Mountain Studios, Recording studio in Montreux, Switzerland
Mountain Studios occupies a section of the Montreux Casino building and was equipped with professional recording equipment and multiple soundproof rooms. Musicians found an extensive collection of instruments, microphones, amplifiers, and vintage gear available for their sessions.
The studio was founded in 1975 and came under the ownership of Queen and producer David Richards in 1979, who ran it until 2013. After Richards' death, the space was transformed into a museum supporting the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
The studio served as a recording venue for Montreux Jazz Festival performers and hosted sessions by artists like David Bowie, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones. These sessions left their mark on popular and rock music history.
The location sits in central Montreux and is easily accessible, with spaces designed for visitors to explore the recording environment. Tours through the museum show how the recording technology functioned and what happened behind the scenes.
The studio was known for sitting at one of the highest altitudes in Europe for a recording facility, with the elevation providing acoustic advantages and an isolated setting. This location made it a favored destination for international artists.
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