Since the 1960s music production in LA has had significant global outreach and influence with recording studios such as Paramount and Capital Records capturing some of the historically greatest bands and acts in the world; Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Jackson 5 to name but a few.

Not one to rest on its nostalgic laurels, however, the city continues to dominate the scene with, newer producers such as TokiMONSTA and Lynne Earls following in the footsteps of music production stalwarts.

We take a look at why LA has such a huge influence on the world’s musical landscape, and the producer powerhouses creating iconic sounds and standout tracks.

In touch with the tech

LA-based acts such Big Black Delta and Foster the People are making quite the name for themselves in the world of synthpop and indietronica. As a result, the production of digital music is on the rise and LA sits right at the heart of both its development and distribution. The city is home to several music software companies and tech start-ups, such as Soundstorming and Jammcard, meaning it has its finger firmly on the pulse when it comes to state-of-the-art tech and equipment.

Given that such developments are on the doorstep, recording spaces across the city are wall-to-wall with the most innovative music production tech. Club-standard equipment in the DJ studios and high-quality sound interface mean that recording spaces such as Pirate Studios are becoming far more than just a place to write and rehearse.

Instead, producers are able to experiment with a wealth of high-grade mixing and mastering tools, therefore creating some of the city’s unique boundary-pushing sounds and compositions, whatever the genre.

A sense of community

Across the LA music scene, more established producers and organizations are helping out those who are just starting out or who perhaps don’t have the means to fund the development of their music. Musicians Support, for example, promotes local charities for music education in Los Angeles. This includes free tuition, time in the recording studios and promoting local bands and music charities. HOLA is another charity offering a number of free, integrated programs for young people across LA. Their music studios offer a contemporary program for budding music creators.

Such opportunities mean the next generation of LA artists and producers have the support and room to develop their talent from a young age- who knows what they’ll be creating once they turn pro!

Powerhouse producers and iconic collaborations

New talents such as Skrillex, Dot, and Diplo are constantly emerging from LA’s music scene but there have been some iconic powerhouses who have paved the way before making their mark.

Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre has received multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to music production and is often credited with shaping the sound of contemporary hip-hop. What makes this producer such a standout is the sheer attention to detail that goes into his work, the layering of samples, intricate drumbeats, and the blending of synths and live instruments all create a completely unique soundscape. While Dr. Dre has collaborated with a number of artists such as 2Pac and 50 Cent, it’s perhaps his work with Eminem that has secured his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Pharell Williams

Pharell Williams is of course an artist in his own right. In 2013 you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing his hit ‘Happy’ which became a worldwide phenomenon and went on to win several awards. As a producer, Williams has collaborated extensively with numerous LA artists. Producing a number of huge hits for artists such as Gwenn Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, and Justin Timberlake. Behind the scenes, Williams mentors and supports new and emerging producers, extending his musical influence outside of his own work.

Rick Rubin

It’s difficult to summarise Rubin’s credentials and impact on the music scene but being credited with the resurrection of Jonny Cash’s career and returning him to the charts for the first time in 30 years seems particularly seminal! The pair recorded four albums under Rubin’s label American Recordings and their cover of the Nine Inch Nails track Hurt made just seven months before Cash’s passing, is a real moment in music history.

Since then, he’s worked with U2, Green Day, Metallica, and Bob Dylan, as well as being behind some of the most beloved and successful tracks, such as Under The Bridge, by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

At the heart of the LA music scene is a culture of mentorship and constant support of newer, emerging artists whether it be through the producers themselves or the ever-expanding music education institutions such as Thornton Schol of Music or USC that are churning out fresh talent every year. A city always with its foot in its historical past, whilst unequivocally looking forward; LA always has and always will remain at the heart of innovative and exciting music production.