KMA in the News
The Studio Tour
KMA is a state-of-the-art full service recording and mixing facility located in the legendary Brill Building overlooking Times Square. In the short time since the studio's re-opening 2007, KMA has already completed projects with many of the leading names in the music industry.
KMA offers the latest in recording technology in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that fosters creativity and brings out the best in writers, artists, and producers.
KMA's two studios are built around Pro Tools HD systems, and our A room features Digidesign's flagship Icon control surface, Griffin monitors, and outboard gear from API, Avalon, Great River, Focusrite, Universal Audio, SSL, and many others.
Since 1988, KMA and owner Michael Case Kissel have offered clients the finest in composition, recording, mixing, and production. Our selection of topnotch equipment, our highly professional staff, and our gorgeous facility with beautiful views of Times Square are a combination that makes working at KMA an experience like no other. Come check it out for yourself.
New York Times Profiles The Brill Building
The legendary home to "The Brill Building Sound", 1619 Broadway has been the working home to some of the biggest names in the history of popular music, and today it is the home of KMA Studios. In this article the New York Times unveils the history of this musical landmark:
"The earliest leasing announcements for the Brill Building refer only to ordinary businesses, but by the 1940s it was full of musicians. The composer Johnny Marks, who wrote “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 1949, had space in the Brill no later than 1950, and his firm, St. Nicholas Music, still has offices there, as does the singer Paul Simon. But there are fewer musicians in the Brill Building these days, and more filmmakers..."
Built With a Broken Heart
KMA And The Brill Building Mentioned in the NY Post
NY Post talks to Roz about the relevance of the Brill Building then and now. Follow the link below for the full article:
"'It's about time,' said Roz Rosner, manager for KMA studios at the Brill Building, where some of the top-selling artists continue to churn out hits, including Jay-Z and Alicia Keyes' "Empire State of Mind."
"I've been here four years, and I love walking in here every day. I feel the ghosts walking down the hallways," Rosner said of the building's musical legacy that began in the swing era with the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller and, later, Benny Goodman..."
Landmark Moment For Famed Brill Building
KMA Featured in Industrial Acoustics Newsletter
KMA was featured in Industrial Acoustics' 2009 autumn newsletter. The studio is a fully modular custom design by Fran Manzella of famous studio designers, FM Design utilizing IAC’s AccuTone2 Broadcast Series Rooms and Noise-Lock acoustic doors and windows.
"KMA is located close to Times Square in the Brill Building which houses many of the world’s largest music publishers. KMA Music aims to deliver a first-class recording experience for every genre... "
"a co-operative arrangement with young writer and producers to enable them to realize their creative projects within a world-class stimulating environment.”
See the full article here:
eNews From IAC
The Class of 2008
KMA Studios topped the list for Mix Magazine's Class of 2008 for new state-of-the-art recording facilities:
"Situated in the Brill Building, KMA opened in April 2007 and offers a Digidesign ICON, Pro Tools HD, Griffin G1.5 main monitors, a Yamaha Grand and an unsurpassed view of Times Square."
For the complete list, see:
Mix Magazine's Class of 2008
Sonic Scoop Covers KMA Studios
Sonic Scoop covered KMA studios, and in an interview with studio manager David Rosner and assistant studio manager, James Spano, to discuss history, gear, frequent clients, and hypothetical situations like, "the building is on fire, you only have time grab ONE thing to save, what is it?"
"We are a boutique studio with a vibe like no other... which is why clients choose to record and mix their projects in our extremely quiet and sonically accurate rooms."
Click the link below to read the full article:
Recording Sweet Spot: KMA Music
AKG Comes To KMA
AKG stopped by the Brill Building in October and profiled KMA:
"Complete with a striking view of Times Square and walls lined with Platinum Records, KMA stands as one of the most prominent recording studios in New York, offering its clients free-range use of the equipment, while other studios charge a rental fee. “Our clients expect the best service and hospitality, which is what we provide. We’ve made the investments in our equipment to ensure the artists and labels are happy and continue to work with us,” continued Roz."
Check out the article on the AKG website here:
KMA Studio Brings Music Back To The Brill Building With AKG Microphones
Pepsi Refresh
KMA, Viacom, and Pepsi Refresh worked together with young NYC songwriters to bring their talents into the studio! KMA's own in-house engineer Serge Nudel worked together with rapper/producer Wale to help these talented young people make it happen!
