Conway Recording Studios, Iconic Hollywood Studio, Listed for Sale After Five Decades

Legendary Conway Recording Studios Hits the Market

Conway Recording Studios, a cornerstone of the Hollywood music scene for nearly 50 years, is for sale as its longtime owner, Buddy Brundo, prepares to retire. The studio has played host to an array of renowned artists across genres and decades, from Burt Bacharach and Stevie Wonder to Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar.

A Storied Client List Spanning Generations

The studio’s recording history reads like a who's who of popular music. U2, Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, Guns N’ Roses, and BTS have all worked within the studio’s soundproof walls. Taylor Swift, a regular, once fueled a rush on Conway merchandise after being photographed in one of the studio’s sweatshirts. Justin Timberlake, Counting Crows, and Mötley Crüe are also among the artists tied to the unique Hollywood studio. Notably, the Korean pop group BTS recently used the studio to record their comeback album 'Arirang,' as captured in a Netflix documentary featuring Brundo.

Surviving the Digital Revolution

Despite sweeping changes in the music industry, with many artists turning to digital production tools and home studios, Conway Recording Studios has remained a coveted choice for musicians seeking analog recording experiences. As CoStar notes, digital technology and streaming services have radically transformed the business, reducing demand for traditional music recording spaces. However, surviving historic studios with esteemed acoustics, vintage recording equipment, and unique atmospheres are now increasingly valued for their irreplaceable character.

A Unique Studio Experience and Innovation

Founded in the 1970s after Brundo moved from Buffalo, N.Y., Conway was designed as an oasis amid city life. Brundo broke with audio engineering conventions by incorporating natural light through soundproof windows, lending the studios a sense of escape and warmth. "You kind of feel like you’re in Hawaii or somewhere else," noted real estate broker Nicole Mihalka of CBRE.

Conway features three studios, offices, plentiful recording equipment—including two grand pianos—lounges, and a kitchen deliberately designed without a stove for practicality. The property covers over an acre on Melrose Avenue at the edge of Melrose Hill, a neighborhood noted for trendy restaurants. Brundo innovated with features like an air filtration system to neutralize smoke and expanded the studio by gradually acquiring and demolishing properties adjoining his original lot.

Personal Touches and Unconventional Studio Stories

Brundo has tailored the studio to artists’ needs, whether shrinking his office to create more lounge space for Courtney Love or painting a basketball court for The Weeknd. The studio is known for its flexible policies, including permissive smoking rules complemented by advanced ventilation. Tales of hospitality and eccentricity abound—from relocating ten neighboring houses to the infamous incident involving an archery mishap and Ted Nugent.

The Future of Conway and Music Recording Spaces

Brundo, now 83, has decided it’s time to "walk away while I still can," asking $15 million for the property. While the site could potentially be redeveloped for alternative uses, he hopes the next owner will continue the studio legacy. Real estate broker Mihalka notes a renewed demand for traditional recording environments as musicians seek "a reversion back to the real," especially amid responses to AI-generated music. Fewer historic studios like Conway remain where full-scale music production can take place.

Conway Recording Studios stands as a testament to Hollywood’s music history—a rare blend of analog recording expertise and creative sanctuary—in a digital age.

Source: latimes.com.