Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, opened this studio when he bought the Marlin Hotel on South Beach. He hired a local guy named Freddie Stonewall (who co-wrote E.T. Boogie with Henry Stone and Larry Dermer) to run the place. And the place has been slammed with business ever since. Not long ago, Blackwell sold the hotel, but the studio still stands today, and the likes of Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and Gwen Stefani serve as testament to its recording relevance today.
5. Circle House and Circle Village
Can you say poolside vocal booth? When it comes to vibe, no South Florida studio comes close to Circle House and Circle Village studios. Founded by Ian Lewis and Touter Harvey from Inner Circle after they left Jamaica following singer Jacob Miller's tragic death, the Circle compound offers one of the most unique and comfortable recording environments in the country. Trick Daddy cut hits here back in the day, Calle 13 did so more recently, and last week new Atlantic Records artist Katy Tiz did too.
