Best of: Arts & Entertainment: Local recording studio

Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain has everything you’d find at a studio in New York or Los Angeles, says manager Jessica Tomasin. That, and bonuses including vintage gear, expert engineers, gorgeous interior space in both a renovated church and dance studio and off-site houses for musicians.

And, “The studio has a pretty good vibe. It makes people feel comfortable,” she says.

A lot of big acts have felt comfortable, in fact: From Band of Horses to Steve Martin, from Donavon Frankenreiter to Brad Whitford from Aerosmith. And the list of local acts who’ve recorded there reads like a who’s who of Asheville music: Toubab Krewe, Kellin Watson, Steep Canyon Rangers, Galen Kipar, Electric Owls and many more.

Even the amazing Sharon Jones has recorded there — an overdub for a Target commercial, produced while she was in town for this year’s Orange Peel show. When you see that spot airing around the holidays, know “that was recorded here,” Tomasin says.

Another reason for the studio’s success? Big stars and local clients are treated the same, Tomasin explains. “We understand how important it is when someone comes in here,” she says. “They are creating their livelihood and their dream.”

— Rebecca Sulock