Meet Tim O’Sullivan of Barefoot Recording in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim O’Sullivan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m the Chief Engineer and Studio Manager at Barefoot. I’ve been around Barefoot since 2012 when I came into help build our custom consoles.

Originally built as a post office in early 1950, Barefoot Recording was eventually converted to Crystal Industries Recording Studio in 1967 and hosted artists ranging from Barbara Streisand to Jimi Hendrix and with a high point being the recording and creation of Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the key of Life.” Other notable artists include Supertramp, Jackson 5, War, The Doors, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Marvin Gaye, and The Byrds.

In the late 80s and early 90s, the facility was leased by the notable producer Matt Hyde (Deftones, Slayer, Parkway Drive) and projects including Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros, and Monster Magnet. On September 15, 2000, Eric Valentine took ownership of the building and its resident “Stevie Wonder” 9ft Yamaha Grand Piano which was used on the Stevie Wonder records recorded during the Crystal Industry era. From 2000-2018, Studio A became Eric Valentine’s private studio, and Studio B hosted producers like Jon Brion, Matt Radsovich, and Cian Riordan.

Barefoot is a truly inspirational and special place to make music, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.

I started out playing keyboards in punk bands growing up in Arizona, which slowly morphed into recording friends and then getting a job at a recording studio.

I moved to LA in 2010 to work at Capitol Studios. In 2018, after a few years living in Brooklyn, I returned to Hollywood, to re-open Barefoot as a commercial studio, after 18 years as producer Eric Valentines private studio.

Artist’s I’ve worked with include Karen O, The YYY’s, Nick Zinner, NASA, The Head, and the Heart, Chicano Batman, Rayland Baxter, Anderson Paak, Grace Potter, Doyle Bramhall II, Lizzo, and Money Mark.

Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been without its challenges, running a recording studio and also working on my own projects as a producer and engineer is certainly a lot to juggle.

I’m fortunate to work somewhere with great staff, amazing history, and some really unique technical resources.

I also had some excellent mentors such as Eric Valentine and Niko Bolas, who taught me how to juggle a million things and wear a bunch of different hats while always making sure to serve the song.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Barefoot recording combines the tradition, service, and professionalism of big LA commercial studio with the vibe and creativity of a world-class producer’s private studio. Barefoot is a truly inspirational and special place to make music.

We have an amazing staff, incredible equipment (including our two custom-built UTA consoles) and a creative, relaxed environment.

In the past year, we’ve had Chicano Batman, Andrew Bird, Sleater Kinney, Rayland Baxter, Grace Potter, The Head and The Heart, and Holy Child just name a few.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great city to be in the recording business. The labels, the artists and musicians, are all here. The technicians and the engineers are top-notch, and all the resources we need are here. Plus the tacos are amazing.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1014 Vine Street Los Angeles California 90038
• Website: https://www.barefoot-recording.com
• Phone: 520-907-2508
• Email: tim@barefoot-recording.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_recording/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootRecordingLA/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarefootRecord2

Image Credit:
Mr. Bonzai, photo of Dave Martinez is by Jason Lowrie

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