About Us

About Us background image

John McBride

CEO Blackbird Studio

Founded by legendary sound engineer John McBride and his country superstar wife,  Martina McBride, in 2002, Blackbird Studio is known for its state-of-the-art production facilities and unparalleled collection of vintage and modern recording equipment.

Blackbird is one of the world’s most successful and renowned recording complexes – known for its state-of-the-art production facilities and unparalleled collection of vintage and modern recording gear. The studio’s complex covers nearly a city block in the Berry Hill Neighborhood of Nashville, with nine different recording studios, The Blackbird Academy, a post-secondary audio engineering school, Blackbird Audio Rentals, and Inside Blackbird – a new online learning platform.

Blackbird offers the highest-quality recording experience. It’s the first choice of many accomplished artists, including Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Dolly Parton, Beck, Rush, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Keith Urban, Kings of Leon, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Kesha, The White Stripes, Snoop Dogg, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and countless others.

Staff

Services

  • Technical Staff

    • Brian Threlkeld

      Technical Services

  • Operations Staff

  • Assistant engineer / night managers

    • Harrison King

    • Carlos Chavez

    • Cordy Witzler

    • Edoardo Ghigo

    • Ethan Shull

    • Joy Willis

    • Faith Lynn

  • Blackbird audio rentals

    • Cole Mellen

      Rentals Assistant

Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered the most common questions about our studios, team, and what makes this legendary Nashville complex the choice of world-class artists.

There are nine studios at Blackbird.

Studio information: https://blackbirdstudio.com/studios/
Available services include, but are not limited to: tracking, overdubs, mixing, Atmos, voice-overs, remote production, and film locations.

To book a session, either fill out the online form or call the studio at (615) 467-4487.

All studio, engineer, and assistant bookings have a four-hour minimum.

Yes. Please let us know as far in advance as possible. You may send input lists and gear requests ahead of time. Sessions are typically set up the day or night before.

Piano tuning can be scheduled with advance notice. We can also help connect you with guitar, drum, and other instrument technicians.

We work with clients from all backgrounds and across all genres. Blackbird is not genre-specific. We have experience recording nearly anything.

  • Building a studio complex, like no other
  • Hiring hardworking, honest, caring professionals to staff the studio
  • Caring about and loving what we do and how we do it
  • Attitude is 99% percent of the gig
  • We would love to record with you!

Approximately 15 to 20 staff members are on site at any given time.

Maybe! Artists and producers are often working in the building, but they’re here to focus on their sessions. We ask everyone to respect that they’re here to work, just like you’ll be here to focus on making great recordings.