What Happens On A Nashville Tracking Session. Nicky V

A quick little behind-the-scenes video peeling back the curtain on a Nashville tracking session. We tracked seven songs on a double (two three-hour sessions) for Caden Gillard. Such a treat getting to work with session musicians of this caliber.
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Justin Ostrander has a fantastic channel as well! Go check it out and subscribe ‪@JustinOstrander‬
Band:
Keys-Tim McDonald
Bass-James Cook
Guitar-Justin Ostrander
Fiddle, Banjo-Jake Clayton
Drums-Steve Brewster
Steel-Mike Daly
Truly appreciate you guys!
-Nicky V

[@jimrogers7425]

It was great to see Starstruck again after being away for over 20 years. I was the original chief technical engineer there, being part of the later stage planning process and wiring everything into place. In many ways I miss that place a lot... all of the visual textures along with the sonic signatures of the rooms. The first iteration of the main monitors was off the hook amazing... but apparently someone came in demanding changes and since then I've heard that they've never sounded as good. My guess is that in the least, the Sony 3348s are gone, but I don't know. The best thing to see was that you were using the studios in the way that was originally intended... tracking in the Gallery while being able to use the iso rooms in the Pond if it wasn't booked. Fun fact, the SSL 9000J consoles can be tied together so that the console in the Gallery can control the console in the Pond, or vice versa. Starstruck was set up to be INCREDIBLY flexible from the very beginning! Thanks again for this video. I thought that the thumbnail looked familiar, so I'm glad that I followed my instincts. Cheers!

[@NickyV]

Love that you are sharing this info! Appreciate it and thank you for watching

[@johnsauer9067]

Um, that is quite the studio! And a lot of sound isolation. Thanks for the peek into this world.

[@NickyV]

You bet! Place is immaculate. Thanks for watching.

[@DocJJohnson]

Witnessing the raw creation of an album was electric. A privileged glimpse into artistry's heart, filled with passion, experimentation, and magic. Truly unforgettable.Nicky...many thanks

[@NickyV]

You are very kind. Glad you enjoyed it

[@erikhall9776]

Great quick tour. Being able to record live stuff with other musicians and see them is so awesome! Thank you.

[@NickyV]

You got it! Thanks for watching

[@RocknRollPiano]

What a fantastic studio and great bunch of musicians. Thanks for sharing this.

[@NickyV]

Thanks for checking the channel out!

[@mistermusic7]

Brewster is the man. He had a huge impact on me as a drummer growing up.

[@NickyV]

I’m a giant Brew fan

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Another world. Too cool...

[@NickyV]

Well put, definitely is. Thanks for checking it out!

[@phillipasby9202]

It is a treat to see how the music is made ... it's so different than just playing in a band which is all I've done but when you listen closely ... it all makes sense! Thanks for taking us behind the curtain a bit for the thousands (+) of us who've never been there.

[@NickyV]

Man I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching

[@lennyjay22GbgLALV]

Amazing Video!! Really gives an insight to how professional one has to be in Nashville, but also how much fun it can be !! Amazing looking studio by the way.

[@cliveshalice8490]

Such a fascinating insight into a world rarely seen! Cheers Nicky!

[@NickyV]

You got it! Thanks for watching

[@D.VincentLaPaglia]

This was SO damn interesting!

[@NickyV]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed it

[@JustinOstrander]

Great to meet you and work with you, Nicky!

[@NickyV]

Justin the pleasure was all mine! Big fan of what you do, learned a ton from your channel!

[@michaelscerbo35]

Many thanks for the look into the process and day in the life! Sounding like the country “Wrecking Crew”🤠

[@NickyV]

Appreciate you checking it out!

[@geramelramirez6791]

Thanks for sharing !, this is inspiring to keep working hard and always make sure the singer is happy “is not about us” it’s all about the singer” that was a good advice, thanks !!

[@NickyV]

Dead on. I need to do more interviews on these vids

[@abradfordajb]

Very nice vid. I always love to watch candid video's during a typical work day of the pro's in the studio. It kinda makes me feel like i'm there too. ❤ thx much.

