New recording studio in Cortez

New recording studio in Cortez

August 9, 2001

ROCK MUSICIANS Chris Busby and Dennis Knuckles lay down tracks produced by Ron Rios of Musically Sound Studios in Cortez. Rios, a professional musician, wants to uplift the local music scene by offering quality recording sessions at a reasonable price. He can be contacted at 565-4680.

By Jim Mimiaga
Journal Staff Writer

Whether you’re an upstart musician, part of a veteran rock band, or a member of a high-school jazz band, Ron Rios of Musically Sound Studios in Cortez wants to produce your next CD.

For $25 per hour, considered quite reasonable by industry standards, customers can have their tunes professionally recorded by Rios, who uses a 16-track digital mixer, high-tech microphones, special-effect machines, and computer equipment to burn CD’s in his just-opened studio at 124 N. Beech Street.

As a successful musician with 25 years of experience, Rios, 39, has developed a respected ear for quality sound and composition.

But more than that, musicians will benefit from his easy-going demeanor and production skills that have a way of bringing out the best qualities of a song or musician.

"Over the years I have learned from my mistakes, so I share that knowledge to help produce clear, well-balanced cuts that have big sound and play back nicely," Rios said.

"I saw a niche market for an affordable recording studio in Cortez, whereas if you go to, say, Durango, the price will be much higher."

— Ron Rios
Musically Sound Studios

Rios’ own streaming guitar tracks, reminiscent of virtuoso Joe Satriani, floated from background speakers during a recent visit to his professional studio.

There, local musicians touted Rios as a positive influence on a growing Four Corners music scene.

"He is bringing a lot of musicians who did not know each other together, and those new friendships are creating a stronger, more vibrant music scene for Cortez," said Dennis Knuckles of the Cortez band Dr. Grooveheart.

Dr. Grooveheart, a rollicking bluegrass-funk band with distinct regional lyrics, recorded its latest CD, "Know Yourself," at Musically Sound. And Montezuma-Cortez High School graduate Chris Busby recorded his first CD with Rios. The album, "What If," is under the stage name Christopher James.

"Ron really helped with my confidence; he showed me that I sounded good because I tend to be too critical of myself," Busby said.

"It was fun getting other musician friends to come down and help out with my CD, and the price was within reach."

Musically Sound Studios can handle veteran bands. But it also targets new bands and musicians who perhaps thought they could never afford to record their own music.

"I saw a niche market for an affordable recording studio in Cortez, whereas if you go to, say, Durango, the price will be much higher," Rios said.

"In producing my own music I have collected a lot of good equipment that I can put to good use for others."

Musically Sound Studios also provides back-up guitar, bass, drums and keyboard tracks for songwriters who have written music but never had it produced.

Rios has done projects in rock, blues, jazz, folk and country, adding that he is also interested in memorializing Native American music on CD.

His studio can also be mobilized to accommodate live concerts or high school and college bands on site.

Contact Ron Rios of Musically Sound Studios at 565-4680.