FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 20, 2021): A recently recorded 12” remix of Bob Dylan’s “Jokerman” is available for the next two weeks only on vinyl through Sony. As part of a special release by legendary Reggae producer Doctor Dread, this project received a significant level of attention at Sonoma County’s own Prairie Sun Recording. Mark “Mooka” Rennick acted as the Studio Engineer and his Assistant Engineer Max Hein lent his hand and ear to the effort. 

“Doctor Dread was a breath of fresh air”, states Rennick, ”between his beret and wry grin he’s full of stories, with a dub style that is fully spontaneous - and has echo everywhere. We did multiple takes in different styles to focus in on what the track needed. It turned out we have mutual friends through John Prine and I felt very blessed to work on this project. With COVID making travel impossible, my friend Jimmy The Fox, who worked with Dr. Dread on the ‘I and I’ track originally, recommended Prairie Sun. On our initial call I told Dread ‘I haven’t done any Dub’, then he replied, ‘Mooka don’t worry, when I’m done, you will.’”

The original versions of both tracks appeared on Dylan’s ‘Infidels’ album with Sly & Robbie as the rhythm section. The two “I And I” remixes were previously released on ‘Is It Rolling Bob: A Reggae Tribute To Bob Dylan’ (2003) while the ‘Jokerman’ remixes are newly commissioned and previously unreleased. Doctor Dread has worked with Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, Inner Circle, Gregory Isaacs, Luciano, Mad Cobra, Freddy Mcgregor, Sly and Robbie, Steel Pulse, The Wailers and many others.

Mark “Mooka” Rennick is the owner and founder of Prairie Sun Recording as well as the Grammy Award-winning Eugene Productions. He has recorded, mixed and mastered the likes of Tom Waits, Rick Derringer, Eric Gales, Larry Coryell, Shuggie Otis and many many more. As a session bassist he has played with Billy C Farlow among others. He plays in a politically charged spoken-word ensemble, The Abolitionists (bandcamp link), and plays bass in various local bands. He is currently accepting mixes and production.

Maximilien Hein is an audio engineer and composer from Austin, Texas who joined Prairie Sun amidst the pandemic after graduating from Texas State University’s Sound Recording Technology program. “I was particularly enamored by the opportunity to listen to Mark Knopfler’s isolated guitar tracks and appreciate on the most intimate level his taste and musicality. And hearing the live floor take of Bob Dylan’s vocal was truly a spiritual experience, as it was delivered with a rawness and conviction that surpasses the official final vocal from Infidels."

Now in its third decade of operation, Prairie Sun Recording is known as a residential recording facility with a technical bent toward vintage analog-recording equipment as well as state-of-the-art digital technology. Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Greg Allman, Kate Wolf, Mickey Hart, Primus, Faith No More, the Melvins, Ramblin’ Jack Eliot, and Dick Dale all have recorded at Prairie Sun or used its post-production facilities.

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In late May and early June, The Killers spent six days in Studio C with renowned producers Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, Hozier, Brittany Howard) and Johnathan Rado (Father John Misty, Whitney, The Lemon Twigs). The Waits, Corn, and control rooms were turned into an oasis for creation.

The past few months have been transitional and at times uncomfortable for us all. Despite all of the craziness, Prairie Sun has been having fun. A ton of creation, writing, and production has been happening at the farm and we are pumped!!!

In late May and early June, The Killers spent six days in Studio C with renowned producers Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, Hozier, Brittany Howard) and Johnathan Rado (Father John Misty, Whitney, The Lemon Twigs). The Waits, Corn, and control rooms were turned into an oasis for creation.

We have been enjoying their new album, Imploding the Mirage and look forward to hearing the 2021 album. If you haven't checked it out yet then do yourself a favor, drop everything and turn up those speakers. "Imploding the Mirage," is available on all platforms.

Below is a link to the full article from Consequence of Sound.

We've all had some time this year to write... and we definitely have some current event topics to write about... sooo here we go!!

Prairie Sun Recording Studio Special

Five 10 hour days withe an engineer + lodging in our guest house... all for $4,500!! This deal won't last forever, it's our giveback to artists that want to make the most of their touring downtime.

We have been staying up to date on COVID-19 procedures and have a strict cleaning policy. Our guest house is professionally cleaned and aired out for at least 24 hours between guests. While recording, we are able to have band members stay 6 feet apart, our engineers wear masks, and he have sanitizers and hand washing stations readily available.

Need a vacation?? Bring the band and come make an album!!

