alike have taken keen notice, as members Izzy Glaudini (synths, lead vocals), Halle Saxon (bass, vocals), and Lola Dompé (drums, vocals) have thoughtfully crafted a visual and sonic identity that is at once nostalgic and future-forward.
Robert Glasper
Robert Glasper is a three time Grammy Award winning pianist, producer and artist. He recently took us on a jazz fusion odyssey when he performed in front of an intimate crowd at Apogee Studios. He also spoke with KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd about his mother’s influence on his musical career and how he fell in love with jazz.
Sofi Tukker
On the eve of the release of their second album Dancing on the People, Sofi Tukker delivered a dance fueled performance at their Apogee session for KCRW. We’ll hear highlights from that night as well as part of their conversation with DJ Jason Bentley.
Common
Rapper, actor, writer and philanthropist Common treated a small crowd of guests to a whirlwind performance at KCRW’s Apogee Sessions last month. We’ll share highlights from that session, including a batch of new songs ahead of his album release next week.
Metric
Celebrating their 20th year as a band, Metric‘s latest album Art of Doubt brings their guitar laden songs back to the forefront. They powered through a raucous set at Apogee Studios where we recorded this session with them earlier this month.
Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges’ debut album came out of nowhere with a distinctive retro sound that won him a massive following. His ambitious follow up, Good Thing, shows a whole new side of him. While in town for a sold out show at the Greek Theatre, Leon Bridges played a live set at Apogee studio and we’ll share highlights.
Nick Waterhouse
As a child, Nick Waterhouse studied the trumpet, but when he was 13 he picked up the guitar and well, the rest is history. His self-titled fourth album has him “telling the strongest story about my own motives and perspectives.” He packed the room at Apogee studio last month and we share highlights from the session with host Anne Litt.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats released their excellent sophomore album Tearing at the Seams earlier this year and have been on the road ever since. Inspired by personal drama, but full of hope, the new songs come alive on stage. We share highlights from a set recorded at Apogee studio, with host Anne Litt.
Lord Huron
With their first release on a major label, LA’s Lord Huron are more popular than ever. Their third album Vide Noir is beloved by critics and fans alike and we welcome them for a live set in the midst of a nationwide headlining tour.
Courtney Barnett
May. 18, 2018
Courtney Barnett has experienced a quick rise to indie rock fame thanks to whip smart lyricism and a stream-of-conscious singing style that puts the focus on her wry observations about everyday life. We will share highlights from our live session recorded at Apogee Studio on the release date for Tell Me How You Really Feel.
Franz Ferdinand
Beloved Scottish band Franz Ferdinand released their 5th album — a collection of dancefloor-ready, swaggering disco rock tracks — earlier this Spring. They played a set at Apogee Studio in front of a live audience and we will share highlights.
Moby
April 12, 2018
On Moby’s 15th studio album Everything was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt, the electronic music pioneer presents a view of the apocalypse with an undercurrent of beauty and a dash of hope. We bring you highlights from a live session recorded at Apogee Studio, including some of his classic tracks.
Rhye
Feb 23, 2018
The seductive soul pop of Rhye has entranced us since their breakout debut album. They made their live radio debut at KCRW and we are excited to welcome them back for this special session, recorded in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio.
Grizzly Bear
Oct 12, 2017
Grizzly Bear took five years to craft their fifth album, Painted Ruins. It’s a grand return, jam-packed with the gorgeous harmonies and complex orchestration the quartet is known for. We bring you highlights from an exceptional live session recorded at Apogee Studio.
The War on Drugs
August 24, 2017
To say 2014’s Lost in the Dream was a breakthrough album for Philly rockers The War on Drugs would be a vast understatement. We’ve been eagerly anticipating their followup, A Deeper Understanding, and they did not disappoint. We share highlights from a live session recorded at Apogee Studio.
