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.

Cook it Up Studios was founded in 2016 (8 years ago from this post) by Noah Miller aka Supertouch and operated by Billboard charting producer and engineer Gabriel Pearson aka Mixedbygabriel in Brooklyn, NY. Located in Brooklyn, New York, Cook It Up Studios’ rate is $70 per hour and includes an in-house engineer. “Our big thing is really giving every one the time and attention they need to create the best music whether they’re independent or a label client, they will get the same top of the line gear and treatment. We figured out a way to give the same equipment that this big studios have that charge over $100 an hour for a fraction of the price.” Gabriel tells us. The studio has a 20k vocal chain, Manley Reff Mic, Lauten Audio Atlantis, Sony C100.

Cook It Up Studios has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio over the years. Their past clients include: Lil Kim, Coi Leray, Conway, Westside Gunn, Trap Beckham, Jay Critch, Dream Doll, 22gz, Ro Ransom, Chaz French, Illmind, and many more.

Popular Records Recorded at Cook It Up Studios:
Coi Leray – Merry Xmas
Lil Kim – Go Awff
Tone Trump – Iron Mike

We asked Gabriel what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “there also isn’t enough recording studios that primarily focus on high level hybrid mixing and mastering and we do that’s are main focus is mixing and mastering
our studio was built specifically for mixing and mastering and we just happened to make it so you can also record at our space.”

“My studio means everything to me, it’s my home my baby I don’t want to mix or master anywhere else because I know this room like the back of my hand.” Gabriel tells us.

Inside Cook It Up Studios (Brooklyn, NY)

Studio Photos was taken by Cook it Up Studios Staff

Cook It Up Studios – $70/hour

We also asked them about future plans for the studio “Plans for studio is more awards on the wall which we have two coming in currently, building with new artist and bigger artist and new talent, and also building out the space expanding.”

“I found out about Stufinder from a fellow engineer.” he added.

FiftyWest Recording Studio was founded in 2018 by Fabian “FiftyWest” Valencia, owner and head engineer of FiftyWest Recording Studio. Located in the downtown Los Angeles, California area. FiftyWest Recording Studios’ rate is $50 per hour and includes an in-house engineer.

FiftyWest Recording Studio has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio over the years all ranging from beginner artists looking to establish their. Their past clients include: Frank$, Pretty Blanco, Valencia, Tehri Green, and many more. “I work with many up and coming artists who have stopped by my studio. The list is pretty long. I’ve also worked on different projects that included artists such as Memphis Bleek, Freddie Gibbs, Blue Bucks Clan, and Westside Boogie.” Fabian “FiftyWest” Valencia tells us.

Some Records Recorded at FiftyWest Recording Studio:
Frank$ – Seven Points
Valencia – Trouble
Pretty Blanco – Paradise
Tehri Green – Both Ways

We asked Fabian what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “Many many years ago I was an artist making music. I went to a studio in Watts, CA named Backhouse Studio. There I met the owner Taco. Being in that studio and seeing him work really inspired me to start engineering myself.” We also asked what his studio means to him, he says “It’s my happy place. It brings me joy helping others bring their music to life.”

Inside FiftyWest Recording Studio (Los Angeles, CA)

Studio Photos courtesy of FiftyWest Recording Studio

FiftyWest Recording Studio – $50/hour

We also asked Fabian about future plans for the studio, “I’m putting out my first project as an engineer entitled “FiftyMixedIt vol. 1”. I’m gathering different artists that I’ve worked with and putting them together on songs. All music will be recorded and mixed by me at my studio.” He tell us.

DUMBLIT Studios was founded in 2018 in Spring Lake Heights, NJ as an event support and merchandising brand. In 2020 they reformed and began laying the foundation for what they would become today. DUMBLIT is a premier entertainment company based at the Jersey Shore. They concern themselves in all facets of entertainment; beginning with their recording studios, their our team of live sound professionals, and finally their team of creative media specialists. Dumblit’s team of over 15 professionals is prepared to take on any challenge. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, Dumblit Studios’ rate is $65 per hour and includes an in-house engineer.

Dumblit Studios has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio over the years from beginner artists looking to establish their sound to charting artists looking to get the DUMBLIT experience. Their past clients include: Ashtin Larold, Mir Fontane, Ethan Ross, Hefna380, Samad Savage, Cam Steady, Benton, Robsan, and many more. The studio has been credited with artists such as FBG Duck, Mick Jenkins, Issa Gold, Northside Hollow and many more.

Popular Records Recorded at Dumblit Studios:
Ethan Ross, Ashtin Larold – Slide
Ashtin Larold – Doug Dimmadome
Cam Steady, Ashtin Larold, Dumblit – Won’t Be Missed
Dumblit (feat. Krispel) – Flammable Robsan
Ethan Ross, Ashtin Larold, Cam Steady (feat. Dumblit) – Ammunition
Ashtin Larold, Northside Hollow, Dumblit – Tighten Up
Ethan Ross, Ak3k – 100Ways

We asked what inspired the start his studio, they told us, “We had been working in the recording business of New Jersey for years prior to Dumblit and realized if we wanted to see a change in the way our state’s music scene operated there was no better way to do it than to change it ourselves. We always had a love for making records, experimenting with different or new genres, and found ourselves creating a team that could do it all for the artist. We were (and are still) driven to be a one-stop-shop for an artist or creative professional; providing the recording, mixing, mastering, content planning, videography, photography, editing, marketing strategy, and live performance
support all under one roof.”

