Why Illustrious Sound Exists
As we approach the end of 2025, I’m finally at the point where I’ve been able to upload and share the videos I filmed during my studio redesign from 2022 to 2025. In total, this first series ended up being 140 short videos—and to be honest, they were nearly impossible to edit. Most of them were filmed in the moment, scattered, unfocused, and very much a reflection of what was happening in my studio at the time.
And that’s exactly why I felt they needed to exist.
One Shot at Starting from Zero
In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that I felt compelled to document this process because I knew I’d never be starting from zero again. Converting a software-based studio into a hardware-focused one is not something I expect to repeat. This was my one opportunity to capture what that transition actually looked like—messy decisions, wrong turns, small victories, and everything in between.
This series was inspired primarily by my students—especially those who were curious about home studios and how I was putting mine together. Some moments in the videos probably make it look like I know exactly what I’m doing. Other moments… not so much. There are times where I’m clearly confused, indecisive, or making choices that don’t age particularly well.
But that’s the point.
This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a studio journal.
Not Authority—Curiosity
As I’ve mentioned before, Illustrious Sound exists to support my piano and theory students, along with anyone else who might be starting their own studio journey. I don’t speak from a position of authority here. I’m not presenting myself as someone with all the answers.
I’m just curious—and figuring things out as I go.
There are already excellent websites, courses, and YouTube channels dedicated to tutorials and step-by-step instructions. That’s not what this platform is trying to be. Instead, it’s about sharing process rather than conclusions.
It’s not:
“Here’s what this is and how you use it.”
It’s:
“Here’s what I did, why I tried it this way, and how it worked out.”
Sometimes that worked out great. Other times it didn’t. But by the end, things came together in a way I’m proud of—and I think there’s value in seeing the stumbles along the way.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Sometime in 2026, I’ll begin posting videos where I walk through the individual pieces of gear in my studio—some of which are no longer being manufactured.
Why focus on gear that isn’t current?
Two reasons:
- Much of it is still available second-hand
- More importantly, the ideas still matter
A specific compressor might be discontinued, but understanding how a FET compressor behaves, or how a certain workflow feels, can still spark ideas. I’ve personally found inspiration in older reviews—not because I needed that exact piece of gear, but because it helped me think differently about what I already had.
And in full honesty, this website and channel also function as something of a user manual for my own studio. When I forget how something was set up or why I made a certain decision, I can go back and watch my own videos.
A Different Kind of Resource
This platform isn’t commercial. There are no sponsors, no product launches, no trips to NAMM planned. It’s intentionally simple and real.
Whether you’re:
- Just starting your studio journey
- Watching out of curiosity
- Looking for ideas rather than answers
- Or already finished building your ideal space
I hope Illustrious Sound offers something useful—if not in the form of instruction, then at least in perspective.
Happy creating.
