Recording History of Bearsville Studios and Utopia Studios, Bearsville, New York

Origins and Foundation

Utopia Studios Bearsville has a storied history that began in 1980 when it was built by legendary music impresario Albert Grossman as part of the expansive Bearsville recording complex. Originally constructed as a state-of-the-art video production facility for Todd Rundgren, the studio was designed by renowned architect John Storyk, who also designed Jimi Hendrix's famous Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The facility was named after Rundgren's progressive rock band Utopia and served as his creative headquarters from 1980-1984. After Rundgren’s Bearsville Studios used the Utopia along with Studio A, Studio B, and Turtle Creek.

The broader Bearsville complex hosted an impressive roster of legendary artists over its decades of operation:

Major Artists Who Recorded at Bearsville:

- The Rolling Stones - Used Studio A for rehearsals for their 1990 Steel Wheels Tour

- R.E.M. - Recorded multiple projects at the facility

- Dave Matthews Band - Recorded their breakthrough albums "Under the Table and Dreaming" (1994) and "Crash" (1996) at Bearsville

- Phish - Extensive recording sessions in 1998 for "The Story of the Ghost" album

- Jeff Buckley - Recorded his acclaimed album "Grace" at Bearsville in 1993

- Tesla - Recorded "The Great Radio Controversy" (1989)

- Foreigner - Multiple recording sessions

- The Pretenders - Various recordings

- Cheap Trick - Studio sessions

- Fear Factory - Recording projects

- The Tubes - Produced by Rundgren

- Alice Cooper - Various recordings

- New York Dolls - Produced by Rundgren

- Grand Funk Railroad - "We're an American Band" produced by Rundgren

- Hall & Oates - "War Babies" album produced by Rundgren

- The Isley Brothers - Recording sessions

- NRBQ - Multiple albums

- Jesse Winchester - Debut album produced by Robbie Robertson

- Paul Butterfield - Recording sessions

- Bobby Charles - Various recordings

- Foghat - Albums recorded at Bearsville

- They Might Be Giants - Studio sessions

- The Psychedelic Furs - Produced by Rundgren

- Bonnie Raitt - Recording sessions

- 10cc - Various recordings

- XTC - Beyond "Skylarking," other projects

- Sparks - Early albums

- The dB's - Recording sessions

- Crack The Sky - Albums recorded

- Orleans - Studio sessions

- John Sebastian - Various recordings

- Spirit - Recording projects

- The Vines - Later recordings

Radio Woodstock Era (2003-2019)

In 2002 Utopia transformed into a broadcast facility when Radio Woodstock (WDST) moved into the space. During this period, the studio hosted countless live performance broadcasts featuring both major artists and local musicians. Notable performers during the Radio Woodstock era included:

- Kate Pierson (of The B-52's)

- Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams

- Amy Helm (Levon Helm's daughter)

- The Felice Brothers

- Marco Benevento

In 2021 Radio Woodstock moved to a beautifully renovated church on the outskirts of Woodstock.

Utopia went thru major renovations in 2021. The facility was completely overhauled and all its systems were modernized.

Modern Revival (2022-Present)

Pete Caigan's Leadership

In 2022, veteran engineer and producer Pete Caigan took over operations of Utopia Studios after entrepreneur Lizzie Vann purchased and renovated the entire Bearsville complex. Caigan, with over 25 years of industry experience, has worked with notable artists including Sarah McLachlan and has extensive experience in both studio recording and live sound.

Recent Artists and Productions

Under Caigan's management, Utopia Studios has attracted a new generation of artists:

Recent Notable Clients:

- The Lumineers - Recorded and mixed their album "Automatic" which reached #1 on the Alt-Rock charts

- Amanda Palmer - Recording sessions

- Rachael Yamagata - Recording sessions for new album “Birds”

- The Felice Brothers - Continued recordings

- James Felice - Solo Album Recording

- Alexa Ray Joel (Billy Joel's daughter) - Recording sessions for current release

- Ginger Winn - Emerging artist recordings

- Brian Mitchell - REcordings for current album

- Jack DeJohnette - Drum Session and Producer Session

Current Producers and Engineers

The revitalized studio has attracted top-tier production talent:

- David Baron - Co-producer of The Lumineers' "Automatic"

- John Alagia - Notable producer

- Simone Felice - Co-producer and artist

- Jeremy Backofen - Engineer and producer

Technical Heritage and Innovation

Utopia Studios features exceptional acoustic design with two-foot thick concrete walls, a floating concrete slab foundation, and 30-foot cathedral ceilings. The facility is equipped with a world-class API AXS console and maintains tie-lines to the adjacent Bearsville Theater, allowing for unique live recording and video capture capabilities.

Legacy and Recognition

In October 2024, Todd Rundgren received the key to the Town of Woodstock in a ceremony at the Bearsville Center, with a historic landmark plaque dedicated to recognize his work at Utopia Video Studio. This honor celebrated his contributions to Woodstock's musical legacy and the pioneering video work that emerged from Utopia, including "Time Heals," which was the eighth video played when MTV launched on August 1, 1981.

The studio continues to serve as a bridge between Woodstock's legendary musical past and its vibrant creative future, maintaining its reputation as one of the premier recording destinations on the East Coast while honoring the legacy of the countless legendary artists who have created music within its walls.