Upstairs at United is a series of all-analog recordings recorded inside the historic United Record Pressing plant in Nashville, TN. All recordings were captured directly to analog tape under the leadership of mastering engineer Chris Mara of analog recording studio Welcome to 1979, then cut to 12” EP’s at 45 RPM. The records are presented in a Kraft-style packaging that highlights the authentic all-analog approach used in making these records, include session specific inserts with color photos from the recording sessions, and come in archival quality resealable poly bags.
The purpose of the Upstairs at United series is to release outstanding music recorded in a classic all analog style, and to celebrate the rich musical and cultural history that’s taken place inside this 49 year old building. Established in 1949, the same year the 45RPM record was born, United Record Pressing is still the go to pressing plant for the industry from the biggest of big to four guys in a garage. The doors to its present location first opened in 1962. In response to a then segregated South, United created an apartment above the plant to host the record label executives and artists who were excluded from hotel accommodations due to the color of their skin. This apartment, now called the Motown Suite, is still intact and furnished in its original decor. Adjacent to the apartment is a large space solely dedicated to hosting record release parties and other events for labels and artists. Among the many, it’s believed that this room hosted parties for The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Cowsills, Wayne Newton, and a signing party for a 16-year-old Hank Williams, Jr. In addition to existing as a monument to our musical and cultural history, the space upstairs at United Record Pressing continues to host events for artists, labels, and other lovers of music. It is in this sacred space that the Upstairs at United series is being recorded.
All recordings are engineered by Chris Mara and his analog studio Welcome to 1979 located in Nashville, Tennessee. All recordings were done live directly to 1/4 inch analog tape using a sixteen channel vintage recording console and vintage microphones and outboard gear, with no overdubs, edits or audio sweetening. What you hear is music in its most pure form: the recordings capture the end product of the artists together in a single room, complete with all of the enthusiasm, spirit and soul that is the foundation for this great art form.
We’re quite proud of the artists who’ve participated in the series and how eclectic it’s been thus far. To date we’ve done releases from:
453-1962 (LP)
On August, 16th 2011, Volume 1 of Upstairs at United was put to tape. This recording features four live studio recordings from Brendan Benson. Brendan and a crew of stellar musicians performed covers of “Candidate” (David Bowie), “Strangers” (The Kinks), and “Beyond Belief” (Elvis Costello). Brendan closes the record with a moving solo performance of Randy Newman’s “Love Song” (made popular by Harry Nilsson). Reflecting on the experience Brendan Benson commented, “I had a blast recording some of my favorite songs in the legendary Motown suite at the historic United Pressing Plant. Great people. Great wine. It was really special!”
453-1963 (LP)
On August 17th, 2011, Volume 2 of Upstairs at United was put to tape. This recording features five live studio recordings from Cory Chisel. Together with longtime collaborator Adriel Harris and a talented group of musicians, Cory recorded 5 tracks, including two cover songs, ”Rosie” (Tom Waits) and ”The Change Is Made” (Bee Gees), along with three well known but previously unrecorded originals ”Old Love”, ”Never Meant to Love You”, and ”In The Deep End.” Among the other musicians, Brendan Benson makes an appearance on drums, keys, guitar and talkbox. ”It was amazing to connect to the lineage of talent that has walked through that room at United. You could feel the voodoo in the walls. And recording live to tape and cutting straight to lacquer – the way it used to be done – heightened the recording in such a unique way. I feel lucky to be a part of this project that honors United’s history so well” said Cory Chisel.
453-1965 (LP)
On October 18th, 2011, JEFF The Brotherhood were joined by William Tyler (Tompkins Square), Loney Hutchins (Cleft Records) and Joey Plunket in recording Volume 3 of the Upstairs at United series. Each song in this session was recorded in a single take direct to 1/4 inch tape then cut at 45 RPM for the ultimate listening experience.
JEFF The Brotherhood, the sibling duo of Jake & Jamin Orrall show their prog rock side on this recording. While the recording consists of only three songs those songs totalled enough time that they rocked out until they literally ran out of tape (as can be heard at the end of ”In Space No One Can Hear You Scream, Part II’).’ While traditionally a two piece, JEFF The Brotherhood, was joined in this session by William Tyler on guitar, Loney Hutchins on keys and crazy space sounds, and Joey Plunket on bass. The recording features an 11 minute version of tour favorite ”I’m A Freak” (Wicked Lady), an 11 minute cover of Hawkwind’s ”Master Of The Universe” and the 8 minute improvisational jam ”In Space No One Can Hear You Scream”.
Only available at independent retail.
453-1966 (LP)
On June 7th, 2012, North Mississippi Allstars, this day consisting of Luther Dickinson (vocals, guitar), Cody Dickinson (drums), Pierre Wells, (bass, vocals), and Sharisse Norman, Shontelle Norman and Stefanie Bolton on backing vocals, recorded Volume 4 of the Upstairs at United series. Each song in this session was recorded in a single take direct to 1/4 inch tape then cut at 45 RPM for the ultimate listening experience.
The North Mississippi Allstars, recorded 5 nuggets of gospel blues goodness including “Let It Roll”, “I’m a Soldier In The Army of The Lord”, “What You Gonna Do”, “Up Over Yonder”, and “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed & Burning”. Each song has overpowering heart and raw soul.
