Categories: Lifestyle

Canada’s oldest recording studio is in Toronto & these are the stars who’ve visited

Image via Phase One Studios

Did you know that Bob Dylan, Rihanna, and KISS have recorded music in Toronto? Not only that, but the studio where the magic happened, Phase One Studios, is the oldest in the country. Opening in Scarborough in 1974, the studio “quickly became the place to record rock music in the Toronto area, attracting some of the world’s best-known artists.”

Phase One is still open today, and here’s a little glimpse at its fascinating past.

According to Phase One Studios, “In 1974, Paul Gross and Doug Hill wanted to build a world-class recording studio in Scarborough, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto. They hired legendary studio builder and speaker designer, George Augsperger to fly in from California, design and build Studio A at Phase One’s old location on Kennedy Road.”

And just as you’d expect the 70s to be, some wild times were being had at Phase One. The studio shares a handful of stories about their early days, including one involving KISS showing up in a giant RV and stories about the studio’s pool (yes, pool) that was used so recklessly over the years that the landlord eventually cemented right over it.

As the years went on, the studio began gaining even more local and international recognition. The space grew, adding three new rooms by the 2000s, with its success only continuing to skyrocket.

“The Barenaked Ladies, Rush, The Tragically Hip, Big Sugar, Jann Arden, The Weekend and many more left their mark,” shares Phase One Studios.

“Canadian legend Anne Murray recorded her final three albums at Phase, and Sting was there on a memorable session with Herbie Hancock. Rihanna recorded vocals for one of her best-selling albums, The Black Eyed Peas were in, and Bono came by to do vocals for a movie soundtrack.”

Pretty sweet.

The location of the studio has changed a few times as decades have passed, but today, this legendary place sits at 1121 Bellamy Road North. The necessary updates have been made to keep the spot in good shape, but something Phase One prides themselves in is keeping the same old-school vintage feel.

“Phase One has always been a world-class studio, now it is built in a way that will allow it to continue this way for years to come,” the studio says.

Want to record here yourself? Phase One Studios still takes clients today, and bookings can be done on their website.