Kathleen Wirt has owned and operated the legendary 4th Street Recording studio in Santa Monica, California for twenty-one years, and has been the sole owner since 2001. “Sure, you can make everything perfect with a computer,” she says. “But there is something better than perfect—and that is when the human being making the music feels wonderful and performs beyond his or her own expectations to touch something divine.”

In the early years, Kathleen was unwilling to allow the studio to sit empty when it was not booked, so she read the trades and frequented clubs, offering spec deals to bands that seemed promising. As 4th Street’s client base grew and the studio gained in reputation, people credited not only the skills of its producers and engineers, but also Kathleen’s tireless scouting and promotion.

Nineteen acts have been signed to record deals through 4th Street Recording, starting with Fiona Apple, whose spec deal recording of “Shadowboxer” became the first single on her Grammy-nominated multi-platinum album “Tidal.” Next came Incubus, Alien Ant Farm, and Hoobastank, all to become platinum-selling artists.

“I’ve recorded in studios all over the world,” said Gary Myrick, an early client, “and I am sick of studios that feel like doctor’s offices, bus stations, or spaceships.” Kathleen agreed, and put velvet on the walls, then began replacing the ugly utilitarian furniture with custom designed pieces and antiques. Artists loved the trippy vibe, saying it made them feel comfortable and creative. Two decades later, you will hear people say they love 4th Street for many reasons – its sound design, its location, its people – but the thing they say most often is “I feel really good here.”

“We maintain an oasis of integrity, understanding, and support,” Kathleen says, “a safe haven offering expertise without attitude and focus with flexibility.”

Kathleen graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in English from Missouri State University. She put herself through college by waiting tables, an experience she credits with giving her a special insight into helping people feel comfortable and happy. She spent four years as a Program Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, supervising ten department heads and 1,400 people as the line producer for the LA MDA Telethon. In the mid 90’s, she was a co-founder and administrator of Rave The Vote, working on political campaigns for LA Mayor and the Los Angeles City Council. As a Music Consultant for United Way, she produced events including a party for Gloria Estefan, and recruited No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani as a spokesperson for Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving. She created and hosted Represent:US, a series of socially conscious hip-hop freestyle nights at 4th Street, and sponsored artists from Venice 2000, a program for at-risk youth.

Kathleen also supports young talent through her studio’s internship program, and hopes to help promote the careers of up-and-coming female producers and engineers through her involvement with LAWIM.

Website: http://www.4thstreetrecording.com