Today we’d like to introduce you to Stuart Sullivan.
Hi Stuart, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up playing sports in Indiana. I went to Indiana University and discovered the school’s recording studio, which led to student teaching and running the crews for the opera, orchestra, and Jazz Band performances. Opera in the evening and doing sound in the clubs at night became my routine. After graduation, I turned down a business job (BS Business) to “run away and join the circus.” In Austin, I had time to break away from my roots and reinvent myself. I Landed in Austin and worked for UT Bass Concert Hall, a local bakery, and a studio. Within 2 years of arriving, I worked for Willie Nelson at his Pedernales Studio, Clifford Antone’s blues label, and Chief Eng at the brand new Arlyn Studio. Opportunity called, and I spent a year spent working in London; coming back to Austin, I met the notorious Butthole Surfers, forming a relationship that is still active after 33 years. Paul Leary (the band’s guitar player and producer) and I have worked on dozens of records, including hits with Paul’s band Meat Puppets and Sublime. I also have a long history with more traditional Texas Music. 4 records with Doug Sham/Texas Tornados, 2 Roky Erickson records, and 10 CD box sets, 5 Records with James McMurtry, 3 with Robert Earl Keen and Tejano greats Lil Joe Y Familia, Ruben Ramos, Ram Herrera. In 2001, I reinvented myself as the owner of Wire Recording Studio, adding a lot more opportunity and responsibility. Wire is a heavily analog-centric studio centered around Pro Tools or analog tape. Currently, projects swing from Jimmie Vaughan to Micheal Buble’, Butthole Surfers to Renee Zellweger.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If you are on a smooth road, get ready; a sinkhole is ahead. This is a business with little consistency or continuity. Learning to save money is the greatest skill you can have. Get your business together; this is the first time I have had a job, steady paycheck, benefits, or taxes withheld. Do you have to do all that and more quarterly tax payments? Lord, help if you buy a house, have kids, or get sick. Are you an LLC to protect yourself? Now, the personal issues. I hope you have tremendously good mental health. You are in a business where your value is entirely subjective. Business people with no talent or an artist high on Cloud 13 often have to decide whether they are good. In the best situations, it is hard for the ego to be strong because you have no choice. Have a special friend; good luck keeping things smooth when working 12-14 a day, 25-30 days a month. And normal friends? Ha ha, your friends are the people you work with. I hope they are nice.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I often record large bands live in the studio. This involves large spaces, lots of headphones, mics, inputs, and a sense of intimacy and nuanced communication. I have done a lot of Blues and Americana, and many of these artists want to refrain from compiling the song; they want to perform it. Comfort is the key.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Live cheap and learn to save. Learn everything from others; don’t let your ego get in the way. Become part of as many scenes as you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wirerecording.com
Image Credits
Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath, Vol. 2 Brown Sabbath / Brownout Sublime Sublime Engineer Mix Complicated Game James McMurtry Engineer Butthole Surfers Weird Revolution Engineer Cotton Mouth Man James Cotton Engineer Let’s Face the Music and Dance Willie Nelson Engineer The Complete Columbia Recordings Billy Joe Shaver Engineer Mix Toadies Engieer Your Love and Other Lies/Poison Love Buddy Miller Engineer Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Collection Engineer, Mixing, Mastering Yours Truly Sublime with Rome Engineer Giant James Cotton Engineer, Mixing Headstone: The Contact Sessions The 13th Floor Elevators Engineer Joined at the Hip Pinetop Perkins / Willie “Big Eyes” Smith Engineer Living in a Dream The Arc Angels Engineer Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites Jimmie Vaughan Engineer Mix True Love Cast Out All Evil Roky Erickson / Okkervil River Mixing, Overdub Engineer, Basic Track ¡Está Bueno! Texas Tornados Engineer, Mixing Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm Engineer, Mixing Live in Europe James McMurtry Mixing Pop Lie Okkervil River Engineer, Audio Engineer Sonidos Gold Groupo Fantasma Engineer Mix Sign of the 3 Eyed Men The 13th Floor Elevators Engineer Tigerman/That’s Life Kim Wilson Engineer Homenaje/Brown Sabbath Brownout Engineer
