Redwood Studio is a new recording studio located just 2 miles north of historic downtown Denton, TX. It's walls are made of cedar and reclaimed wood and it's overall aesthetic was born out of a desire to create a recording environment that is warm, inviting and conducive to making great music.
The studio is run by McKenzie Smith and Joey McClellan, both members of the Denton band, Midlake, who use Redwood Studio as a home base for their production company, "Redwood Music." What was once an old woodworking shop, followed by a makeshift motorcycle repair shop, Redwood Studio has now been converted into a fully functional 1200 sq ft. recording space.
McKenzie Smith
Originally from Houston, TX, McKenzie moved to Denton in 1997 to attend the University of North Texas. After his stint in the highly esteemed North Texas One O' Clock Lab Band, he left school to begin to focus on his music career outside of the University. Along with several of his friends, McKenzie helped form the band Midlake, which in 2003 signed to the London based Bella Union Records. Since then, they have released 3 full length records, toured extensively here and abroad, and are currently working on their fourth album. In addition to his work with Midlake, McKenzie has worked with a wide array of artists including St. Vincent, Regina Spektor, John Grant, Sarah Jaffe, Sondre Lerche, Beth Orton, Maria Taylor, Gungor, Derek Webb, Jason Lytle, Astronautilus, Thao and The Get Down Stay down, Ormonde, Alpha Rev, Isreal Nash Gripka, Elvis Perkins, The Fieros, JBM and many others. He has also appeared on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O' Brian, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Craig Ferguson, and Jools Holland. McKenzie is managed by Darin Harmon at Bill Silva Entertainment.
Joey McClellan
Joey is from Dallas, TX and was a staple in the Dallas music scene before making a move to New York City in 2008 along with his band, The Fieros. The Fieros released their self-titled EP in 2009 and have had their songs featured in several television shows and commercials including: The Simpsons, Wahlburgers, The Showtime series Shameless, Arrow, Revenge, and several shows on A&E and MTV. While in New York, Joey also joined the band HYMNS. Hymns also toured as the backing band to underground cult hero, Daniel Johnston during his 2009 tour, which included a date at Austin City Limits festival. Joey also met and began working with Israel Nash Gripka and toured extensively in Europe to promote the release of Israel's acclaimed album, Barn Doors and Concrete Floors. In 2010, Joey joined Midlake as a touring guitarist and later officially joined the band for the writing and recording of their 4th studio album, Antiphon, which was released in November of 2013 on ATO records (US) and Bella Union (UK/Europe). In the studio, Joey has worked with artists such as: Midlake, Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, Israel Nash, Sarah Jaffe, Kaela Sinclair, Basko Believes, Chris Lee, The Fieros, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, Salim Nourallah, and many more. Joey has performed on Later with Jools Holland and Paris TV show One Shot Not and has shared the stage with the likes of Pearl Jam, Neil Finn, Daniel Johnston, John Grant, and Jason Lytle.
Jordan Martin
Jordan is the house engineer at Redwood. He has been recording and mixing for artists for the last nine years, specializing in engineering and post-production work. He has also toured stateside and internationally as a multi-instrumentalist, focusing primarily on guitar, synthesis, and mandolin.