Richard Smith began his recording career at the famed Record Plant Los Angeles in the early 70's.

Then owners Gary Kelgren and Chris Stone along with iconic studio manager Rose Mann Cherney helmed one of the most famous recording studios in the world.

Th record Plant was home to many well known recordings, including Steve Wonder's -"Songs In The Key Of Life",, Frank Zappa's Burnt Weenie Sandwich, and may more. Richard worked with many well known artists and producers of that time.

Gary Ladinsky also a Record Plant alum opened an audio gear rental company -Design FX where Rick worked alongside his best friend and well known Record Plant alum Lee Kiefer.

He then went on to live and work in Honolulu HI, working at studios throughout Honolulu and also working with the Honolulu Symphony.

Richard returned to his hometown of Charleston SC a few years ago where he continues to play guitar and delight the residents of Charleston.

AND btw he is also my older brother. Love you Rick!

I met Bradley Kohn when he came to east West as a client a few years ago. Since then we have become great friends. he is a talented engineer, producer, artist, songwriter. He has helped many artists along their way to becoming very successful.

He has great ideas for modern production and has a deep appreciation of all music and the people who make it.

I hope you enjoy our chat.

John Van Nest is an LA icon. He has been a studio owner for decades and has worked with the very best artists.

As a young engineer he learned from Bruce Sweiden...

He's no slouch and he's a nice guy. Funny and grateful for his career and the people in our industry.

I LOVE him

Rob Chiarelli is an American record producer, mix engineer, musician, published author and multiple Grammy Award winner. Widely recognized as a music producer for Will Smith and Men in Black II (2002), Chiarelli's work appears on numerous gold and platinum albums and motion picture soundtracks, including twenty Grammy winners.

He's also an old friend of mine. Rob hails from Newton MA. He is a gent and a talent.

David Channing is a very talented guy. He's understated and unassumingly brilliant.ever since I met him I have respected his technical abilities as well as his ability to read a room..

A skill that is most essential when working under pressure on a soundstage or when helping to edit a score.

He is most definitely the smartest person in any room, at least any room I've been in...

He is charming and witty,I hope you enjoy this episode.

Ken Sluiter-is a producer, engineer and alum of East West!

Ken like many talented engineers started as a musician.

He hails from the mid west and spent time at Universal Studios in Chicago.

I hope you enjoy hearing about Ken's journey and what he's up to now.

Paula Salvatore-what can't she do? Studio manager veteran -Sound City Studios, Capitol Studios, UMG exec. She has mentored some of the most well known folks in our business.

Now she's an independent music industry consultant.

Anyone lucky enough to secure her services, won't be disappointed -she literally knows everyone in the music industry!

One of my favorite people and a dear friend and fierce competitor....

I hope you'll enjoy Part 2 of our conversation.

Tom Camuso • Grammy Award–winning engineer and studio owner

Best known for work with Blondie, Steve Earle, Medeski Martin & Wood, Lenny Kravitz and Les Paul.

Tom is a dear friend and one of the most talented engineers I know.

He has brought Les Paul and Mary Ford's legacy back to life. Along with the team at the Les Paul Foundation he has created a working studio utilizing Les Paul's original console and 8 track tape machine.

Housed in historic United Studios, Studio D at 6050 Sunset in Hollywood, this amazing studio also has a lathe.

Come by and listen to the incredible music of Les Paul and Mary Ford and see this working homage to recording history.