707.795.7011

​"Drummer," "author," " activist," "artist,"" lawyer," "father," and "recent podcast guest," any of these terms can be used to describe Mr. Greg Anton, a longtime friend of the studio and music industry veteran.

 It took Mooka not a second to decide who the next guest on the Prairie Sun Presents podcast would be. What started as a brainstorm about the next episode quickly turned into an email to a mysterious drummer I'd met briefly during a recent recording session. While setting up, there were whispers and murmurs about a guy who was going to stop by to play drums on the record. I remember words like "pro", "the real deal", "one hand" and "famous" being thrown around. Who was this guy? What made him so special? He seemed normal to me- a bit quiet maybe, but a fantastic musician to boot! It was about time I did some research, and boy did I find what I was looking for.

Being a drummer and co-founding member of the San Francisco band “Zero”, as well as working with Robert Hunter (a primary lyricist for the Grateful Dead), Greg is no stranger to the recording studio. Like I'm sure many of you are, I myself am an artist. Because of this, as I'm sure many of you can relate, I don't exactly have an abundance of free time. Thats why I'm astonished when I meet people like Greg. This is a man who makes time, and with that time he manages to get a lot done. In 1971, Greg received a BA with honors in philosophy from Ohio University. His undergraduate thesis: "A Phenomenological Analysis of Music", was published by Ohio University Press. He continued studying philosophy in a Masters program at San Francisco State University, then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree at the Seattle University School of Law (formerly the University of Puget Sound Law School). Aside from being a practicing attorney, Greg has also authored several literary works such as his first novel “Face the Music” (pictured to the right). Face the Music is a fictional story about a love song called "Stephanie", self-discovery, and the spiritual power of music. In 2014 Greg composed a song by the same name with Robert Hunter and recorded it with Steve Kimock, Melvin Seals, Tim Hockenberry and Robin Sylvester.

Having Greg on the show was great. It’s not often that you get to have a conversation with someone who has had such a rich and organic involvement with what some could call the real music industry. A kind of multifaceted artistic endeavor that seems to be fading as time goes on. Something that goes beyond just sounds on a vinyl record and brings people together in a much more important way. Luckily Greg’s not going anywhere, and we’re happy to have him and help him carry on his vision of a better more honest world. On June 12th 2020, a record by the name of "Anton Guberman Project" was released by Telefunken Records. Greg Anton and Scott Guberman decided to take some of Robert Hunters lyrics that were never fully realized and create finalized recordings with them. In the most recent episode of the Prairie Sun Presents podcast we get to hear a bit of the record and have an in-depth conversation with Greg about his experience working on the album, writing music with Hunter and his band Zero, as well as Greg’s current involvement with the world of activism and literature. Be sure to tune in because you won’t want to miss this episode!  

~Written By: Eric Fadidga, Prairie Sun Intern
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Access the Greg Anton podcast here:

​Check out related links and articles below!

·       Where to buy
o   https://antongubermanproject.bandcamp.com/album/anton-guberman-project
·       Grateful Web
o   https://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/antonguberman-project-collectors-series
·       Paralympics Video
o   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IocLkk3aYlk
·       Telefunken 
o   https://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/
·       Greg’s Daughters website
o   https://www.chevymarie.com/
·       Greg’s website
o   http://gregantonmusic.com/
·       Greg’s publisher
o   http://plusonepress.com/
·       Tumbleweed soul
o   https://www.tumbleweedsoul.com/
·       The Rock Collection
o   http://therockcollection.net/
·       JamBase article
o   https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/robert-hunter-lyrics-anton-guberman-project/
·       L4LM Article
o   https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/robert-hunter-lyrics-anton-guberman-project/
·       Prairie Sun Recording Studios
o   https://www.prairiesun.com/
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Paul began playing the guitar at 14 and in his late 20s he formed a connection with the jazz community. Jazz theory opened up a new world of exploration in music for him. “The day I figured out my music laid elsewhere,” said Paul as he spoke about Americana being his home. He said, “That’s who I am!” Through this journey, he realized that he loved writing about things you see in people. "I recognize something in the hearts of other people," exclaimed Paul.
 
Paul has worked on numerous albums here at Prairie Sun. He enjoys the camaraderie. He stated that, "Everything that is done there is done with heart. Creating music is an endeavor that includes everyone's voice. With the team at Prairie Sun you get honesty, suggestions with open discussions and a rapport that is like no other. I work with people who have great hearts. They get it. Mooka, Nate and I have a great rapport."
 