“Our studio is the world to us. We’ve created a location and a brand that someone can be totally creatively free without judgment. To us it represents a step in the right direction when correcting toxicity and the social hierarchy that some spaces exude before someone even steps in the door. We want everyone to step through our door to feel appreciated and supported no matter what stage of their career they’re approaching- because that’s what we wanted to experience when we were making our way through the ranks.” they tell us.

Inside Dumblit Studios (Eatontown, NJ)

Studio Photos was taken by Dumblit Staff

Dumblit Studios – $65/hour

We also asked them about future plans for the studio “We’re currently in the midst of expanding into other areas of entertainment. We have 2 full service recording studios at our Eatontown location- and our other departments, Media and Live Sound, are making strides in establishing our brand as a high level player in the entertainment world. Dumblit fully intends to be one of the largest players in entertainment across the world.”

“Our head engineer, ICantCook, was researching different ways to make our studio more discoverable and stumbled upon Stufinder.” they add.

The Velvet Room was founded in 2021 by recording and mixing engineer, Jeffrey Turner (@hefe.mixed.it) and his partner, producer TyyMachine. Located in the Koreatown part of Los Angeles, California The Velvet Room’s main room is $40 per hour without an in-house engineer, $200 for 6 hours, and $300 for 12 hours. Engineers are available on request. The studio has a u87, Chandler TC-2, TubeTech HEDD Type 30 Mains/HS8s Alts with 18″ Sub. ProTools/Logic, Aux/Dongle input and more.

The Velvet Room has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio in their first year open, their past clients include: 42 Dugg, Moneybagg Yo, Valee, Bugz Ronin, TiaCorine, Tee, Faze Clan, Rosalia, Nelk Boys, Matt Ox, Zelooperz, BobbyRaps, Earl On The Beat, Shakur Luciano, Gio Dee, bbyfricka, Rocko2Real and many more.

These officially credited records were either produced, recorded, mixed/mastered at The Velvet Room:
42 Dugg – “IDGAF”
Moneybagg Yo and 42 Dugg – “On My Son”
PP Cocaine – “Homie Hopper”
Dom Corleo – “Sky-Harbor” and “Chester Perry”
Lonestar Void – “BossMan”

We asked Jeffrey what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “After being in the industry for a couple years, I needed the musical independence to provide a professional space to provide to clients at an affordable rate. With my like minded business partners, we were able to create a really special room..”

Inside The Velvet Room (Los Angeles, CA)

Studio Photos was taken by Jeffrey

The Velvet Room – $40/hour

When we asked Jeffrey what his studio meant to him he told us, “everything. After one of the founders passed away 1 year ago, the focus and energy has been powerful. The amount of time and emotion that has been poured into this room is palpable.”

The studio has undergone some renovations and “there are some equipment upgrades and additional vibe additions in the works! Another location may or may not be in motion” Jeffrey adds.

Sinatra Gods Studios was founded in 2021 by New Jersey born & raised engineer and producer Sai Sen. “I started producing at 14 making Jersey Club, at 16 I produced Jersey viral club song ‘Hit It For Me One Time’ and then began engineering and producing hip hop/rnb tracks for industry and independent artist.” he says. Located in Little Fall, New Jersey, Sinatra Gods Studios’ rate for Room A is $60 per hour and Room B is $50 per hour both include an in-house engineer.

Sinatra Gods Studios has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio over the years, their past clients include: Jada Kingdom, Fetty Wap, DDG, Ron Suno, Rah Swish, Nas Ebk, 5Star (Bree & Heem) and many more.

We asked Sai what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “I wanted to create a studio where Jersey/NY creatives can come vibe & network to bridge the gap between us and the industry we didn’t have a place like that until I build this studio everywhere else is just about business not really accelerating the music culture in NJ.”

Inside Sinatra Gods Studios (Little Falls, NJ)

Studio Photos was taken by Sai Sen

Sinatra Gods (Room A) – $60/hour

Sinatra Gods (Room B) – $50/hour

“When I built my studio it was like getting a platinum plaque solidifying I made it in this music industry based on my standards, everything I did to this point was with no funding from banks or major labels so it was a liberating achievement” Sai tells us.

We also asked Sai about his future plans for the studio “I plan on buying more space and building more studios, right now I have 2 recording studio rooms and a content creation room so definitely want to at least double up on that.”

Jet Blast Music was founded in June 2017 by engineer and producer Joseph Tucker, who is the sole proprietor of Jet Blast Music. Joseph is passionate about helping musicians create their best work and has been working in the music industry for over 20 years. Located in the heart of Long Beach, Jet Blast Music’s rate is $35 per hour and includes an in-house engineer.

The studio is 420 friendly and includes Lauten Audio Microphones, Aurora Audio GTP1 Never Style Input, Manley EQ strip, and a UK Sound 1176 Style Compressor.