Dan Auerbach
July 6, 2017
Dan Auerbach keeps busy. As the frontman for the Black Keys, member of the Arcs, and the Grammy Award-winning producer for a wide variety of artists, he finally found time to record his first solo album in eight years.
The xx
May 18, 2017
The trio behind The xx have been playing music together since they were teenagers and have sold millions of records. On I See You, they step boldly into the limelight and we share highlights of a recent live session recorded at Apogee studio.
Future Islands
May 9, 2017
The last few years have been a whirlwind for Baltimore synth-pop trio Future Islands.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
May 4, 2017
Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been at it for over 50 years and their name is pretty much synonymous with the spirit of New Orleans.
Tinariwen
April 19, 2017
Nomadic musicians from the Saharan region of northwest Africa, the members of Tinariwen have been sharing their particular brand of desert blues since 1979.
Spoon
March 22, 2017
Listen to Spoon playing songs off their ninth studio album, Hot Thoughts.
Avett Brothers
October 11, 2016
True Sadness is the Avett Brothers’ highest debuting album ever and also their most autobiographical.
Norah Jones
September 28, 2016
Norah Jones’ new album, Day Breaks, is being hailed as a “kindred spirit” to the singer’s breakout debut, Come Away with Me.
The Kills
May 16, 2016
The Kills killed it at the Apogee Studio with an amazing performance that was recorded in front of a live audience in between their weekend performances at Coachella.
Miike Snow
April 20, 2016
Fresh off a performance at Coachella, Miike Snow came by the Apogee Studio to record a live show full of energy and thrilled the crowd.
Sturgill Simpson
April 6, 2016
Troubadour Sturgill Simpson came by Apogee Studio to play the entirety of his third album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, for an intimate, live introduction to his new record.
Here is “Keep It Between The Lines“.
Mayer Hawthorne
March 22, 2016
Supporting of the official release of his new record Man About Town, Mayer Hawthorne swung by Apogee Studio and recorded a live set in front of some lucky fans. Here is a clip of “Cosmic Love”.
Pete Yorn
February 25, 2016
On the eve of the official release of his new record Arranging Time, Pete Yorn treated a live audience at Apogee Studio to a set of new and classic songs.
Tom Jones
December 22, 2015
Tom Jones may be best recognized for pop hits like “What’s New Pussycat”, “It’s Not Unusual”and “She’s a Lady” but, at 75 years old, the Welsh singer is returning to his roots. His latest album “Long Lost Suitcase” is all covers — roots-rock songs from artists who have inspired him throughout his life.
Foals
December 18, 2015
The recently announced Coachella lineup included one of our final MBE guests of 2015, UK band Foals.
They powered through extreme jet lag to put on an incredible performance of songs from their recent record “What Went Down“, as well as a mix of tracks from their previous discography.
Their seering single “Mountain at My Gates” was a highlight, as well as the title track.
In the interview, they talked about recording in the middle of nowhere with producer James Ford (of Simian Mobile Disco) and about their future aspirations.
They’re doing a massive arena tour across the UK next month, which makes watching a live session in this in an intimate setting even more special.
Hiatus Kaiyote
November 5, 2015
Soul/funk/jazz collective Hiatus Kaiyote received a Grammy nomination for their debut and found big name fans in Prince, Questlove, Erykah Badu, and more. Their new record is even more ambitious and we get a taste with a live session recorded at Apogee Studio, hosted by KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd.
Miguel
September 17, 2015
Miguel stopped by to perform songs current release Wildheart for 200 invited guests as part of KCRW’s Apogee Sessions series.
Silversun Pickups
September 22, 2015
Local LA group Silversun Pickups joined us at the Apogee Studio to perform songs off their fourth full-length album, Better Nature.
Glen Hansard
August 19, 2015
After finding huge success with the The Swell Season – including an Academy Award — Glen Hansard launched a solo career with the intimate, thoughtful songs that have always defined his work.
Alabama Shakes
April 20, 2015
Fresh off their sunset sets at Coachella, Alabama Shakes took the stage at Apogee Studio to perform cuts off their new album “Sound & Color”.
