A New Creative Chapter: When veteran engineer and producer Trent Slatton became owner of Stagg Street Studios in early 2024, he set his sights on thoughtfully expanding upon the legacy Gary Denton and Melody Carpenter built over nearly four decades. Since 1986, the Van Nuys studio has quietly hosted sessions for everyone from Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Chaka Khan, and John Mayer to Queens of the Stone Age, Smokey Robinson, and countless independent artists, all drawn by its welcoming atmosphere, vintage API console, and remarkable microphone collection. Over the past two years, Slatton has refreshed Studio A with cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, but his most ambitious undertaking has been transforming a long-underutilized 1,500-square-foot warehouse into an entirely new creative environment. Dubbed Studio B or “The Nursery,”the space reflects both his respect for the studio’s history and his vision for its future. “My challenge has been honoring what Gary and Melody created without alienating the people who love this place,” Slatton says. “At the same time, I want to embrace the next generation of musicians, producers, and engineers while keeping Stagg Street accessible to everyone.”
A Different Kind of Recording Space: Rather than simply duplicating Studio A, Slatton intentionally designed The Nursery as its acoustic opposite. The expansive room’s higher ceilings and softer, more controlled ambience make it ideal for projects that require space to breathe, including large string ensembles, horn sections, and big band sessions that simply wouldn’t fit comfortably in the original room. The two studios can also operate together via analog wiring, allowing musicians to record simultaneously while preserving the punch and sonic purity of the vintage API console prized by traditional recording engineers. Yet Studio B is equally suited for a new generation of creators. Built around a workstation-based recording system instead of a traditional console, it features Class A microphone preamps, an innovative Flock Audio digitally controlled analog patchbay, access to Stagg Street’s extensive vintage microphone locker, and a relaxed, living-room atmosphere that feels more like a songwriting retreat than a commercial studio. “I wanted it to be a talent incubator,” Slatton says. “Someone should be able to walk in with nothing more than a guitar pick and an idea and immediately start creating.”
Boutique Studio, Unlimited Possibilities: Beyond recording, Studio B was conceived as a flexible multimedia environment equally suited for small events, songwriting, podcasting, content creation, and artist development. Shelves filled with vintage instruments, recording gear, and musical artifacts create what Slatton affectionately describes as “a museum of the tools that helped make music over the years,” while the warm décor encourages artists to relax and settle into the creative process. That philosophy reflects the spirit that has always defined Stagg Street Studios. Whether working with internationally known artists or self-funded independent musicians recording their very first songs, Stagg Street remains committed to providing world-class equipment in an inviting, affordable boutique setting. “People love the vibe here because it feels like home,” he says. “Our goal has always been to inspire people and help them make the best music they can.”
Contact: Stagg Street Studios, 213-949-7957
