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Washington DC

A recording studio for Washington DC artists, minutes over the line.

Empowered Recordings is a recording studio near DC, just past the border in Silver Spring. Free off-street parking, a ground-level entrance with no stairs, and 24 mic preamps.

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A recording studio DC bands have used for over a decade

This studio has been working with DC artists since 2012. The Obsessives, from Washington DC, recorded Manners here in 2014. Near Mint Records reissued it and the band was signed. Bleary Eyed, also out of DC, tracked Cherry Blossoms with Isaiah in 2015 at the studio's earlier Bethesda location, released on an independent label.

On the live side, the DC years ran through the 9:30 Club, the Rock and Roll Hotel, and the Black Cat, on tour with post-rock band Black Clouds. As a hip hop recording studio for the DMV, this room has hosted artists including Lightshow, BenBoh, and WLLY, and mixed or mastered releases for Chaddy Royal and Gazali.

What DC artists book here

  • Full-band tracking for rock, emo, indie, punk, and post-rock
  • Vocal sessions over beats, with comping and tuning handled in the session
  • Mixing and mastering for records tracked anywhere
  • Podcast and institutional audio for DC organizations
  • Audio restoration on archival and location recordings
A working session at the mix desk at Empowered Recordings, a recording studio serving Washington DC from Silver Spring, Maryland

Getting here from DC

Location
Silver Spring, MD, just over the DC line
Parking
Free, up to two vehicles
Hours
11am to 9pm, Mon to Sat
Load-in
Ground level, no stairs
Booking
By appointment, directions on confirmation

Common questions

Questions from DC artists.

How far is the studio from DC?
It sits just over the DC line in Silver Spring, Maryland. From Northeast and Northwest DC it is a short drive, and quicker to reach from most of the District than anything in Northern Virginia. There is free off-street parking and a ground-level load-in with no stairs.
Why record outside the District?
A private studio with a ground-level entrance and parking right outside. For much of the city it is also closer than crossing town.
Do you work with DC hip-hop artists?
Yes. The studio has hosted DMV hip-hop sessions including work with Lightshow, alongside a long history with DC rock, emo, and indie bands. Beat-driven vocal sessions and full-band tracking both run here.
Which parts of DC is it easiest to reach from?
Anywhere in Northeast and upper Northwest is a short drive: Takoma, Petworth, Brightwood, Columbia Heights, and Brookland especially. Shaw, Bloomingdale, and Capitol Hill are straightforward too, as is all of Montgomery County.
Can you handle DC podcast and institutional work?
Yes, and it is a significant part of the studio. Associations, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and contractors book recording and post-production here. See podcast production.

Recording in DC?

Tell us about the project and get availability plus a firm number.

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