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! So glad you enjoy it :)

[@DaveLynchJazzGuitar]

That studio is HUGE! You guys are very lucky and fortunate to be doing what you're doing!

[@angelaskipping3110]

I really appreciated the tour. Thank you.

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! Appreciate you checking the video out

[@stepheneson4107]

Super interesting studio, thanks for sharing. And.... I would have liked to see you load your gear into that Corvette 🙂

[@NickyV]

Hahaha would have to use that luggage rack. I can get my combo amp, pedalboard, and one guitar (gig bag) behind the seats of the Vette actually haha

[@Tylerbag]

Man I'd love to do this for a living! Thanks for letting us see what it's like to be a part of it, great content.

[@NickyV]

You got it! Thanks for watching

[@FoolishFrankie]

Man this is so sick. Thanks for sharing!

[@NickyV]

You got it!

[@joep869]

as a home studio engineer from a 3rd world country... i could not believe that this was just one of the thousands of studios in nashville. insane

[@NickyV]

This one is pretty top shelf. Appreciate you checking the video out!

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

@joep869 Omg Man.. If you’ve never been you cant even imagine! This was nice glimpse for sure, But I’m confident @NickyV would agree this was just one part of a day, One which encompasses an infinite number of possible new challenges he’ll face throughout the remaining 364 days of the year! One phase at one location among countless identical others (and some far better & more exclusive!) which make up the non-stop studio phase of music city’s mega hit making recording machine!!

[@NickyV]

@@JasonWright-mc6dz Agreed, this is an exceptionally top shelf studio. There are a handful of others in this league in town but most are vibey and grimey but get great sounds.

[@axrrecordings7256]

I worked there in 2015 while I was a student at MTSU. It's crazy to see that it hasn't really changed in almost ten years!

[@NickyV]

Right on. Place is top shelf

[@rhythmless1]

This was cool stuff. I hope you'll do more videos like this. Super nice studio.

[@NickyV]

Thanks! I’ll try to keep them coming :)

[@TheImageDoctor]

Damn that looks like fun (for me sitting here at a computer again working.) Well earned day job everyone !!!

[@NickyV]

Definitely feels like we are getting away with something

[@01frugalbassist85]

I've thoroughly enjoyed your content, Nicky. This indoors tour was interesting to watch.

[@NickyV]

I appreciate you checking it all out man.

[@MusicAnirban]

Wow! Amazing words of wisdom at the end. Great video, thank you,

[@NickyV]

Need to work more interviews into the next one

[@ChristopherGalen]

Thanks Nicky! Brewster played on my first record, that dude is amazing. I was in awe through the whole process.

[@NickyV]

He’s an absolute powerhouse

[@drewpiacine9612]

the anticipation, passion, & kinship was overwhelming -DTR

[@NickyV]

Appreciate you checking the video out

[@daniellamere3881]

Brewster! Love that man! A monster of a player!

[@NickyV]

Best of the best

[@BrentLane1]

Wow double decker studio, that is so awesome. I love seeing this stuff. Man what I’d give to actually use my recording engineering degree. I live for this stuff. Keep the vids coming man. Just subbed.

[@NickyV]

You got it man! I’ll do my best to keep it coming

[@anthonypanneton923]

That control room is insane! That studio looks expen$ive! "Listen to the other people, and listen to the singer." That's the stuff. (except we know its REALLY all about the guitar parts...:)

[@NickyV]

Hahaha amen

[@LAKESICK]

Love this! Came up in my recommended, immediately subbed.

[@NickyV]

Much appreciated!

[@NeilGrant-m5s]

During the design period for a major facility, an intense period that might take a year or so, I identify closely with the project, the Owner, the local team and with my fellow consultants. I remember being made very welcome in Nashville through the two years of design and build at Starstruck, but was also aware that as soon as the build was complete and I had commissioned the facility, it would be time to go and I would simply move on. That is why it is always so pleasing to hear that these buildings, having absorbed so much time and innovation, are still being successfully used and doing their job so well. Delighted to see a video of the mechanics, and very pleased with Starstruck’s success.

