New WSDG-designed Dream Asylum studio for N.A.R.S. label

Producers Nate ‘Danja’ Hills and Marcella Araica – co-founders of the N.A.R.S. (New Age Rock Stars) record label – have introduced their new WSDG-designer Dream Asylum recording studio.

Recognised for their work with artists ranging from Britney Spears and Madonna to Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z, Danja and Araica will now have the luxury of working in a studio ideally suited to their needs.

Dream Asylum’s 600 sqft live room/iso booth is linked to two primary control rooms via below-floor wiring channels for connectivity throughout the complex. The 360 sqft control A features custom-designed wooden wall-mounted equipment cabinets, which bookend an oversized client couch set on a raised platform beneath a dropped ceiling. A custom designed rear wall wooden resonator and a dramatic geometrical ceiling cloud can be found in the 269 sqft control B.

Both control rooms are outfitted with identical SSL9000 consoles and WSDG (Walters-Storyk Design Group)/Augspurger Monitor Systems. Thanks to room-within-room isolation, Dream Asylum enables Danja and/or Araica to record live sessions via either control room while a second engineer/producer simultaneously mixes another project. Distinguished by an oversized “fan” inspired ceiling cloud, a 192 sqft mixing/writing room has been created for guest artists.

WSDG project manager Romina Larregina reported: “We worked closely with Marcella to find the most appropriate site for the studio, and formal design work on Dream Asylum Studio began in 2011. She is extremely savvy about design and acoustical issues, and having knowledgeable clients who can articulate their design and technical goals is always a plus.”

Carved out of a nearly 4000 sqft former warehouse in South Florida, Dream Asylum is an amalgamation of technology, acoustics and accouterments. The complex includes a lounge/screening room and a solarium to provide a relaxing respite. Two oversized in-wall tropical fish tanks offer additional creative inspiration.

“Danja and I have worked in many great studios, from Electric Lady to Jay–Z’s Roc The Mic,” Araica commented. “I started out as an intern at The Hit Factory, and their Studio E Live Room was one of the best sounding rooms ever. John Storyk’s design and acoustical skills contributed to the success of all those rooms. When we decided to build our own studio we were committed to going with the best. I called John to bring WSDG on board. They worked with us on every level, and we love what they’ve done for Dream Asylum. It was a great collaboration. We are extremely proud to have a studio that looks and sounds this great.”

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