The evolution, transformation and the current landscape of the recording studio industry
Unkila, Miika (2025)
2025
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052817286
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052817286
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The purpose of this thesis was to explore the current state of the recording studio industry and the historical causes that have led here. The aim was to collect information on the operation of commercial recording studios in the current landscape of the industry and find ways different types of facilities have adapted to the challenges of lower budgets and changing ways of working. This study was carried out using a mixed methods approach, which included written sources, data from self-conducted surveys sent to Finnish and European studios, as well as first hand experiences gathered from discussions with studio professionals.
The first part of the thesis examines the history of recording studios from the invention of sound recording in the late 19th century, to the current day form of the industry. This history section explores the recording studios’ relationship with the rest of the music industry and maps out the steps and technological innovations which have led to the current state of the industry. The second part of the thesis investigates different aspects of running a commercial recording studio today and different means of adapting to the changing industry.
The results suggest that while the industry of recording studios is no longer as essential or large part of the popular music industry as it was in the past, it is still a relevant part of music production as a whole. Reduction in budgets, emergence of home studios, and changing musical trends have all resulted in income for recording studios to decrease, while expenses rise.The findings indicate that the decline of the recording studio industry is the effect of larger trends within the music industry and would require fundamental change to correct. Still, the consensus from the participants in the study was that running a recording studio can be made viable, but requires extremely hard work, and should only be done by those passionate about the work itself.
The first part of the thesis examines the history of recording studios from the invention of sound recording in the late 19th century, to the current day form of the industry. This history section explores the recording studios’ relationship with the rest of the music industry and maps out the steps and technological innovations which have led to the current state of the industry. The second part of the thesis investigates different aspects of running a commercial recording studio today and different means of adapting to the changing industry.
The results suggest that while the industry of recording studios is no longer as essential or large part of the popular music industry as it was in the past, it is still a relevant part of music production as a whole. Reduction in budgets, emergence of home studios, and changing musical trends have all resulted in income for recording studios to decrease, while expenses rise.The findings indicate that the decline of the recording studio industry is the effect of larger trends within the music industry and would require fundamental change to correct. Still, the consensus from the participants in the study was that running a recording studio can be made viable, but requires extremely hard work, and should only be done by those passionate about the work itself.