Flabby Road ~ Brendan Murphy
Availability: Open with limited availability
Services: Live sound mixing and recording, music production, in-studio tracking, remixing, songwriting
Website/socials: “Anyone can find me at
Sweetwater.”
Brendan Murphy’s Flabby Road is a synth-lover’s dream. Built around an impressive collection of electronic instruments, it's an ‘80s-vibe laboratory for Murphy’s songwriting, remixes, creating sample libraries, and much more.
Your audio & recording background
My parents bought me a synthesizer and a 4-track recorder in high school, and I worked at the local music store and at a live sound company where I learned mixing and signal flow. I taught myself synthesis and sampling, which led to gigs at studios around Texas. By the time I was eighteen, I had worked on a dozen albums.
The story behind your studio
"Retro 80's." I have some modern gear, but the vast majority of toys are from the '80s, which heavily influence the vibe and sound. The main purpose is to have fun, though. If it plugs in and makes noise, I'm probably interested. So, like most studios, the setup has evolved over the years.
A unique aspect of your studio
The most unique part of my studio is my collection of electronic musical instruments. I have well over 100 synthesizers, dozens of drum machines, samplers, sequencers, and effects. I even have some fun toys like the Spelling Starter, Speak and Spell, Synsonics drums, and multiple Casio SKs.
Notable gear & equipment
My two favorites are my Oberheim OB-8 and Rhodes Mark II 54, both restored by the mad genius and repairman to the stars, Christopher Geissler. My favorite modern [pieces] are my Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave and Sequential Take 5. On the recording side, the single coolest thing is a Heritage Audio Herchild 670 compressor.
Fort Wayne's recording scene
We're fortunate as it's much better than most places. Of course, there's a huge talent pool in town. There's live music almost every night of the week.