Recording studios practically litter the Nashville landscape, from historic Music Row spots to newcomers. Though it opened fairly recently, Welcome to 1979 is quintessential Music City, USA, a place where past and present meet.

Opened in 2008 by Chris and Yoli Mara in a warehouse that was once a record pressing plant, Welcome to 1979 pairs vintage gear with modern recording equipment. Coupled with warm, wood-paneled decor, the studio gives off a laid-back retro vibe, the perfect situation for creative inspiration.

The studio’s clients include acts like Jason Isbell, The Who’s Pete Townshend, and the late legend John Prine. Their unique approach has reeled in music’s best while offering services to anyone who wants to record the songs they carry with them.

Besides recording services, the 13,000-square-foot facility also boasts mastering, vinyl production, and analog to digital transfer services, too, for even the most intense music obsessive. But even if you’re not looking to lay down tracks, the studio still has plenty of reasons to arrange a visit.

Every November, the studio offers a recording summit giving guests the chance to see the record-making process up close. From chats with artists and industry experts to mixing and mastering workshops, it’s a uniquely subversive experience. And twice a year the studio opens its doors to a handful of people for Tape Camp, a two-day workshop on analog recording.