[@NickyV]

That’s amazing! Job well done and thank you for sharing

[@checkitout611]

Really cool! Thanks for taking us along. 👍

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it

[@geraldm7435]

Super cool! Thank you for sharing! Shot out to James Cook as well! I saw him and Kent Slucher at a clinic yeeeeeears ago in Fayetteville NC when Luke Bryan was in town. Nice studio! 👌 Thanks again for sharing 🎶🎵

[@NickyV]

I’m on a session with Kent and James tomorrow as well! Monster players and great guys :)

[@geraldm7435]

@@NickyV super cool! That's the truth 👍

[@michaelpopenhagenmusic]

Love your content! Love the peek into this side of the Industry. Thanks again, man!

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching

[@highwayjunkie4345]

WOW! this is so cool.Thanks for sharing this.

[@tymanngruter1808]

For once i am impressed! What a nice studio.....

[@NickyV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tommykib]

Fun perspective! Thanks for sharing!

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching

[@KelisonHines]

This studio is brilliant

[@NickyV]

Top shelf

[@squib311]

Quite a bit fancier than the late 70's early 80's when I did demo session work in Dallas. Just never had the discipline to get to release level like you guys. Respect. Went to college for the emerging world of electronics engineering instead and relegated myself to weekend gigs. No regrets.

[@NickyV]

That’s great, glad you found your path and still get to enjoy playing!

[@shawnn5213]

Love your channel and content. Thanks for the tour to the studio. Beautiful setup they have.

[@NickyV]

Appreciate you watching!

[@KBRcr2]

This is awesome man, I didn't know studios could be built out like this. I don't wanna be a Nashville musician, but I watch every one of your videos.

[@NickyV]

I’m so glad you find it interesting enough to watch haha. Appreciate you taking the time

[@hectorhernandez-nl1cl]

Thanks for sharing...!

[@NickyV]

You got it!

[@frankmartin182]

Cut some demos there about 15 yrs ago- real glad to see it's still a classy place.

[@NickyV]

Love that!

[@officialWWM]

Wow, what an epic studio. I do all this at home in one room 😂😂

[@NickyV]

That’s where I’m typically at as well haha. Then mix in one or two of these a week. Having others around definitely keeps me from going crazy.

[@vfam5860]

nice - thanks for sharing. And nice red mustang too.

[@NickyV]

Thanks! Appreciate you checking the video out

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Great video and idea! Thanks for sharing my friend. AWESOME studio!

[@NickyV]

Ya man! Thank you

[@BretWaltonDrums]

Another great video, Nicky! Great to see you working in such an awesome studio and with some heavy hitters. Hope to see more of this! By the way, I have at least a small file of Brewster playing Southern Gospel with a KILLER 6 Stroke Roll ending between the snare and toms. The engineer on the session sent it to me. The Dude is a BEAST!

[@mikebrownbassist802]

This video was amazing!! I would watch every one of these videos!!! To actually get to see what real sessions musicians do is incredible. I’ve been a musician for a long time. I’ve always read about what session musicians do but to actually seeing a real Nashville numbers page and to see what it looks like is invaluable.

[@NickyV]

Comments like this are exactly why I make these videos. I always wanted to be a studio guy and had little to no access to this so for any future players I try to share as much as I can.

[@ccdrummer]

Looks like the artist was a childhood buddy of mine from southern Louisiana, Caden! Wild

[@NickyV]

That’s him! Fun session

[@JEdwardsMusic]

Ostrander played on one of my albums. Great sound!

[@NickyV]

I’m actually working on a track that he played on tomorrow as well. Amazing player!

[@casey46]

Thanks for sharing this. Not often we get to see the "inside" workings of a recording session.

[@NickyV]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Azfurita]

Lovely place 😍

[@PeteDonohue]

What a great insight! Thanks man!

[@NickyV]

You got it!

