Widget Studios

11/24/2025

🎚️ The Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph is a high-end stereo compressor that adds punch, warmth, and “glue” to mixes. We love it on drums or the mix bus, has four easy ratio settings, a smooth Class-A sound, and handy filters to keep the low end from pumping. Big tone, small footprint. 🎛️

11/21/2025

🖋️ On this day, November 21, 1955, Elvis Presley signed with RCA 🖋️

In 1955, RCA bought Elvis Presley’s contract from Sun Records for a then-record $35,000—covering his five Sun Records singles and unreleased tracks. The deal kept Sun afloat (Sam Phillips even invested in Holiday Inn) and launched Elvis into global stardom, with his first RCA single “Heartbreak Hotel” soon hitting #1. That same day, Elvis also signed with manager Colonel Tom Parker and secured a new publishing deal—setting the stage for his meteoric rise.

11/14/2025

🎶 On this day, November 14th, 1960, Ray Charles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Georgia On My Mind.”
His soulful take on the 1930 tune melted hearts across America, blending gospel, R&B, and pop like never before. It became the first of his three #1 hits- and later, the official state song of Georgia. The Genius at his finest. 🎹

11/10/2025

🎸 Gear Talk: Today we’re looking at the Ampeg Heritage SVT-410HLF- a powerhouse 4x10” bass cabinet built for players who want deep, defined low end and that unmistakable Ampeg growl. With four custom Eminence drivers, a 1” horn, and 500 watts at 4 ohms, it delivers tight punch, smooth highs, and massive presence on stage or in the studio.

Classic tone. Road-ready build. Pure Ampeg. 🔊🔥

11/07/2025

On this day, November 7th, 2016, the world lost one of its most profound voices when Leonard Cohen passed away at age 82.

Before he ever set foot on stage, Cohen was a celebrated novelist and poet, building his name in the literary world of the 1950s. By the late ’60s, his words found their rhythm in song- giving us timeless works like “Suzanne,” “So Long, Marianne,” “Bird on a Wire,” “Dance Me to the End of Love,” and of course, “Hallelujah.”

Over his six-decade career, Cohen’s artistry earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, multiple Juno Awards, Grammys, a BRIT Award, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. In 2011, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada- the nation’s highest civilian honor.

A poet to the end, Leonard Cohen left behind words and melodies that continue to resonate deep in the heart of music itself. 💫

RIP Leonard Cohen. 🕊️

11/06/2025

👀 Always an exciting sight! 👀

These guys are ready and waiting to be put on drums first thing in the morning. Sleep tight!

🎤 🎤🎹🎶🎵🎼🎧

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

One of four unique ensembles led by Jeff Rady, each diving into a different genre- from country to classic rock and more.

This group brings classic country spirit with a modern twist.

🎤 Want to join one of Jeff’s ensembles? We can get you in touch with him- just reach out!

11/03/2025

🎙️ Today we’re looking at the Shure 545S - the OG Unidyne III.
Before the SM57 became a studio staple, this mic was already shaping the sound of rock, soul, and everything in between. We still reach for it when we want that tight, mid-forward character with just the right edge- especially on snares and guitar amps.

Vintage design, timeless tone. ⚡️

10/31/2025

🎙️ On this day, October 31, 1976, Elvis Presley stepped into the Jungle Room - his home studio inside Graceland - for what would become his final recording session. On this night, the King laid down his haunting rendition of “He’ll Have to Go,” a cover of the Jim Reeves classic.

It was a quiet yet historic moment - just Elvis, a small group of trusted musicians, and the unmistakable voice that had changed popular music forever. Recorded within the walls of his Memphis home, this session marked the end of an era.

10/27/2025

🎙️ Today we’re looking at the AKG D12E - the classic dynamic mic that shaped the sound of vintage kick drums and bass tones for decades. With its built-in bass chamber and smooth low-end response, it delivers that warm, punchy character modern mics still try to copy. Built like a tank, full of vibe, and right at home in any analog mix.

10/24/2025

On this day, October 24th, 1962, James Brown and his band took the stage at Harlem’s Apollo Theater to record Live at the Apollo.
Brown believed so strongly in capturing the energy of his live show that he paid for the recording himself. The result sold over a million copies and became a landmark in live performance history- showcasing the raw power and precision of the James Brown sound.