Real Housewives of New York - Recording at KMA
The Real Housewives of New York is one of the most popular TV shows on Bravo. It highlights the most affluent women of NYC. One of the housewives, "LuAnn de Lesspes" better known as "The Countess" recorded "Money Can't Buy You Class" at KMA.
LuAnn has also written a book of etiquette, "Class With The Countess" that goes along with her "style & class" genre. Recording at KMA was fun and refreshing for both LuAnn and the viewers of the show who witnessed it.
Jazmine Sullivan - World Cup and Second Album
South African teacher, activist, and singer Jpre is contributing a revamp of his historical song, "Ke Nako" to the World Cup album. Originally recorded and adopted by none other than Nelson
Mandela as the theme song for his election campaign, the 2010 edition of the song features five-time Grammy nominee Jazmine Sullivan, international superstar Wyclef Jean, and introduces new sensation B. Howard. Proceeds from the album will benefit many African charities, including FIFA's "20 Centers for 2010", whose aim is to achieve positive social change through football by building twenty "Football for Hope" centers for public health, education and football across Africa.
Jazmine Sullivan recorded for "Ke Nako" right here at KMA. During her time here, Jazmine also started recording her sophomore album, which is expected to be released later this month.
Claude Kelly / David Cook / Steve Van Zandt
Claude Kelly the ultimate singer/songwriter, is known for working with Fantasia, David Cook, Kelly Clarkson, Akon, Jordin Sparks, and Miley Cyrus, just to name a few of today's most popular artists. Claude has also worked alongside a worldwide hit maker, producer Max Martin, where they have written songs for Britney Spears. Claude is one of the most versatile and hottest musicians out there. He frequently works out of KMA studios where he writes smash hits. You can follow Claude Kelly on Twitter @claudekelly.
Rock singer/songwriter and winner of American Idol season 7, David Cook began working on his upcoming album at KMA alongside Claude Kelly. He also teamed up with legendary musician, producer and arranger Steve Van Zandt, who is best known for playing with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. Make sure to look out for David Cook's upcoming album! For the latest news and highlights on David Cook you can visit his official website http://www.davidcookofficial.com.
Claude Kelly on Songwriting
Claude Kelly has written hit songs for such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and R. Kelly. Mr. Kelly recently sat down with Sonic Scoop's Janice Brown to discuss the process behind writing hit records. Here's what Sonic Scoop had to say about Mr. Kelly:
"Kelly’s versatility and intuition in the studio enables him to embody the artists he works with, tap into their styles and sensibilities and write songs from the heart, from party-girl pop-rock and dance-floor anthems to rock and R&B power-ballads. He seems to transcend style and gender, writing melodies and lyrics that resonate powerfully with the biggest names in music and with the masses."
To get the full interview, please read Claude Kelly on Songwriting
Gonzales Playing Keys In KMA's Live Room
Located in the Brill Building in Times Square, Gonzales is recording at KMA Studios and talks about how the location inspires his hard-working spirit. As he is interviewed by Aux TV he talks about his exciting and exhilarating album "Solo Piano".
Click the image above to watch or follow the link below to read the article:
CMJ Visits Gonzales at KMA Studios in NYC
KMA in Camp Rock 2 Behind the Scenes Footage
Rockin' on with pop sensations The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Alyson Stoner, and more as they record "The Road to Camp Rock 2" at KMA Studios in New York City!
Watch as they work to rehearse the unforgettable dance moves all the way to recording their smashing songs in the studio. Get a behind the scenes look at what it is like to rock on at Camp Rock!
Click the image above to watch.
Ben Folds and Nick Hornby on BBC News
It is a common practice for musicians to collaborate in the music industry. However, it is not often that you will see a singer tap a best-selling author to pen his lyrics. That is what happened when popular singer-songwriter Ben Folds befriended contemporary novelist Nick Hornby.
American singer/songwriter Ben Folds and British author Nick Hornby stop by KMA Studios in New York City to discuss their recent collaboration with Shannon Cook. Take a look at how the unlikely duo connected from opposite sides of the Atlantic Lonely Avenue, for BBC News.
Ben Folds and Nick Hornby on BBC News
Eric Lewis and his 'rockjazz' piano
Eric Lewis (ELEW), frequent vistor to KMA Studios is featured on CNN. Shanon Cooks writes:
"It's a physical experience for the 6-foot-2 musician, and his manager keeps generous supplies of Gatorade on hand to keep the electrolytes flowing when he's onstage. When Lewis performed for CNN.com at KMA Music studio in Midtown Manhattan, the Yamaha looked like it could've used some Gatorade, too, after Lewis put it through a relentless workout."
