Third City Sound

Recording my first solo album after fifteen years with several bands, several studios and several albums, I was a bit nervous to be the deciding vote for myself for the first time in my life on a full length album of my material. I certainly wanted a quality studio, but I also wanted to work with someone who knew all the things I didn't, who was open to talking ideas through and helping me work them out but wouldn't impose their own opinions on a batch of songs that are very near and dear to me, and who would give me the time and attention to get it right.

Bill at Third City Sound is that guy.

We recorded 12 tracks with a lot of variables and unique instrumentation/vocalization in every song, and Bill never batted an eye at any of it. He set me up for success and then gave me the space to sort out the album's ideas as they began to take shape. He was incredibly accommodating throughout the recording process, and when it came time for the mixing and mastering Bill delivered beautifully on that big room sound I was hoping for all along. It left me creatively recharged and ready to write and record again, and when I do I know where I'll be going.

Bill is a maniac!! Total pro. A LOT of character in this studio. Lots of history and sounds great!

Bill was great to work with. I enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. The production quality is superb. Bill got a great sound out of my guitar and vocals. A couple friends came by and added parts and it was a fun, relaxed experience. The gear at Third City Sound is top-notch, very professional quality. I'm 100 percent completely satisfied with the finished product and will always remember how much fun it was to record there.

Our jazz group, The Swing Set Supper Club, had a great experience recording at Third City. We were able to do many of these in a single take, thanks in large part to Bill and his friendly command of the whole thing! Comfortable space, great sound, great hospitality, lots of know-how - I'm sure we'll be back!

Love Third City Sound! I've been recording there for several years now. High quality, very reasonable prices. Facilities are perfect--sort of funky in a good way. Old, wooden floors, a couple of drop ceiling tiles falling down, occasional garbage can spilling over. There is a full-size refrigerator to keep your beer, and there is always a bottle of Malort in case you need some inspiration. You can tell that real musicians inhabit the place. An eclectic and constantly growing variety of instruments (including a kettledrum, Rhodes keyboard, sitar/guitar, bells, etc.) is available for client use and just might inspire you to add something new to a song. Staff is the best. Bill, the owner and main engineer, is very knowledgeable and very helpful--always learning more. He is constantly investing in new equipment and likes to experiment with new recording techniques. An accomplished and versatile musician himself, he will offer criticism, advice, arrangement ideas, etc., but only if you solicit this advice. Furthermore, Bill has connections with lots of musicians and can always hook you up with good players if you want to add instrumentation to a track. All around great place to create and record!

Bill is super easy to work with and an all around great engineer that your project would definitely benefit from having on the team! I have tracked in the room multiple times now, and it's a great sounding room packed with some killer gear. Highly recommended!

The What's Goin' Down In Downtown J-Town podcast is largely recorded at Third City Sound along with albums from the vast majority of the bands played on The Local Music Bonanza. You'll also find Bill and Dave doing sound for area shows and festivals when they aren't playing music in their own bands. They done a lot of great things for our music community.

Such a great place. The people that run it are salt of the earth folks. It's a casual, low pressure atmosphere that inspired my muse. Great laid back engineer too.

Pro sound. Terrific Production. Creative Engineering. Killer Prices. What more could you ask for in a recording studio? maybe you could ask that the Owner and Engineer would know how to find you that weird instrument you envisioned being played on your track, or the musician to play it. Chances are, he'll make a phone call, and you'll have theremin being played on your b-side. Maybe you need a studio that feels just as comfortable as jamming in the garage with your bandmates, your best friends. This is that studio. Oh, and you'd also like your Producer and Engineer to be a trained multi-instrumentalist? Look no further. You've found the studio you're looking for.

Bill is the man! Great place, great sound, great engineer affordable price. Definitely will be going back here.

Awesome acoustics in this classic Chicago studio.

Great people to work with!

Great small venue! Everyone there is super nice and nothing short of hospitable to anyone that comes there. It's in a great spot to have food and drink downstairs, or byob to the shows up top.

Poor Service, Lack Of Experience