453-1967 (LP)
On June 21st, 2012, Keane made their contribution to the Upstairs at United series, recording four songs from their catalog in a stripped down fashion that included only vocals, piano/organ, guitar, & limited percussion. The songs recorded that day were “It’s Not True”, “Sea Fog”, “Silenced By The Night”, and “Fly To Me.” Each song in this session was recorded in a single take direct to 1/4 inch tape then cut at 45 RPM for the ultimate listening experience.
453-1964 (LP)
On October 17th, 2011, the Smoke Fairies backed by members of Blitzen Trapper (Subpop Records) recorded Volume 6 of the Upstairs at United series of all analog recordings in the historic United Record Pressing plant. True to the Upstairs at United series, each song was recorded in a single take direct to ¼ inch tape then cut at 45 RPM for the ultimate listening experience.
”The Fairies are Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire, two lasses from Chichester, UK who sing and play acoustic guitars. The duo’s voices and instruments harmonize in haunting ways that evoke the ethereal spirits from which they take their band’s name.” – Steve Horowitz (popmatters.com)
The addition of Blitzen Trapper’s Erik Menteer (B-3 & percussion) and Brian Koch (drums) along with Martin H. Gonzalez on bass add a unique element to the haunting guitar and vocal combos of Katherine Blamire & Jessica Davies that we’ve come to love as the Smoke Fairies.
Available now at your favorite independent record retailer!
453-1968 (LP)
On February 5th, 2013, Willy Mason and Brendan Benson put to tape Upstairs at United Vol. 7. Brendan Benson expertly produced, assembled, and conducted an arsenal of stellar musicians who graced the sacred space upstairs at United Record Pressing with seven songs all written by Willy Mason’s folk artist parents Jemima James and Michael Mason. Upstairs At United Vol. 7. is a lush vibrant recording featuring everything from upright bass, mandolin, pump organ, viola, fiddle, cocktail table percussion, and more. Upstairs At United is a series of all analog, direct to tape, live studio recordings, taped above the pressing plant in tribute to the rich historical significance of that space.
Performing these Jemima James & Michael Mason penned songs, are Willy Mason, Brendan Benson, Nina Violet, Jared Green, Ben Plasse, Ian Craft, Brad Pemberton, Andrew Higley, and Marna Taylor and Kim Collins doing the backup vocals.
Available now at your favorite independent record retailer!
453-1963 (LP)
On February 28th, 2013, Chuck Mead (of BR549) recorded Upstairs at United Vol. 8. Chuck graced the sacred space with 6 songs including cherished BR549 fan favorite, ”Opie And Me (Down By The Duck Pond)”. Upstairs At United Vol. 8. is the first of the series to have pedal steel captured to magnetic tape and we hope it won’t be the last. The recording stands as a real honky-tonk throw down that we’re proud to welcome to the Upstairs at United series. Upstairs At United is a series of all analog, direct to tape, live studio recordings, taped above the pressing plant in tribute to the rich historical significance of that space.
Accompanying Chuck in the classic county romp is Mark Andrew Miller (Upright Bass & Background Vocals), Carco Clave (Steel Guitar, Banjo, Electric Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel), and Martin Lynds (Drums & Background Vocals).
453-1970 (LP)
On March 6th, 2013, Henry Wagons recorded his haunting and sometimes humorous Upstairs at United Vol. 10. Henry presents 7 songs including an Elvis cover and a Waylon Jennings cover. In addition to Henry’s deep Aussie howl, he gets additional vocal support from Kirsty Tickle (of Little Scout) and Chad Mason. Upstairs At United is a series of all analog, direct to tape, live studio recordings, taped above the pressing plant in tribute to the rich historical significance of that space.
Accompanying Henry on Upstairs at United Vol. 9 is Kirsty Tickle (Vocals, Kick Drum, Tambourine, and Keys), Chad Mason (Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Percussion, and Vocals), and Chris Altmann (Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Percussion, and Background Vocals).
453-1972 (LP)
On February 4th, 2014, 73 year old Grammy nominated blues and R&B legend Bobby Rush added a generous helping of all analog, direct to tape, soul to Upstairs at United series. The set opens with a blistering take on the Beatles “Come Together” where most of the vocal is “sung” by the harmonica, followed by a sultry take on Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle.” Side two starts with a newly penned gem “Why Do They Act Like That” and finishes with Floyd-ish take on a Bobby Rush Classic, “2 Eyes Full of Tears.” As traditional to the series, these recordings were done live to tape above the mechanical hum of the record presses at United Record Pressing then cut as a 45 RPM 12″ EP for the optimum listening experience.
Available now at your favorite independent record store.
453-1971 (LP)
On February 3rd, 2014, NY indie pop duo Cults put to tape the 10th volume of the Upstairs at United series of recordings. Presented here in full ALL ANALOG glory are live recordings of fan favorite “You Know What I Mean” from their self titled debut, “High Road,” and the darkly wondrous boy/girl vocal fun of “Were Before” from their latest Columbia release Static. The closer is their take on the Motels hit “Total Control.” As consistent with the series these recordings were done live to tape above the fully operating presses at United Record Pressing then cut as a 45 RPM 12″ EP for your listening pleasure.
Available now at your favorite independent record store.