history
A LEGACY THAT SPANS OVER TWO DECADES
2000
Bay Eight Recording Studios, formerly known as Midnight Blue Studios, was the creative vision of Grammy Award-winning producer Fabio “Estefano” Salgado. Estefano contracted world-class acoustician John Arthur and award-winning mastering engineer Bret Lambert for the design and construction of his facility in early 2000. The two became a studio building powerhouse, with Bret’s experience and sonically keen ear perfectly complimenting John’s ability to turn an acoustical concept into a physical structure. This culminated in the creation of the recording studio that is now Bay Eight.
*Above* Fabio “Estefano” Salgado was Latin music’s premier hit-making songwriter/producer, winning armloads of awards, reigniting the careers of performers, and racking up endless chart-topping hits for an array of others from his Midnight Blue Recording Studio.
John Arthur was already a prolific studio crafter in his own right, responsible for the famous Circle House Studios B Room in Miami, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Daddy’s House studios in Midtown Manhattan, and the Marley family’s Tuff Gong studios in Kingston, Jamaica
Brett Lambert, who was already a highly accomplished mastering engineer, founded The Kitchen mastering studio which worked on over 2000 records including several that are RIAA certified Gold and Platinum.
2007
Midnight Blue gained popularity between the years 2001 and 2007 as a recording facility responsible for numerous Billboard number one hits that dominated the Latin music scene. The studio was highly recognized for Grammy award winners like “Cree en Nuestro Amor” and “Sentir” by Jon Secada, the bulk of Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” album, Paulina Rubio’s best selling album, “Paulina”, and the album “Amar Sin Mentiras” by Marc Anthony. Midnight Blue was also the studio of choice for many A list superstars like Ricky Martin, J Lo, and many more.
*Left* Multi Platinum Song Writer and Two Time Grammy Award Winner Silvio Richetto in Studio A at Bay Eight Recordings Studios (Formally Midnight Blue Studios) poses with his 2001 Grammy Award for best engineered album.
2008
In 2008, Bigram John Zayas, also known as DVLP, a record producer and songwriter from New York City, and Grammy Award-winning hip-hop producer and three-time DJ World Champion Marco “Infamous” Rodriguez-Diaz took over the facility and converted the space into their own private recording studio. Subsequently the two would go on to sell the studio to DM Records, owned by David and Mark Watson one year later. The Watson brothers repurposed the space as their music publishing headquarters opening a rehearsal room and video editing suite. DM Records also licensed music out of the studio for many major television networks and ad agencies including companies such as Disney, New Line Cinema, ABC, Universal Pictures, and DreamWorks.
DM records used their new space to create original music scores and administer the rights to over 150 albums and singles that reached the Billboard charts, most notably the hit record “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team.
2012
Four years later in 2012, Infamous would reclaim the facility on his own, this time using the full space as his personal production studio. With an extensive list of credits and accolades, he would use the studios B room to produce hip-hop classics like “Curtains” with Meek Mill, John Legend, and Nas, and portions of Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter V. The facility also served as the studio of choice for the mixing of Rick Ross’s Mastermind album in 2014.
2015
In 2015, engineer and owner of Palm Pheon Music Publishing Matthew “Formatt” DeFreitas, took over the 1,700 sq. ft space and began the restoration and remodel of this historic facility, renaming it Bay Eight Recording Studios. The renovations were completed by Paul and Steven DeFreitas alongside acoustician Ross Alexander. Their goal was to maintain the integrity and history of the studio while adding to the acoustic performance and modernization of the facility.
Major upgrades included the installation of the highly praised SSL AWS900 console in Studio A, custom acoustic treatment modifications, updated fabric upholstery, custom interior finishes, and an emphasis on new technology integration for a seamless workflow in all three rooms.
2021
Four years later in 2012, Infamous would reclaim the facility on his own, this time using the full space as his personal production studio. With an extensive list of credits and accolades, he would use the studios B room to produce hip-hop classics like “Curtains” with Meek Mill, John Legend, and Nas, and portions of Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter V. The facility also served as the studio of choice for the mixing of Rick Ross’s Mastermind album in 2014.
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SSL
ROOM
Breathtaking power and ultimate clarity in an accurate listening environment. Equipped with the SSL AWS console, LED mood lighting, top-of-line acoustics, and a selection of high-performance speakers.
APOLLO
ROOM
An impeccable vocal tracking experience in a cozy space. Pristine radio sound quality with modern vintage decor stocked with the latest plugins, preamps, and compressors.
WHISPER
ROOM
A serene creative space with an open layout perfect for recording demos, singing, editing, and writing/production sessions, featuring 24ft ceilings and a recently updated iso booth.