Toro y Moi
March 23, 2015
Toro y Moi played their entire new album front to back, weeks before release, for 200 invited guests as part of KCRW’s Apogee Sessions series.
Belle & Sebastian
February 2, 2015
Glaswegian band Belle & Sebastian brought an evening of infectious pop to an intimate crowd at Apogee Studios.
TV on the Radio
November 20, 2014
TV on the Radio stopped by Apogee Studio to play songs off their new record “Seeds”, which had never been performed live before.
Jenny Lewis
November 3, 2014
Jenny Lewis’ incredible talent and positive ora made it easy for everyone in the audience to smile, sing along and feel right at home when she visited Apogee Studio.
Conor Oberst
October 29, 2014
Conor Oberst, known for his work in Bright Eyes, came by Apogee to play songs off his latest album “Upside Down Mountain” as well as a few gems from his past.
Meshell Ndegeocello
October 16, 2014
Extraordinary bassist and singer Meshell Ndegeocello recently graced the stage at Apogee Studio and delivered her melodic and moody new work, along with her classics.
John Legend
August 18, 2014
Grammy Winner John Legend left the audience speechless after an intimate performance at Apogee Studio for another unforgettable KCRW Apogee Session.
Rodrigo y Gabriela
May 5, 2014
In this special Cinco de Mayo Apogee Session, guitar heroes Rodrigo y Gabriela floored the standing room audience at Apogee Studio with their infectious energy and out-of-this-world chops.
Beck
April 16, 2014
In one of the most special Apogee Sessions to date, Beck and his stellar band mesmerized the audience at Apogee Studio with an unforgettable set of hits from throughout Beck’s storied career, including songs from his latest album “Morning Phase”.
Chromeo
April 22, 2014
Chromeo’s electro-funk was in full display for their intimate Apogee Studio performance featuring a 6-piece female backing vocal group. Playing their classic hits and tunes from their latest LP “White Women”, Chromeo’s Apogee Session was an all-out dance party.
Jake Bugg
December 15, 2013
Fresh off the release of his sophomore LP “Shangri LA”, 19-year-old Jake Bugg showed off his songwriting prowess and nimble guitar work for an enthralled audience at Apogee Studio.
Johnny Marr
November 18, 2013
Legendary rock guitarist Johnny Marr performed a high-energy set in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio, featuring songs from his debut solo album The Messenger and his own renditions of Smiths’ classics.
Gary Numan
October 10, 2013
Gary Numan is one of the pioneers of modern electronic music. Watch him play songs off his new album Splinter as well as some classics. Recorded in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio.
Queens of the Stone Age
June 3, 2013
Queens of the Stone Age performed their dangerously sexy new
songs the day before the release of their highly anticipated album
…Like Clockwork for a live audience at Apogee Studio.
Band of Horses
October 15, 2012
KCRW was able to corral Band of Horses to perform a career-spanning set in the intimate setting of Apogee Studio.
Regina Spektor
September 25, 2012
Regina Spektor performed an emotional set of songs from her new album in front of a loving live audience at Apogee Studio.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
May 29, 2012
A live session with LA’s own Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, recorded in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio. Hosted by Liza Richardson. We literally get down with the gang as we hear a batch of new songs on the day of their album release.
The Shins
May 3, 2012
The Shins are back! To celebrate their return, we captured a set of songs in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio on Morning Becomes Eclectic in the 11 o’clock hour.
Ryan Adams
December 2, 2011
An intimate solo performance with singer/songwriter Ryan Adams
recorded at Apogee Studio in front of a live audience.
