I bought a pair of ADAT machines back in the early 90’s and set up my first studio studio in Lithcfield CT. Having just finished my studies at the Hartford Conservatory with Dave Santoro, I was busy teaching and playing and would record mostly for myself, my friends and very occasionally some other people I wanted to work with. I taught at The National Guitar Workshop, wrote 3 bass books for Alfred Publishing, played on a bunch of session work in NYC.

Over the years I upgraded from the ADATs to Pro Tools and a bunch of great gear you can check out here. In 2011 after moving the studio to a few different locations, I decided the time was right to design and build my dream studio in our current location. I enlisted my carpenter brother and we went to work creating On Deck Sound Studio. When all was said and done, we now had one of the most important ingredient to a good recording - the room.

I worked with artists from all over New England helping them materialize their projects, all while developing my production style off putting the artist and the song. It was around this time I got a call from someone looking for a place to record their first album named Julia Autumn Ford. Little did I know this would spark a decade long friendship and musical partnership that coalesced into the national touring act Belle of the Fall. When we weren’t on the road, Julia and I started expanding the studio’s video and photo capabilities, which helped shape the “one stop shop” attitude we have become known for. Check out our “Live at On Deck” series to see some artists we have hosted.

In 2023 I hired an intern named Eddie Dahill, who called me one summer afternoon looking for a foot in the door of a passion he had. After a year of hard work and intimidating side quests, I hired him as our studio assistant based on the fact that he will always say yes - even if he doesn’t really know how to do it. With the intern space now void, I was able to welcome a very talented songwriter named Sam Plourd to our team. I met Sam the same way I met Julia when she called about recording a few songs she had one summer. Our team’s welcoming yet professional nature will be on full display whenever you’re here. And we can’t forget everyone’s favorite studio cat Beans. Think more dog in terms of personality as he will want to be your best friend.

I have had the great pleasure of working on so many amazing albums over the years. We have really dialed in the sound and created an A-team of players called “The Decking Crew” that have added to the overall sound and vibe of the studio. On any given day you will find Glen Nelson here tracking an organ part, Andy Stack and Rich Hinman laying down some killer guitar, Steve Peck crushing a drum track, Ben Dean, Pete Adams, Jeff Chen, etc. I am blessed with some extremely talented friends.

It feels like we have really hit a special groove here as of late. I am decades into producing records and still can’t wait to get into the studio every day.

We look forward to helping you make your next masterpiece!

Tracy Walton