Deep Dive: Sound City (2013)
Film Lens

Sound City is a documentary directed by Dave Grohl that chronicles the history of Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, from its founding in 1969 until it ceased operations as a commercial studio in 2011. The film focuses on the studio's significance in the music industry, particularly its Neve 8028 analog mixing console, which contributed to the distinctive sound of many iconic albums. Artists like Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Rage Against the Machine recorded at Sound City, making it a pivotal location for rock music and other genres.
The film features interviews with various musicians and recounts stories about the recording of legendary albums, including Nirvana's Nevermind. It emphasizes the unique acoustic properties of the studio and how they, combined with the Neve console, produced a powerful sound that defined the era. The documentary also led to the creation of the album Sound City: Real to Reel, which won two Grammy Awards, further cementing the studio's legacy.
Why Watch
- •See interviews with iconic musicians like Mick Fleetwood and Trent Reznor.
- •Find out how Nirvana's Nevermind changed rock music.
- •Meet the Neve 8028 console that shaped the sound of the '70s.
Did You Know
•Sound City Studios recorded albums for artists like Nirvana and Fleetwood Mac.
•The Neve 8028 console was crucial for the studio's sound, defining '70s rock.
•Nirvana's Nevermind was recorded at Sound City in 1991, becoming a platinum album.
•Sound City: Real to Reel won two Grammy Awards after its release in 2013.
Perfect For
Rock music fansRecording studio enthusiastsDave Grohl followers