Recording Projects and Guests
Artists:
Adele
Airborne Toxic Event
Amnesty International
Autolux
Architecture in Helsinki
Band of Horses
Beck
Belle & Sebastian
Belle Brigade
Blake Mills
Bloc Party
Bruce Springsteen
Bryan Adams
Butch Walker
Casey Abrams
Cass McCombs
Charlie Winston
Chrissie Hynde
Christa Borden
Cold War Kids
Conor Oberst
Damian Marley
Damien Rice
David Gray
David Baerwald
Dawes
Death Cab for Cutie
Divine Fits
E from the Eels
Edison
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Everest
Flogging Molly
Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Numan
Ghost Hounds
Hiatus Kaiyote
Honey Honey
Interpol
Ivy Lies
James Blake
Janelle Monae
Jackson Browne
Jason Mraz
Jenny Lewis
John Fogerty
John Forte
John Legend
John Mayer
Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Marr
Jonatha Brooke
Jose James
k.d. lang
Kenny Sara and the Sound of New Orleans
Landon Dunning
Landon Pigg & Lucy Schwartz
Leftover Cuties
Little Dragon
Local Natives
Lucinda Williams
M Ward
Manu Chao
Maxim Nucci
Meshell Ndegeocello
Michael Grimm
Mick Jagger & the Rolling Stones
Nas
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Outernational
Ozomatli
Patti Smith
Perry Acker
Pieta Brown
Queens of the Stone Age
Regina Spektor
Ricky Martin
Rocco Deluca
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Ryan Adams
Shelby Lynne
St. Vincent
Teddy Thompson
The Script
The Shins
The Small Stars
thenewno2
Tom Jones
Toro y Moi
TV on the Radio
Vampire Weekend
Vanessa Amorosi
Vonda Shepard
WIM
Producers:
Benoit Vaudrin
Billy Steinberg
Blake Mills
Bob Clearmountain
Butch Walker
Clif Magness
Desmond Child
Don Was
Mitchell Froom
Nile Rodgers
Tony Berg
Vonda Shepard
Artist Showcases:
John Forte
Ozomatli
Landon Dunning
Blake Mills
Christa Borden
Dawes
The Small Stars
Apogee Studio Story
Apogee Studio in Santa Monica, CA is a recording studio and performance venue in the heart of Apogee’s solar powered Berkeley Street headquarters. The large space adjacent to the company’s offices and warehouse has been a host to legendary recording artists, up-and-coming artist showcases, and serves as “The Lab” for Apogee’s product development and testing. In its short but impressive history, artists such as John Fogerty, Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer and many more have recorded and performed at Apogee Studio.
The road to Apogee Studio began when Apogee moved into the building in 2005. Legendary mix engineer Bob Clearmountain—a member of Apogee’s Advisory Board and product development team—suggested Apogee use the extra space to create a simple environment for live recording. The space was ultimately transformed into a world-class recording studio and live performance facility. To make it all happen, Apogee would provide the resources for construction and Bob would oversee design and outfit the studio with the best in vintage analog, as well as the most modern digital audio equipment. Along with engineer Brandon Duncan and advice from Bret Thoeny at Boto Design Architects, Clearmountain consulted on the studio’s construction and gear installation which laid the ground work for a space that would later host some of the music industry’s biggest icons. Clearmountain and the design team envisioned the marriage of classic analog gear with Apogee’s digital audio converters. This led to the search for the vintage Neve 8068 analog console. Clearmountain always loved the 8068 he often used at Power Station in New York and by a crazy stroke of luck, he found that exact desk had come up for sale. To complete the recording chain, Clearmountain installed Apogee’s flagship Symphony I/O converters and Mini-MP microphone preamps along with Apple’s Logic and Avid’s ProTools DAW.
With the addition of a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting rig, the studio has also become the perfect venue for intimate music showcases where the performances are captured with second-to none audio quality. This has been utilized most notably by National Public Radio affiliate, KCRW, for an incredible series of live performances for their broadcast.
As part of Apogee’s many philanthropic activities, with each project that is booked at the studio, all profits are donated to Corazon de Vida, a U.S. charity providing funding, services and support to aid the plight of Mexico’s abandoned and orphaned children in the 50 orphanages of Baja, California.