This past June, Trouble Show released their latest 4-track album, Villains, marking a major moment for the Reno-based band.

Led by singer-songwriter Breck Lee Durham, with Chris Simpson on drums and Greg Souviron on bass, Trouble Show captured their signature blend of gritty storytelling and heavy-hitting rock energy at Abbey West Recording, Reno’s premier recording facility.

Engineered and mixed by Jerry Spikula, the album was tracked live to preserve the raw emotion and dynamics of the band’s performance. From the first kick drum hit to the last ringing guitar chord, Villains delivers a fearless sonic experience that doesn’t let up.

Since its release, Villains has resonated deeply with listeners looking for something real. It’s a project that reflects a band fully in its stride — confident, connected, and completely unafraid to walk through the fire.

Villains is now available on all major streaming platforms. To stay up to date with Trouble Show, follow them on social media and keep an eye out for upcoming shows, videos, and behind-the-scenes content from the studio.

Last year, Abbey West Recording had the opportunity to help bring a unique project to life—the official anthem for the Reno 48 Hour Film Competition.

Written by collaborators Jeffrey Bentley and Daniel Kather, the song was produced and arranged by Abbey West’s own Jerry Spikula, and recorded entirely in-house. The anthem is meant to reflect the intensity, energy, and creativity that define the 48 Hour Film Competition—a challenge where filmmakers write, shoot, and edit a short film in just two days.

The behind-the-scenes video gives a glimpse into this process, featuring moments in the studio with vocalists, instrumentalists, and engineers all working together

Thanks to everyone who contributed their time and talent to this project—we’re proud to help support Reno’s growing network of artists, filmmakers, and storytellers.

This spring, we had the honor of working with Deandre Presswood, aka HydroSciGuy, a PhD student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a water scientist using his expertise to raise awareness about climate change through music.

HydroSciGuy’s Earth Day album blends environmental science with hard-hitting rap lyrics, offering tracks like “Blender” and “Tipping Point” that challenge listeners to take action. In the song “Species”, he delivers the line, “I’m in unison, me and all my species,” a powerful reminder that the climate crisis is a shared responsibility.

Abbey West’s rap engineer BigWigLTD helped bring this vital project to life. BigWigLTD’s skillful engineering ensured that the production matched the urgency and clarity of HydroSciGuy’s message, creating a sound as bold as the topics it confronts.

Since its release, the album has gained national attention, including a feature in The Black Wall Street Times, which praised HydroSciGuy’s unique ability to merge science and hip hop into something accessible, urgent, and real.

We’re proud to have been part of this project. At Abbey West Recording, we’re here to amplify voices with something to say. If you’re bringing purpose to the mic, we’ve got the studio to match.

Lacy J. Dalton, one of country music’s most recognizable voices, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of her iconic hit song “Black Coffee” in a truly special way. The legendary singer-songwriter, known for her powerful vocals and timeless songwriting, has teamed up with Abbey West Recording for an anniversary video that pays tribute to the lasting legacy of the song.

Released in 1989, “Black Coffee” became an anthem for anyone who has ever found comfort in a cup of coffee while reflecting on the complexities of life. With its deeply relatable lyrics and Dalton’s soulful delivery, the song quickly captured the hearts of fans and became a standout in her career. Its evocative imagery and poignant themes have kept it a staple in country music over the decades.

This video collaboration celebrates Lacy J. Dalton’s enduring career and continued passion as a musician, bringing “Black Coffee” to life in a new way. Blending the song’s nostalgic impact with fresh visuals, the anniversary video honors her legacy while connecting with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Watch the full video below and check out our social media for a month of Lacy content!

We were thrilled to host the talented Haley and the Comet for their live recording session in support of this year’s Tiny Desk Contest! Their performance of “Light at Sea” captured the perfect blend of emotion and musicality, showcasing the intimate energy that Abbey West Recording is known for.

The full live performance is now available on YouTube! A big thank you to Haley and the Comet for choosing our studio to bring this incredible performance to life. And congratulations to Malevolent Mouse Productions for their video production work.

Stay tuned for more exciting projects coming from Abbey West Recording, where artist visions become reality.

Reno-based band Share The Fire recently brought their passion and original music to Abbey West Recording, capturing their signature sound with the help of the studio’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Leading the charge is Rich Mattick (vocals/rhythm guitar), a self-taught songwriter with over 40 years of experience, influenced by Kiss, The Beatles, and Metallica. This marks his first band, and he’s thrilled to bring his music to life with such talented musicians.

Mark Fisher (lead guitar) started on drums before switching to guitar in the late ’70s. After a break to pursue a career in plumbing, his love for vintage guitars reignited his passion for playing. Dan Harner (bass) picked up the instrument a decade ago after years of playing guitar and has performed in several bands while balancing a career in cardiac imaging. Scott “Spidley” Pocock (drums) has been keeping the beat since high school, playing in bands since 1990 while working in quality control.