In conclusion I asked Paul to give a word of advice to fellow artists during this time. He replied, "Use this opportunity the best you can. With your music, express your feelings. Be willing to show people who you are. Stick with it! This will pass."
 
Album Release
 
Paul Miller's album The Rivers in Heaven, mixed by Mark "Mooka" Rennick, is set to be released in the summer 2020. It is a beautiful collection of songs inspired by Paul's time as a fly fisherman creating on the river.

​Take a listen to Paul's single "Sion!"

The one with him sitting on a bale of hay looking up to the camera. The everyday observations for the common man in each song touched us. "Sam Stone" was one of my favorites. Also, of course "Illegal Smile" was an anthem for the underground community when being that illegal was sometimes a jail sentence.  ​

John Prine changed our lives. It's kinda like being a Tom Waits fan; you are IN!! I have many stories about John and his family. I'm grateful for having had the privilege to experience over the last 40 years. I met and became best friends with Billy Prine here in Cotati, Ca. We have maintained a lovely relationship and I am truly, deeply feeling his loss on a personal level. 

There are only three artists that instantly made me break out and cry, when I heard of their passing. Here they are in sequential order. The three of them were incredible songwriters.

Stevie Goodman whom I met through the Prine family. It must be noted he was John’s partner and produced Bruised Orange in Chicago. He also wrote the American Music standard "City of New Orleans!" His ashes were scattered at the pitcher's mound of their beloved Cubs, Wrigley field in Chicago. He died way too early of leukemia.

Lowell George of Little Feat, like the other two, was a songwriter amongst song writers. "Willin" stands out as a common man’s song about “getting through your day/night." We all sang it like an anthem. He was an amazing slide player as well. 

The third was John Prine. When we heard the news the country was on its knees praying for his recovery. John and his wife, Fiona, had an amazing year prior to March. He was finally recognized by the Grammy Awards community. He was so grateful and humble to be a part of it. Bonnie Raitt did a rendition of "Angel from Montgomery." He had just released an amazing album and his fertile imagination was on full display. Folks hear this!!! The man was at the apex of his career. If you need any evidence of who he influenced just go to any FB account and see how he resonated with our souls. 

In the video “When I Get to Heaven” John writes about death in his iconic way. Billy Prine, Chris Marvin and I would stay up late playing music at Prairie Sun Recording. We'd also talk about philosophy and what we might have learned so far. Billy shared the famous quote from his father that never left me “My father always said, Once you're dead you’re a dead pecker head” John always quoted his father at every concert and this line is straight out of Kentucky.  

 Billy Prine’s podcast is done with beautiful stories about where the Prine family came from in Paradise, Kentucky. Check out Prine Time below.
 
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~Mark "Mooka" Rennick~

Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs recorded their first studio album this month at Prairie Sun.

In this video you can meet the band and hear about their experience at our Sonoma County country-setting studio.

They tracked live in Studio C with Brad Dollar. The chose to come from Montana to record here in California because they are big fans of The Brothers Comatose "Respect The Van" recorded here.

The band talks about their inspirations and how touring on their way to record affected their recording experience. You'll also learn about the 2 seasons of Montana!

Laney, Matt, Brian, Ethan, and Josh: thank you for joining the Prairie Sun family!

Learn more aboutLaney Lou and the Bird Dogs and their official website.

February 5, 2019 (Cotati CA)   
Curb/Word Publishing recently brought together writers from Nashville, LA and Atlanta for a pop focused songwriting camp. The writers worked at the legendary Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, CA. 

Writers represented publishers such as Curb/Word, Disney, Big Deal, Prescription and Kobalt.
“The goal of this camp was to create an isolated and inspiring environment for the writers, producers and artists in attendance to create some special songs,” said Joel Timen, VP Curb A&R and Publishing.

About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music.

About The Songwriters
Participating songwriters included Kipp Williams, Tony Ferrari, Dan Muckala, Chris Mackey, David Thulin, Joel Timen, Daylight, Sean Cook, Andreas Moss, Taylor Hill, Wayne Starxs, Melanie Pfirrman, Alma Goodman, Klara Elias, Natalie Lauren Sims and Leo Arnarson

We're excited about this page because it's an opportunity to hear directly from the people who have created records here about their experience at Prairie Sun.

We've worked hard for over 4 decades to help artists fulfill their musical dream. And we think we've done a pretty good job of combining one of the best collections of recording equipment with an inspiring space and supportive, expert engineers. 

But don't take our word for it, listen to the artists themselves to hear "Why Producers & Musicians Love Prairie Sun."

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