"I've never broken a piano," Lewis says. "However, I've been banned from particular clubs for breaking piano strings."
To read more and watch him perform click the following link: 'rockjazz'
Duro - Mixed the UnderArmour Commercial
Ken Ifill, better known as "Supa Engineer Chairman of the Boards" DURO, frequently works out of the KMA Music, where he mixes some of the most popular music out there today. Duro has mixed music for numerous chart-topping artists including, but not limited to: Jay Sean, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Nas, Mary J Blige, Jennifer Lopez, and Jay-Z all at KMA. He has gained much recognition as of late for mixing Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' smash hit NYC anthem "Empire State Of Mind," and recently has teamed up with UnderArmour sports wear to mix the music for their latest commercial.
Duro & Digidesign
Ken Ifill a.k.a Supa Engineer Duro sits down to demonstrate Pro Tools HD, the industry standard in digital recording, here at KMA Studios. He explains how working with Digidesign Pro Tools HD helps him to work fluently in engineering and producing an album.
Some of his credits include: Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, The Roots, Will Smith, Beastie Boys...and so many more!
Click the image above to view.
50 Cent at KMA
Hip-Hop drama! Get the real deal as 50 Cent dishes about what really went down with G-unit and why he kicked Young Buck out of the group. While at KMA Studios in New York City, 50 Cent gives all of the savage details and also talks about his album T.O.S.- Terminate On Sight.
Click the image above for the full interview.
BET Shows Jay Sean At KMA
Jay Sean is shown working at KMA on BET's show, "Rising Icons," illustrating a day in the life of Jay Sean. They go behind the scenes of his daily workouts, studio sessions, and preparing for his video shoots and performances. To watch the full episode click the above image.
KMA Featured in Footage Jay Sean's "2012"
Jay Sean's collaborations include Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Mary J. Blige- just to name a few! Take a peek behind the scenes at the production of "2012" by Jay Sean at KMA Studios and an exclusive look into what its like to make monumental music!
Click the image above to watch.
Mary J. Blige ft Jay Sean
Mary J. Blige's song "Each Tear ft. Jay Sean," off the U.K. edition of her 9th studio album Stronger With Each Tear, was recorded right here at KMA. Our very own Jordan "DJ Swivel" Young was the recording engineer for this song, which reflects upon learning from the past. Stronger With Each Tear debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and at #1 on the Billboard R&B/ Hip Hop albums chart. The message of the song coupled with the video's images of children make for a simple yet powerful video. "We can't change the things that we've done in the past/But fighting won't get us anywhere."
Fantasia For Real
The winner of American Idol season 3, Grammy nominated R&B and soul singer Fantasia was recording at KMA studios while filming her VH1 reality show "Fantasia For Real." Fantasia is about to release her 3rd studio album, which will showcase a more personal side of the singer's life. You can download her new single "Bittersweet" on iTunes now!
Fantasia At KMA
In her last episode of "Fantasia For Real", Fantasia reflects back on the most memorable moments of her first season. Pay close attention at nineteen minutes into the season finale to see her listening back to her records and enjoying a dance with James Brown at KMA Studios. To view the full episode click the image above.
M-Dash Behind the Scenes
"M-Dash", featuring Bravo, Freck Billionaire, Paul Cain, and Fabolous was shot on location here in the heart of New York City, Times Square, at KMA Studios. See what really goes down!
Click the image above for the EXCLUSIVE behind-the-scenes video.
Michael Case Kissel Profiled in Playback
Songwriter, producer, and KMA founder Michael Case Kissel was profiled in ASCAP's Playback magazine. Playback covered his work with fitness and movie star (and future governor of California) Arnold Schwarzenegger during his work on the Governator's "Total Body Workout":
"During the recording, Arnold had this to say about Kissel: 'If you go on like this for the next ten years, you will someday have a body like Mike Kissel -- he is the king of kings, stud of studs.'"
Check out the full article:
Playback Magazine
Michael Case Kissel, 1949-2009
Sad news here at KMA as we mourn the passing of our visionary founder Michael Case Kissel, who passed away in May 2009 from a rare form of brain cancer. Mike was an amazing musician and producer, and Mix Magazine ran the following obituary in honor of our late founder.
Michael Kissel's Obituary
Goodbye Mike. We will miss you.
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