Jet Blast Music has had a wide variety of artists record at the studio over the years, some of Joseph’s credits and past clients include: Mozzy, Drakeo The Ruler, Saviii 3rd, Baby Stone Gorillas, Remble, and many more.

We asked Joseph what inspired him to start his studio, he told us, “I’ve always been passionate about music, starting to play in Punk bands at the age of 16. I wanted to create a space where musicians could come together and create their best work. I wanted to provide a professional environment with state-of-the-art equipment, but I also wanted to create a space where musicians could feel comfortable and inspired.”

“Jet Blast Music is more than just a recording studio to me. It’s a place where dreams are made. It’s a place where musicians can come together and create something special. It’s a place where magic happens… I’m passionate about helping musicians achieve their dreams. If you’re a musician looking for a professional and inspiring recording environment, I encourage you to contact me. I would love to help you create your next masterpiece.” Joseph adds.

The studio has undergone several renovations since it’s doors open to keep our facilities up-to-date.

Inside Jet Blast Music (Long Beach, CA)

Studio Photos were taken by Joseph Tucker

We also asked Joseph his future plans for the studio: “I’m always looking for ways to improve Jet Blast Music and make it even better for musicians. I’m planning on adding some new equipment in the near future, and I’m also looking into expanding our space. I want to make sure that Jet Blast Music is always the best place for musicians to create their best work.”

Jet Blast Music – $35/hour

Goobster’s Room Studios was founded in January 2017 by producer and head engineer Christian Zavala (aka Goobster). Located in North Hollywood, California, Goobster’s Room Studios’ Goobster Room is $65/hour and includes an in-house engineer (Goobster himself), the room has a Neumann u87 mic, Pro Tools, Tube Preamp, & Heritage Audio Tubesessor tube compressor. The even have plugins likeSoundToys, Waves, iZoptope, Acustica, FabFilter, and more.

YG has came by to check out Goobster’s Room Studios, “he said he fucked with the spot” Christian tells us. (a photo of Christian and YG is on Goobster’s Room Stufinder listing)

Aside from that, Goobster has worked with many local artists’ sounds from the San Fernando Valley and major surrounding cities like Los Angeles, Glendale, Santa Clarita etc. 

Goobster’s Room Studios’ past clients include Crippled Mane, as well as lots of local artists from the LA area/throughout the San Fernando Valley, and many more.

“Can’t Back Out – EP” by Crippled Mane which released on October 8th, 2021, was recorded at Goobster’s Room.

“Not only was the entire project Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered here, but each song was mixed with the full track-out stems and reached a sonically competitive/professional level that I know many other artists could achieve as soon as they walk through these studio doors. I truly believe that people who work in this studio will make their best music to date if they take the opportunity to lock in and build!” – Christian tells us.

We asked Christian what inspired him to start his studios he says… “What inspired me to start my studio was to be able to provide people with the absolute BEST engineering services possible so that they could make their music sound GREAT and have their music live on for an ETERNITY! I remember when I first got into music, a good engineer was really hard to find! After booking countless sessions over at bigger studios, I remember feeling upset and unhappy with the services that other people provided because it felt like if you weren’t already a big name, most engineers didn’t even care for your craft. Not only that, but if you were a big name, or if they did care to put in some effort, i’ve always found that naturally the stuff I did to the records just sounded better and it was very rare for me to come across another engineer that knew more than me, let alone just as much as me. So that’s why I decided to start my studio, to provide people with the best services that most other studios lack. No disrespect to any other spot because I know there are good studios and engineers out there, but for me it was pretty hard to find those good apples. That’s why for those reading I would like to say,  Congratulations, you’ve found the ABSOLUTE BEST! And if you don’t believe me, try booking a session or getting a mix done for yourself so you could really see all the greatness I can provide to bring your visions to life!”

When we asked what Goobster’s Room Studios mean to him, he says “My studio means excellence. In Goobster’s Room, we do not cut corners or settle for mediocrity. I assure every artist that walks through that door that I will always give them my all to make sure that their vision is properly executed and brought to life! Whatever help they need in the studio, I will provide. I will always make sure to put the artist first so that whatever they create, they are happy with, and to help them leave behind a legacy of greatness and… Excellence. 

For those who want to make classics, or just make their music sound as best as possible tap into Goobster’s Room Studios on Stufinder. Goobster also has a YouTube channel where he will be posting tutorial videos and all things engineering/music.

Christian found out about Stufinder through from his friend Michael Tobinsky over at The Bunker Recording Studios.

“My future plans for the studio is to continue helping artists make their music sound as best as possible! Also when the time is right I will expand into bigger and better locations to help even more artists and build/train a team of engineers to help elevate the quality of music overall as a whole. Aside from that I will also continue to build an online presence to expose more people to what we have going on and show them what could be achieved through the power of engineering! Such as engineering tutorials on my YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. And hopefully find other vessels to share this immense knowledge I’ve earned to better the community overall as a whole” – Christian tell us.

Inside Goobster’s Room Studios (North Hollywood, CA)

Studio Photos was taken by Christian (Goobster)

Goobster’s Room Studios – $65/hour