Johnny Reid Reopens Randy Scruggs’ Historic Studio as “Soultrain Sound Studios”
Multi-platinum Recording Artist, Johnny Reid, Fulfills His Promise to the Late Randy Scruggs
Reopens Historic Scruggs Sound Studios as “Soultrain Sound Studios,” World-Class Boutique Recording Studio in Nashville
Grammy Nominated Mix Engineer/Producer, Justin Cortelyou, and Producer/Engineer, Tawgs Salter, Join as Creative Partners
Randy Scruggs’ historic “Scruggs Sound Studios,” will reopen its doors this spring in Nashville as “Soultrain Sound Studios.” The reopening fulfils a promise made to Scruggs by the new owner, multi-platinum Scottish recording artist Johnny Reid, that the studio “would again make music.” Grammy-award nominated mix engineer, Justin Cortelyou, and Canadian producer/engineer, Tawgs Salter, have joined Reid as creative partners.
Purchased by Reid in 2018 prior to Scruggs passing, the interior of the historic studio has been completely renovated while the original footprint remains intact. State of the art recording equipment, a “b” studio, sound booths, and vintage equipment now occupy the 3800 square-foot space.
“I made Randy Scruggs a promise that his building would one day make music once again. I’ve kept my promise and look forward to continuing its tradition,” commented Johnny Reid.
“I’m honored to partner with Soultrain Sound Studios and make it my home base here in Nashville,” said Justin Cortelyou. “It’s a privilege to join the long list of legendary artists, musicians, producers and engineers that once created here. It really is a special place.” Cortelyou is a multi-platinum mix engineer whose credits include Paul McCartney, Lady GaGa, U2, Andrea Bocelli, Taylor Swift, and others. For years Cortelyou worked alongside mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House in Los Angeles, and legendary music producer Bob Ezrin.
Tawgs Salter has worked with a vast array of artists ranging from Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Hunter Hayes, Lights and Scott Helman to Andrea Bocelli, Dear Rouge, Mother Mother and USS.
Scruggs originally purchased the property in 1979 and construction of the studio began that year. Located minutes from downtown Nashville in Berry Hill, the semi-private studio was home to many legendary recording projects such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1989 CMA Album of the Year, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken V2,” produced by Randy Scruggs and featuring Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Earl Scruggs, John Denver, Emmy Lou Harris and others. “Keith Whitley-A Tribute Album” was recorded at the studio as well.
Soultrain Sound Studios, now a world-class recording facility, celebrates Scruggs Sound Studios’ rich musical history and is a promise realized. An invite-only event celebrating the reopening is scheduled this Spring.
Photo Credit: Daniel Shippey
About Johnny Reid:
Over an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, JUNO Award winning Scottish singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid, has captured the hearts of fans and audiences around the world. The critically acclaimed singer is widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical ability, as demonstrated by an extensive catalogue of hit songs, album sales totaling over 1.5 million units in Canada alone, countless awards and multiple sold out national arena tours.
About Justin Cortelyou:
Justin Cortelyou is a Grammy-award nominated, multi-platinum mix engineer. Justin started his career working with Chuck Ainlay at Soundstage Studios in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles to work with mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House. Justin teamed up with artist/producer Tommy Henriksen and in 2008, moved their operation back to Nashville and began working with legendary producer, Bob Ezrin.
Through the years, Justin has worked with artists Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Jerrod Niemann, Phish, Chingy, Vince Gill, Andrea Bocelli, U2, Randy Travis, KISS, Will I Am, Lady Gaga and many others.
About Tawgs Salter:
Canadian musician, songwriter, producer, engineer Tawgs Salter has worked with a vast array of artists ranging from Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Hunter Hayes, Lights and Scott Helman to Andrea Bocelli, Dear Rouge, Mother Mother and USS. He has worked alongside Grammy-winning writer/producer Walter Afanasieff. His music, production and collaborations have been featured on such TV shows as “Vampire Diaries,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “American Idol” and “The Simpson’s.”
Photo Credit: Daniel Shippey