[@bryonrivera2607]

Great job Nicky always looking forward for the next video

[@NickyV]

I’ll keep them coming :) Appreciate you

[@blindmelonstubbly]

Very nice looking setup in that studio 👍🏼😎

[@NickyV]

100% Top shelf

[@D.VincentLaPaglia]

For your next video, it would be fascinating to hear what’s in your headphones as you record. Is it the vocals, just a backing track, what? SOOOOOO, cool!

[@NickyV]

It’s pretty close to a record mix with the drums a bit louder, some click and vocals.

[@musicmayn]

Awesome video! I was a cartage guy back in the mid-late 90’s. We did Steve Brewster‘s cartage. I used to come and set up the famous “Bacco kit” which Sam Bacco built for Steve. Been in Starstruck Studios a few times. It is a world-class facility. Glad to see that it is still going and Steve Brewster is still doing his thing. He’s a great guy and a phenomenal player. Nashville session musicians are ALL just on another planet from the rest of us. It was always inspiring to witness just a small amount of the incredible musicianship that exists in a Nashville recording session. Most people just have no idea. Thanks for giving us all a little bit of insight into what your world is like. I think it’s incredible that you’re doing this. So glad I caught it. BTW, you get extra credit for doing your own cartage😅

[@NickyV]

Steve is top shelf musically and personally. My all time favorite for sure. Thank you for checking the video out and sharing your experience. Also, gotta keep it working class and drag my own stuff haha.

[@GregVasquez777]

Sounds like a fun life!

[@NickyV]

Definitely feel like I’m getting away with something

[@Me20241]

great video.....thanks to everyone involved

[@NickyV]

So glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate you watching.

[@toddcollins6746]

Thanks man - really like the inside peak!

[@NickyV]

You got it! Thanks for watching

[@toddcollins6746]

Also, sent you an email to your Nashville tracking address about some guitar 🎸 help

[@markusthedrummer8143]

Cool video and insight. You are very fortunate! Slightly jealous 😅

[@NickyV]

I’m very very fortunate for sure. Appreciate you watching

[@rdcwild3023]

What a dream! Congrats on the gig

[@NickyV]

Thank you for checking the video out!

[@StanRobak]

Great job! Excellent video!

[@NickyV]

You are kind, thanks for watching

[@MalDagg]

great vid man....thanks from an Aussie fan.

[@NickyV]

Absolutely

[@BossHossStudios]

Heyyy. James Cook is a friend of mine. We used to work at Zeagler music in monroe Louisiana together! Killer bassist!

[@NickyV]

Love that! Was on another session with him tonight!

[@jacekuhler369]

Just got back in March from recording at Sound Emporium with Dean Miller. Out of all the studios it was really hard to choose one. I will say the Sound Emporium did not look anything like that, that is a nice Big studio but glad we did, I liked the open live room we recorded in 🔥🔥

[@NickyV]

Nice! A lot of amazing music has come out of Sound Emporium! Glad you enjoyed it and got to experience everybody in one room together.

[@bringyourownheart]

Learn to listen to other people - music advice, but amazing advice for life. 100%

[@NickyV]

Spot on. James Cook is the Aristotle of bass guitar in Nashville.

[@brianmiller3287]

Great content. Keep pumping them out. Would have loved to see/hear from Justin Ostrander....

[@NickyV]

Might have to hit him up for a few words next time we are on one together

[@brianmiller3287]

​@@NickyV thanks for responding!

[@elducko1951]

Very Nice! Very insightful I've only recorded in a handful of times; 5 or 6 studios and one mobile unit. It's a challenge, but it's also fun and quite the spiritual uplift when the main artist give you a thumbs-up

[@NickyV]

Pretty great feeling putting something down that can last forever

[@fuzzman58]

Justin is awesome

[@NickyV]

Total monster

[@RotterStudios]

Great video! LOVE that studio!

[@simeon2851]

Steve Brewster! A face to the name!

[@NickyV]

The best of the best

[@simeon2851]

@@NickyV The rhythm of some of the best music I grew up listening to.

