Welcome to the latest installment of Show Us Your Space, a Reverb series that explores and celebrates the unique music-making environments of studio owners, independent builders, and musicians at all levels.
Today, we're looking at the studio of Terrany Johnson, aka Tee-Double—producer, songwriter, and all-around Austin, Texas institution—whose early love for Prince and commitment to his craft has resulted in a synth- and drum-machine-filled haven. Teetopia Studios boasts a truly eye-watering collection of gear.
Keep reading to hear straight from Tee-Double. To learn more about Teetopia Studios, visit its website here.
Have you assembled a great practice space, project studio, or music workshop? Be sure to drop us a line at [email protected].
I call my studio Teetopia. As an artist I go by Tee-Double, and this is the top of the mountain, where I meditate and create my art, so that felt like the best name, and people really resonate with it when they come over.
I started recording at an early age, around eight, and mailed my first demo to Warner Bros. at nine, and that was all I needed to get the music bug. I saw that Prince recorded, performed, composed, and did everything himself, so at an early age I figured I would start buying gear or whatever I could to start my own baby studio. Many years later here I am!
Being based in Austin, Texas is a great place to be, as there is constant creative energy all around if you look for it. In today's world almost all recordings are done in smaller studios, as artists don’t have the huge budgets of old to go in larger spaces. And with me being an artist as well it only made sense for me to invest in my own space, so I can continue to create my albums, produce for others, and do all the film work and TV work I do.
This is basically the control section of my studio, with easy access to my various synths and drum machines from Moogs to LinnDrums. I want my space to be inviting to artists who come by to track or just talk, for artist consultations I do as well.
Nothing in my studio is off limits, as everything I have is used and recorded with almost daily. My synth list is extensive, as they range from vintage to modern but all sound different and get approached differently when time to produce.
I am a big fan of the Roland Boutique series as they sound great and are easy to put away in their own little space.
My outboard rack is nicely stacked as well with API, SSL, Neve, Chandler, Distressors, Avalon, Valley People, and so on. I like having various pres and compressors to run my vocal chain through as well as run my synths through to fatten them up.
My mic collection (I have over 30) vary from simple MXL mics to Sony C800G when the project calls for it, and I don’t have to rent any of them to get started.
I have a second room that alternates as a drum/vocal room and a place to relax and play video games!
I think you need little items as toys—the Thanos glove and other things—to add a vibe to the studio so it doesn’t feel so stiff and makes it hard for folks to create.
I also use my space for my Urban Artist Alliance where I mentor young artists on the music business, music production, and the importance of giving back to one’s community.
Check out Teetopia Studio's website here for more information on the space and the Urban Artist Alliance. And check out previous installments of our Show Us Your Space series below.
We'd love to see your studio, practice space, or gear lair too—whether it's a professional outfit or a weekend retreat. Contact us at [email protected].