Russell Tanner

Recording. Mixing. Production. Live Sound.

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Discography

Selected Works. Click for Credit Info.

BACKGROUND

      I’m an audio engineer based in Austin, TX. I make my home at Antimatter Studio and Orb Recording Studios, as well as freelancing at other studios and live shows all over town and playing in a band myself.

    A mentor once called me “the new old-school” and I think it suits me. I like to take some classic approaches to recording like capturing full performances and leaning on live instruments and organic sounds, while also adapting more modern workflows and aesthetics. I also always want to keep the focus on what the artist wants. Even in a producer role, I stand by the idea that it is your record, not mine. If an idea of mine isn’t what you’re looking for, you won’t be stuck battling my ego about it. What I lack in awards, I make up for in happy clients.

    I got my start in audio at Texas State University when I entered the Sound Recording Technology program in 2004. During my stay in San Marcos I cut my teeth running sound at Cheatham Street Warehouse ‘06-’08, until graduating and moving to Austin in 2008. From there I began working under multiple Grammy-winning engineer Chet Himes (Christopher Cross, Eric Johnson, Austin City Limits) at the Austin School of Music, and worked with him on a multitude of studio and live recordings.

    My studio career began in earnest when Kent Finlay, owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse, invited me to be the new engineer at his recording studio across the street from the legendary venue. Cheatham Street Woodshed Studio became my home, and after his passing I co-owned the studio with Jenni Finlay and Brian T. Atkinson for two years until 2018. Since then I’ve spent most of my time running sessions at Antimatter Studio, and have made enough albums since starting my journey that I’ve lost count. More recently I’ve done a number of sessions at places like Cedar Creek Studio, Blue Rock Artist Ranch, and I’m now a staff engineer at Orb Recording Studios as well.

   I also do live sound at many events around town. I am a regular in the house concert circuit, which I love doing. I spent many years behind the console at Threadgill’s (both locations) and worked with more local and national acts than I could probably count. During the holiday season, you’ll find me mixing at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and its hi-fi, intimate stage. I’ve often spent SXSW (also a holiday season in Austin) stage managing or running FOH for KGSR’s Live Morning Broadcasts, working with many high profile acts like Ed Sheeran, Hanson, Emmylou Harris, and more.

    Of course all that started because I’m a musician myself. I’ve taken lessons as long as I can remember and studied classical guitar throughout high school and college. I’ve played in a handful of bands over the years, and I’m a singer/songwriter as well. My current band is the alternative rock outfit Bone Pilots and I also play in the house band for comedy storytelling show Mortified.

    I would love to talk to you about your recording, mixing, or live sound needs. Fill out the contact form to get in touch!