Dial Back Sound

Gearing up for a busy fall here at the studio. There’s some Oct and Nov availability although Dec is almost full. If you’d like to book some time before the year’s out message here or [email protected] 1” tape or digital recording sessions. Lodging available onsite.

Using the room to get that room sound. These old Klipsch La Sacala loudspeakers do a nice job of gluing the mix together. Always thought it might be cool to send a total mix through and put a mic in the room. It’s my understanding some of the original Stooges mixes were achieved in a similar fashion. Pretty neat trick turns out. Kudos to @starlinb for the know how and the rigging and @drunken_prayer for letting us try it out on these mixes.

Today I was sitting around thinking about all of the things the studio doesn’t have. Sure, there’s a pretty stellar collection of vintage guitars and amps, real plate and spring reverbs, both digital and analog tape recording capabilities, an apartment and kitchenette for lodging and convenience and a great porch and courtyard w fire pit for downtime. But, there’s no one’s spouse or partner or roommate here. There’s no time constraints on how early or late you can get loud. There aren’t even any kids here. And, Water Valley is charming, but tiny. Yep, there’s hardly anything to do here, but concentrate on your project. *Sigh. Yep, just so many things we just don’t have. Oh well. DMs open for booking.

Ever felt like someone else’s leftovers? KINK summer starts Friday. Link in bio

Having a blast making some rock n roll tunes with @johnnycass this week! @lucia.drums on skins, @starlinb at the desk and me on thunder mop! -Bobby Matt

Thanks to @almathecat we’ve brought a bonafide piece of North Mississippi musical history into tracking room A here at Dial Back Sound! This 1930’s Wurlitzer upright piano originally belonged to Clay’s grandmother before it was passed down through the family. Clay ended up taking it to Oxford’s celebrated Sweet Tea studio where it was recorded for records by many greats from Elvis Costello to The Walkmen. Sweet Tea owner Dennis Herring took such a liking to it he brought it out to Los Angeles with the open of his west coast studio after closing up Sweet Tea. This thing has a bi-coastal pedigree! We are proud to be the current home of such a storied piece of studio history here in Water Valley!

Dad and I just pulled up to @jazzfest It’s my first one since 2002. On the way down we figured out the first one we attended was in 1988 when I was 12. We kept attending together until 2002 although he and my mom decided to continue going on and off since then. I have my dad and Jazzfest to thank for informing my musical background so richly throughout my youth. When we began attending I got to see so many stars of the 1950’s whose banners may have faded in the musical papers, but who were still very much stars at Jazzfest. Fats Domino, Ernie K Doe, Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, Ray Charles, Eddie Bo, BB King off the top my head. My dad having led a sheltered childhood when it came to secular music intended my sister and I to be aware of good music and have musical experiences as kids that he never had. Not sure he wanted either of us to end up musicians, but…. Jazzfest along with his joining the Birmingham Record Collectors were probably the two most consequential things he exposed us to that led to my interest in playing. So this all feels like full circle. Trying to “make it” and touring constantly has kept me from running around with dad as much as I would’ve liked over the years. Springtime usually means heavy touring for me. But, I’m thankful dad and I get to hang out in the mud bake of Jazzfest gen pop one more time this year. Love ya dad! -Bobby Matt

This Thursday, April 30th, at @zadiesmarket , we are excited to welcome back Taylor Hollingsworth (@tapdancindaddy ) on tour from Birmingham, Alabama. Taylor was one of the last artists we hosted before Helene tore through in 2024, and he came back to visit last year as well for a dreamy midsummer set. He lit up the patio both times with his blazingly gentle, foot-stompin' folk-n-roll tunes. We can't wait to see him on our new stage. If you don't recognize his name, you might recognize him as one of the founders of the band Dead Fingers or a member of Conor Oberst's Mystic Valley Band. We can't wait to have him back. Join us on the river for a delicious meal and a performance by a world-class songwriter. We'll be back with more next week. Every Thursday (and sometimes more) with wonderful original live music, food, and drinks from 6-8pm, rain or shine. Never a cover, always a good time!

A total joy to bring y’all Matt Patton x NORA NORA! Matt is the owner of the label & studio, @dialbacksound , in Water Valley, MS! He is bassist for @drivebytruckers and longstanding member of @dexateens and @model_citizen_al (Matt does it all, y’all) Matt’s playlist and interview are out now via substack. Link in bio 🛻

@thomasdollbaum and @mercelemon spent their off day here making some noise with @almathecat yesterday!

I loved seeing so many friends and neighbors as well as people who were new to me out last night for the start of our free community music series at @themagnoliacoffeeco @greatdying opened the set with “Magnolia” as a nod to the establishment and was his usual charming self for a career-spanning 75min set. Attendees were dead silent and engaged. About 40 in total which we felt was amazing for Easter Eve in a downpour. Home by 9pm cuz rock n roll isn’t dead, it just has a bedtime now. -Bobby Matt

“Brand New Ball And Chain Blues” is the brand new single from @jacobkynard . Out today everywhere you stream music! Recorded here by @almathecat Mixed by @starlinb Stereophonic mastering by @timothy_stollenwerk @jacobkynard vocals and guitar John Smith on slide guitar Matt Patton on bass Single Art by Oliver Vitale @pulltheplugdesign Distribution @wellkeptsecret.co @secretlydistribution