Together, Share The Fire is blending decades of experience with fresh energy. Their time at Abbey West Recording is a major step in their journey, and fans can expect big things ahead. Stay tuned!

Sources:

Facebook. (n.d.). SHARE the FIRE. Facebook. Retrieved 2.11.25, from https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568145406491

False Rhythms, a Rock/Reggae powerhouse from Gardnerville, NV, is diving into the studio at Abbey West Recording to craft their next big release. Founded by brothers Dalton and Garrett Moore, the five-piece band blends reggae, rock, metal, funk, and jazz into a sound that’s fresh and genre-defying. False Rhythms has been steadily building their reputation across the Northern Nevada music scene, earning praise for their electric performances. Dalton’s powerful lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Garrett’s blistering solos, Austin Hawkins’ funky basslines, Robbie Wheeler’s energetic drumming, and Chris Shott’s psychedelic synths combine to create music that’s as dynamic as it is memorable.

Now collaborating with AWR owner and head engineer Jerry Spikula, the band is poised to capture the magic of their live performances and bring it to life in the studio. Known for his expertise in blending clarity with raw emotion, Jerry’s engineering will highlight False Rhythms’ intricate instrumentation while maintaining the authenticity that fans love.

This upcoming release promises a polished sound filled with funky grooves, soaring solos, and high-energy rhythms—all with a professional edge that Abbey West Recording is known for. False Rhythms is channeling their diverse influences and musical chemistry to deliver tracks that push creative boundaries and resonate with their growing audience.

Stay tuned for what’s next from this talented group, as their time in the studio is sure to produce something unforgettable.

Sources:

This Is Reno. (2022, July). False Rhythms fill the Virginia Street Brewhouse [Photos]. Retrieved from https://thisisreno.com/2022/07/false-rhythms-fill-the-virginia-street-brewhouse-photos/

As the year wraps up, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are releasing year-end data, offering artists valuable insights into their performance. Key metrics—streams per listener, profile retention, and fan conversion rates—can help you plan for a stronger year ahead.

Streams per listener show how often fans replay your songs, with two or more streams indicating strong engagement. Profile retention measures whether listeners explore more of your catalog, signaling deeper interest. Meanwhile, fan conversion rates—followers divided by monthly listeners—reveal how well you’re turning casual listeners into loyal fans (Indiemono, The School of Music Business).

This data highlights what’s working and where to focus next—whether it’s planning tours in high-engagement regions, creating content that resonates, or refining your marketing. Year-end stats aren’t just a recap; they’re your guide to building momentum and growing your career in the new year (RouteNote).

Sources:

Indiemono
How to Calculate and Interpret Streaming Metrics Correctly. Retrieved from https://indiemono.com/how-to-calculate-and-interpret-streaming-metrics-correctly

The School of Music Business
Data Analytics: Understanding and Using Streaming Metrics to Advance Your Music Career. Retrieved from https://www.theschoolofmusicbusiness.com/post/data-analytics-understanding-and-using-streaming-metrics-to-advance-your-music-career

RouteNote
Understand Music Streaming Data. Retrieved from https://routenote.com/blog/understand-music-streaming-data

Reno-based indie alternative band Evening Spirits released their latest EP, Letters to Marie, this November, marking an exciting new chapter in their musical journey. The band, known for their engaging sound and dynamic performances, recorded the EP at Abbey West Recording.

The band’s collaboration with Jerry Spikula, the talented engineer behind Abbey West Recording, was central to the project. With years of experience in recording and producing bands, Jerry is known for his ability to capture the essence of live performance and translate it into polished studio recordings. His work with Evening Spirits began when they recorded their singles “Graffiti” and “Josephine” at AWR, laying the groundwork for what would become a productive and inspiring partnership.

Letters to Marie was crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail, as Jerry and the band worked closely to shape the sound of the EP. Jerry’s expertise in balancing instruments, refining vocals, and maintaining the raw energy of a band playing together allowed Evening Spirits to fully realize their vision. 

Evening Spirits, consisting of Wyatt Bonham (drums), Jonathan Grube (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Jude Lopez (bass guitar/vocals), and Jacob Manayan (lead guitar/vocals), has been a staple in the Reno music scene since 2020. Fans of the band can expect Letters to Marie to showcase the signature sound that has become synonymous with Evening Spirits—catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a sense of authenticity that reflects their indie roots. With Jerry Spikula’s touch, the EP will also have a polished yet organic feel, preserving the live energy the band brings to every performance.

Check out Letters to Marie, now available from Evening Spirits! Follow them for updates on their music, upcoming shows, and more. With their new EP out and their continued partnership with Abbey West Recording, Evening Spirits is poised to make an even bigger impact on the Reno indie music scene.

Sources:

reno.music.scene, 24 June 2024.