31-On The Record: Use Your Powers for Good

Kathleen Wirt has owned and operated the legendary 4th Street Recording studio in Santa Monica, California for twenty-seven years, and has been the sole owner since 2001. Listed by The Hollywood Reporter as one of - LA's Temples of Sound - and as one of the - Top 10 US Studios Under $100 an Hour - 4th Street features vintage analog equipment and a floating tracking room encased in sand.

In the early years, Kathleen was unwilling to allow the studio to sit empty when it was not booked, so she read the trades and frequented clubs, offering spec deals to bands that seemed promising. As 4th Street's client base grew and the studio gained in reputation, people credited not only the skills of its producers and engineers, but also Kathleen's scouting and promotion.

Twenty-seven acts have been signed to record deals through 4th Street Recording, starting with Fiona Apple, whose spec deal recording of - Shadowboxer - became the first single on her Grammy-nominated multi-platinum album -Tidal. Next came Incubus, Alien Ant Farm, and Hoobastank, all to become platinum-selling artists.  The most recent is The Neighbourhood, whose 4th Street EP led to their signing to Columbia and a double-platinum radio hit, - Sweater Weather.

Kathleen is a member of NARAS, and is the Vice President of Los Angeles Women in Music. She also works to discover and nurture production careers through 4th Street Recording's internship program, which has helped launch the careers of many young producers and engineers.

www.4thStreetRecording.com

Music in this show by:
Lullaby by Tamar Roxx
Tonight by Little Galaxies
Soldier's Song - 4th Street Version by Lakotah