Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Creative Oasis for Professional Music Production
Gatos Trail was founded in 2015 by Dan Joeright, a seasoned drummer and engineer with decades of experience in the music industry. Our studio was meticulously crafted over two years to provide a world-class recording environment in the serene Joshua Tree desert. We specialize in full music production services, combining analog warmth with digital precision through our vintage Neotek Elite console, Studer tape machine, and extensive outboard gear collection. Our 5-acre property offers a distraction-free creative oasis with climate-controlled spaces, oversized windows framing desert vistas, and acoustic treatment optimized for superior sound quality.Clients benefit from our proximity to Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs while enjoying the technical expertise of a team that has worked with artists like SZA, Sharon Van Etten, and members of The Rentals. With 8 years of operation, we've hosted over 100 recording projects across multiple genres, maintaining a commitment to helping artists realize their vision through personalized service and state-of-the-art facilities.
Services
Music Production
Mixing & Mastering
Songwriting Retreats
Film/Photo Shoots
On-Site Lodging
Gear Rental
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 24-channel analog recording with vintage Neotek Elite console
- Our drum room is acclaimed as the best in the desert region
- We provide seamless analog-digital workflow with Studer tape machines
- Our team includes engineers with credits from Grammy-winning producers
- We maintain a pristine 5-acre creative campus with climate-controlled spaces
What people say
Serene setting
Peaceful environment
Great drum sounds
Superior sonic results
Creative oasis
Services
Music Production
Our full-service music production includes tracking, mixing, and mastering using vintage analog equipment and modern digital technology. Clients access a 28-channel Neotek Elite console, Studer A827 tape machine, and extensive outboard gear collection. The studio's acoustically treated live room and iso booths deliver superior sound quality for all music genres.
On-Site Lodging
We provide artistically appointed lodging options steps from the studio. The 2,200 sqft ranch house sleeps 8 with full kitchen, baby grand piano, and vintage audio equipment. Two restored vintage trailers offer intimate accommodations with vinyl record players and outdoor lounging areas, creating a complete work-live experience.
Creative Retreats
Our 5-acre desert campus hosts songwriting retreats, production workshops, and creative development sessions. The distraction-free environment features climate-controlled spaces, desert vistas from every window, and flexible scheduling options. Clients benefit from proximity to Joshua Tree National Park and local cultural attractions.
Film/Photo Shoots
We offer location services for film, photo, and commercial production in the Joshua Tree desert. The property features vintage travel trailers, rustic barn architecture, and 13-foot wooden beams. Clients access climate-controlled control rooms and flexible lighting options for both indoor and outdoor shoots.
Gear Rental
Our extensive gear inventory includes microphones from Shure, Neumann, and AKG, plus vintage synthesizers and drum kits. Clients access 24-channel analog recording through the Neotek Elite console, with options to integrate digital workflows using ProTools and Logic Pro X. All gear is maintained to professional studio standards.
People
Dan Joeright
Owner/Chief Engineer
Drummer and engineer with 25+ years in music industry. Founded Earth Moon Earth collective and worked with The Rentals, SZA, and Sharon Van Etten. Built Gatos Trail over two years to create ideal desert recording environment.
Questions
What are the studio/session hours?
Day rates include 10 hours (10am-8pm). Flexible scheduling available with 24-hour lockout options. Setup and teardown time counts toward session hours.
Do we get credit for unused hours?
No refunds for unused hours, but we offer hourly rates for shorter sessions. Setup, file transfers, and breakdown time count toward total session time.
What should we bring to our session?
Bring specialty gear power supplies, cables, and storage drives. We provide extensive outboard gear and visitor rack lines. Check our full gear list before arrival.
Are there nearby dining options?
Restaurants within 15 minutes drive, but we recommend grocery shopping before arrival. Our Points of Interest page lists local eateries and markets.
What lodging options exist?
On-site ranch house sleeps 8 with full amenities. Two vintage trailers offer intimate accommodations. Nearby Airbnbs available in ZIP code 92284.
What makes Gatos Trail unique?
Combines vintage analog gear with modern digital workflow in Joshua Tree's creative desert environment. Features acclaimed drum room acoustics and distraction-free 5-acre campus.
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