A Little More Heart with Collin Marks
On his sophomore album, A Little More Heart, Chicago singer-songwriter Collin Marks embraces tradition without compromising his own authentic voice. Mixed and Mastered by Mystery Street owner and senior engineer Joe Tessone, A Little More Heart incorporates blues, country, R&B, and classic …
Rock and Record Summer Camp 2024!
Kids ages 7-12! Join us at Rock and Record Summer Camp, August 19-23, 2024. …
Into the Uncanny Valley
After playing together for nearly a year, Chicago alternative rockers Orange Element feel that they’re nailing down their sound. The five piece will be releasing their double-single across all platforms Friday, 12/8. Both songs, ‘Uncanny Valley’ and ