Summer Issue, ’22
Written by gianna hudson
photos courtesy of five points studio
Huntsville has always been famous for its engineers and scientists, thanks to NASA and the Arsenal. Now, these professions have competition as big-name music producers and venues move into the area.
Five Points Recording Studio offers a new and unique experience for those living outside of STEM-driven Huntsville.
Justin Miller, founder of Five Points Recording Studio and Huntsville native feels, “This city has been very influential to my guitar playing and production style. Seeing other Huntsville artists kill on local circuits and the amount of talent embedded within Madison county. The guitarists here are among the best in the country, and I’ve seen a lot of guitar players. Players like Jeff Beasley, Preston Black, and the late Spanky Alford are a testament to that.”
Miller knew Huntsville was the place to open a hit recording studio pushing the city along the road to becoming a hub for talented musicians to create and thrive, given the vast expansion of infrastructural growth in the music industry in Huntsville.
Miller and his team, which include his brother Mike and Jameson Christian, were looking for a place in Huntsville that was centrally located. When the old Valley CW building came on the market, they knew they had found something special. Miller explains, “The project was a labor of love project for the three of us.”
The three did the majority of the work from drawings and demolition, to framing, sound-proofing, drywall, and building all of the acoustic panels. With additional help for logistical city codes and the like, after 18 months (around double of what the team initially intended to spend due to COVID-19) the project was finished and ready for the Rocket City.
The stunning recording studio has spacious recording booths, high ceilings, and top of the line finishes that you would expect to see in world-renowned recording spaces. Justin’s team was able to deliver a state of the art space perfect for the rising stars of Huntsville to make a name for themselves.
Miller has had a passion for playing guitar, composing, and recording for 20 years. He recounts his nostalgic youth, “I remember my journey began while hanging out at friends, picking up his guitar, and learning “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in about an hour.”
His knack for music and his dedication to playing allowed him to become an in-demand guitarist around Huntsville. Joining ‘The Crashing Falcon’ around 2005 and recording friends on his eight track, his passion only grew. “I wanted to learn more and push my boundaries, so I applied to Berklee and spent some years there, learning all that I could soak up.”
Returning to the South, and finding his home in Nashville, Miller opened Yellow Hammer Studios in 2014. After a few years of success in Nashville, Miller felt a pull towards home and the urge to pursue a childhood dream of opening a recording studio in Huntsville. With years of experience and education under his belt, he felt the time was right.
Splitting time between Huntsville and Nashville, Miller’s next move after creating Five Points Recording is to rent out Yellow Hammer Recording Studios on a month-to-month basis with different producers. Miller has played host to big names like Dollie Meredith, Huntsville Opera, Chris Currie, Matt Michael, Tim Very, Garrett Tyler, Studio Music, Shawn David, and many more.
Recently, Miller has been listening to unreleased music from Dante Pride and the newest Rob Aldridge & the Proponents, but is always listening to new projects. He recognizes the immense talent that Huntsville possesses. His recording studio will help put Huntsville artists on the map and foster dreams of people, just like Justin, who have the passion and drive to do what they love.
“I’m here to make great music! Reach out if you want to see the studio and let me know about you and your songs.”
THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE SUMMER 2022 PRINT ISSUE OF HUNTSVILLE MAGAZINE.
