‘The spaceship of Atlanta’: Patchwerk Recording Studios celebrates 30 years

In the summer of 1995, Patchwerk Recording Studios co-founder Curtis Daniel (no relation) needed a plan to convince the music collective Dungeon Family to record at the studio’s one-room house in Midtown that he operated with Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman, Bob Whitfield.

He found out they were Falcons fans, so he offered them front row tickets to see a game at Georgia Dome. His strategy led to OutKast recording “Elevators (Me and You)” there the following year, which encouraged more Black superstars to flock there to make records.

The studio relocated to a lofty warehouse and expanded with three recording booths four years later. The hallways became filled with gold and platinum records by Lil Jon, TLC, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Jay-Z among others.

But Daniel doesn’t consider having a track record of hits and the latest technology for making Patchwerk a music destination. He said its success comes from providing exceptional customer service.

“Anybody can buy the same equipment or hand out cookies — like we do — but we have personnel who care about the music more than the artists do. We show them how to register their paperwork and all, but we want them to be happy with a quality product,” Daniel said.

Three decades later, Daniel is still accommodating past clients and creating new ways to serve the next generation of talent.

The studio is celebrating its 30th anniversary by hosting its first Patchwerk Music Fest at Scofflaw Brewing on Saturday.

Scheduled performers include rap acts Pastor Troy, Bone Crusher and YoungbloodZ. The outdoor family-friendly event has DJ sets, food trucks, shaved ice, vendors market, awards presentation, live painting created by visual artist Miya Bailey, games and a limited-edition tequila for sale.

Daniel said he wanted the festivities to include the public and fans who regularly purchased music recorded at the studio. “We don’t have any shiny chandeliers, VIP, backstage access and not charging anybody. It’s a backyard party with friends and family, so we’re going to have a good time with a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.

YoungbloodZ member Sean Paul has recorded at Patchwerk since 1996. He said he continues to record there because the studio has accommodated his entourage since the group recorded their breakout anthem “U-Way (How We Do It)” three years later.

“We used to be 30 deep in there, and Patchwerk was like our big studio they had in California and New York. Me and my guys were having a good time wrestling or playing tackle in the studio. We been with them since Day One, so we are getting ready to turn up out there at the festival,” Sean Paul said.

Memphis-born producer Drumma Boy made street bangers Rocko’s “Umma Do Me,” Gucci Mane’s “I Think I Love Her,” Jeezy’s “Put On,” Rick Ross’ “Here I Am,” and Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands” at Patchwerk.

He said having the Midas touch in the studio established his credibility with other rappers.

“It’s the spaceship of Atlanta that made us believe that young R&B and rap groups could do it major and make hits that come out the South,” he said.

“It shined a light on the guys that made your favorite rappers’ music and allows us to take our careers to the next level.”

In 2010, engineer Mike Wilson and Daniel became co-owners of Patchwerk after Whitfield sold his shares.

Daniel set his sights on turning Patchwerk into a creative incubator as more artists and producers began to record at home studios or go independent. He created IdOMusic to showcase new performers and educate artists on the music business.

He said the programming provides vital information that helps emerging artists take business seriously.

“When I would talk to potential clients, they didn’t know what was going on about recording, mixing, mastering, distribution and registration,” Daniel said.

“They would get fooled by makeshift studios, people hustling them, and I was spending more time before booking sessions explaining to people what they had to do.”

Studio manager and marketing coordinator Osman Bangura started as an intern in 2010. He developed Patchwerk’s video production, vocal coaching and graphics services in 2016.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

"Recording studios are falling out because they only focus on recording, mixing and mastering without evolving," says Patchwerk's studio manager and marketing coordinator Osman Bangura. He developed Patchwerk’s video production, vocal coaching and graphics services. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

He plans to open a management branch for engineers and turn Patchwerk Radio, which plays music recorded at the studio, from a mobile app into a website. Bangura said listening to client feedback is how he creates new areas for Patchwerk to thrive.

“Recording studios are falling out because they only focus on recording, mixing and mastering without evolving. Our blueprint is talking to the people, giving them spaces to be heard, and creating based on their needs, so we try to alleviate the pain,” he said.

“We’re consistent with always thinking about making it feel like home and artists feel comfortable to create.”

Mixer and engineer Evan Melville started as an intern 11 years ago. He’s had conversations with artists like Rae Sremmurd, Ty Dolla $ign, Summer Walker and Chaka Khan about vocal tone and life experiences while he works the recording console.

“We have a camaraderie where we can exchange our ideas to make each session better. The job is 90% social and 10% technical, and you must orchestrate everything and work through someone else’s thoughts. It gives us an edge and wide range of expertise,” Melville said.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

"The job is 90% social and 10% technical," says mix engineer Evan Melville. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Daniel wants to create partnerships with teenagers and high school students, which he hopes will introduce them to professional development beyond performing.

“Our stuff has stood the test of time, so we want to teach kids about other opportunities in the music industry and expose them to other options off the stage,” Daniel said.

EVENT PREVIEW

Patchwerk Music Fest