Meet Karl Heilbron of Periscope Studio Atlanta in West Side

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karl Heilbron.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out of high school. (Full sail university in Orlando). Got an internship at criteria studios in Miami. Where I was born and raised. Did some reggae sessions at SKD and other studios for a few years. Moved to Atlanta in early ‘93. Landed a dream job at southern tracks in Atlanta as chief engineer. Did sessions with Brendan o Brien producing. We did the black crows, sound garden, Pearl Jam, Kings X and Keith sweat. At the urging of the studio manager and owner mike Clark, I started working with Keith and we had our first #1 with “freak me” from Silk and Keith’s multi-platinum single “nobody” that I recorded and mixed (even play bass on it).

Went on to work at the sweat shop with Keith. Did some world tours. After I worked with Lisa left eye Lopes as her engineer. We did her solo album as well as a song for 2pac. (Recorded the song for the above the rim soundtrack for 2pac, very nice guy).

Moved to Nashville and worked with island bound music while working with Lil Wayne and juvenile. Bought a studio in Miami Ocean Vu. Had it for three years. The hurricanes ran me back to Atlanta where I joined milk money (engineer management) and worked with usher, Ciara and TLC. Stated working with Jeezy and got three more Grammy nominations (the first one was for pearl jam’s Vs). Recorded his album on the tour bus during the jay z blueprint 3 album. Now I’m still working with Jeezy and owning my own spot which just moved to a loft space.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This business is never smooth or easy. I’ve tried to steer my career places and it does what it does. Opportunities point you where you have to go. You just have to let go and have faith that that’s exactly where you have to be. Teaching at the art institute (5 yr.) really taught me that. I never would’ve imagined I would’ve had the opportunity to teach. I loved it and feel proud of all the new engineers and producers that I helped with real situations.

Please tell us about Periscope Studio Atlanta.
Periscope Studio was opened last March but in a different location. Its been amazing owning and running another studio being as I swore to myself I wouldn’t do it. Periscope is now in West Atlanta in a huge loft space. As far as gear, we have Pro Tools HD, A Wheatstone vintage analog console and all the top end microphones and plug ins. I wanted to make sure that Periscope was a place that artist can create freely. A warm kinda “grandmas basement” type of vibe. From recording vocals or a full band. From small orchestras to recording on our antique Bradbury baby Grand Piano. Big projects are coming in 2018.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember playing live for the first time. We were covering a Phil Collins song. We were terrible but I good enough for the 9th grade talent show. I remember being terrified but loved every second of it.

Contact Info:

• Address: 933 Watkins st NW, Unit c
• Website: Www.karlheilbron.com
• Phone: 3057760556
• Email: periscopestudiosatlanta@gmail.com
• Instagram: Periscopestudioatlanta
• Facebook: Periscope

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