[@Auldhelm]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@bend185ont]

Such rad content, thank you

[@NickyV]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@clumhain]

great to see how pros do it! And in few takes too! Thanks for sharing it. Subbed!

[@NickyV]

Thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed it. These guys definitely make it look easy

[@racegts]

Livin’ the dream man!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@JohnGriffith-w2w]

Look at this! A bunch of crazy looking hairy musicians who could get arrested based on appearance alone and they sound amazing, great timing great phrasing great feel great arrangements perfect overall musicianship but don’t look at them! 😂 ❤ 🎸😎🎸😎🎸🎻

[@NickyV]

Spot on haha

[@steveshelton5788]

Great job as usual. 🎸🇱🇷👍

[@NickyV]

Much appreciated Steve!

[@philippephil99]

Wow!!!! So Great!!!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@NickyV]

Thank you!

[@Energy_from.the_Sun]

Awesome content, keep'em coming.

[@NickyV]

You got it!

[@johnnypk1963]

Whata beautiful studio

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Star Struck Studios

[@TheFeelButton]

Nicely done! Cheers Nicky!!

[@NickyV]

Much appreciated!

[@grantrobertdavies]

There is a 2016 Mustang for sale down the road from me in Black… I’m so tempted!!! … Especially Now! 😂… Great video man :) Keep on grooving :)

[@NickyV]

This is my third one, got hooked at 16

[@grantrobertdavies]

@@NickyV Wow!!!

[@briandefusco1544]

Awesome!!

[@dennissprague2572]

Cool video, looks like fun.

[@NickyV]

Had a blast, thanks for watching!

[@michaeldelisle3100]

Diggin your Santa Cruz. Of all the guitars that have gone through my hands, one of very few I regret letting go is a 20-year old Santa Cruz OM/PW. Those cats make superb instruments.

[@NickyV]

Yes they do. This one was a gift from a friend and will be in the family for ever

[@michaeldelisle3100]

@@NickyV My SCGC stash includes an H-13 and an OM Grand. Just marvelous.

[@Docsjeff]

I got to audition at Curb back in the late 90’s. Bad Ass Studio!

[@NickyV]

Nice! Thanks for checking the video out

[@TyB1280]

Hey man - Great video! I'm super intrigued by the 16 channel Mackies being casually rolled around as "listening/monitoring stations" lol.. Do you know if they had those beautiful wooden racks holding them custom made or is that something we lowly consumer can just buy outright. Thanks ! :)

[@NickyV]

I’m honestly not sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were custom.

[@jasonezzell6901]

Cool video bro! First one of yours I've run across. Subscribed!

[@NickyV]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@thesongwritersjourney]

The acoustic "crow's nest" is awesome.

[@NickyV]

Pretty killer set up

[@saspencer1992]

Great video and subbed! I just moved here in June. So far I’ve been playing down on Broadway but my ultimate goal to do session work and work with original artists. Appreciate the look on the inside!

[@NickyV]

Welcome to town! Hope the paths cross down the road. Best advice for getting into it would be making friends with writers and the best way to get work is to give work.

[@dougerees]

Good stuff buddy, very informative

[@NickyV]

Thanks Dougie!

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Thanks bro! Cool info!

[@NickyV]

Ya man!

[@angryshoebox]

"It's all about the vocal." And drums :-).

[@NickyV]

Hahaha love it

[@dynamicalan]

That's' really something: is that a fiddle or a violin? That's quite a console? It's very interesting what studios like y'alls can do with all those aux's. I noticed that your acoustics are. quite a bit different than mine.

[@NickyV]

We had fiddle on this one but I’m typically a violin man haha. I usually take those two and a 65 B-25 then if I’m just doing acoustic I’ll bring an archtop and nylon as well.

[@shawnn5213]

Love your vette man. Got two of them myself

[@NickyV]

Killer! I need a bigger garage

[@stafonvoncamron]

I gotta add you to my list of studio musicians for my next country album in Nashville.