In the bustling heart of Atlanta’s vibrant music scene, one name resonates with unparalleled significance: Rafael Capone. More than just a studio owner and mixing engineer, Capone is the visionary founder of Soul Asylum Studios, a haven for artists seeking sonic perfection and creative sanctuary. We visited Soul Asylum Studios for our fourth episode of Studio Tours and Capone sat down with us for a short interview.

Rafael Capone’s journey in the music industry is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Born with an innate love for music, Capone’s early years were marked by a deep exploration of sound, from the eclectic beats of hip-hop to the soulful melodies of R&B. This diverse musical palette laid the foundation for his later endeavors as a studio owner and mixing engineer. Their laboratory location (nicknamed headquarters) is their biggest and main location in the United States. Before the laboratory location, they had the castle.

Rafael Capone loved music since a kid, after leaving the army in 1993, Rafael Capone breathed life into his vision, giving birth to Soul Asylum Studios in his mom’s basement in Detroit. He would eventually moved Soul Asylum Studios to Atlanta.

As a mixing engineer, Capone’s fingerprints are found on an array of chart-topping tracks. His nuanced understanding of the marriage between technical precision and artistic expression has earned him accolades in the industry. Whether fine-tuning the beats of a hip-hop anthem or capturing the raw emotion in a ballad, Capone’s mixing mastery has left an indelible mark on the soundscapes of numerous artists.

Rafael also builds and designs monitors, their main speakers are the SA25’s and SA50’s and they currently await the arrival of their new monitor the SA7’s, beyond the soundproof walls of Soul Asylum Studios, Rafael Capone is recognized for his dedication to empowering emerging artists. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and community outreach, Capone ensures that aspiring musicians not only have access to top-tier recording facilities but also the knowledge and support needed to navigate the intricate landscape of the music industry.

“We came across Stufinder because we’re a lifestyle brand” – Rafael Capone states.

Rafael Capone’s journey from a music enthusiast to a revered studio owner and mixing engineer is a narrative woven with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the art of sound. As he continues to shape the musical landscape of Atlanta and beyond, Capone stands as a beacon for aspiring artists, a testament to the transformative power of vision and the enduring impact of a commitment to musical excellence.

Produced by Ope Odumakin & Jake Monir
Directed & Edited by Israel Learsi
Music by 09 Supreme
Color by Trey Keysor

Solar Sound Studio was founded in 2006 by artist, producer, and engineer, Vance Vision to offer the best audio tracking and mixing to Atlanta’s recording community. The studio’s owner and head engineer Vance Vision has over 20 years of professional experience in the Recording Industry. Vance has a B.A. in communications from Clark Atlanta University and has a Recording Degree from Full Sail University. He has engineered and mixed for projects featured on BET “Monique Show” and ABC Family “Looks Of Love”, and worked on platinum projects such as T.I.’s “Trap Music”, Britney Spears “In The Zone”, and Akon “Locked Up”. After gaining experience from engineering at other studios for years such as Jagged Edge’s JOI Studios, Patchwerk Studios, and Red Zone Entertainment, Vance opened his very own location Solar Sound Studio. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Solar Sound Studios’ rate is $100 per hour and includes an in-house engineer, sometimes Vance Vision himself.

Solar Sound Studio has had a wide variety of artists in Atlanta record at the studio over the years from beginner artists to experienced artists. Some of Vance’s Solar Sound Studio past clients include Future, Young Thug, Kevin Gates, Benny the Butcher, Raekwon, Nappy Roots, Bubba Sparxxx, Lil Keed, Yelawolf, Sole, Suzann Christine, 8Ball & MJG, Sa Roc, Bizarre of D12, Public Enemy, & more.

Popular Records Recorded at Solar Sound Studio:
Benny The Butcher – Mr. Pyrex Man
Nappy Roots – In Pursuit Of Nappiness
Bizarre – Friday Night at St. Andrews
Professor Griff – 7th Octave
Sole – Daughter of the Earth

We asked Vance what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “Working for studios like Patchwerk, JOI, and Red Zone in Atlanta experienced and inspired me to have my own facility and run my own business.”

“My studio is a sanctuary for some who consider this their second home away from home. It means the same to me. It is a place where I can offer all my services to the world and take part in creations that will make history.” Vance tells us.

Inside Solar Sound Studio (Atlanta, GA)

Studio Photos was taken by Solar Sound Studio Staff

Solar Sound Studio – $100/hour

We also asked Vance about future plans for the studio, he tells us “I have recently been certified for Dolby Atmos mixing. I am now offering the services for Dolby Atmos Mixing and look to make Solar Sound Studio a certified Dolby Atmos facility in the future.”

“We have a set of some of the best engineers the city of Atlanta has to offer. You will be pleased with your sound recording, mixing, mastering, or all three. We look forward to working with all Big and Small name artists.” he added.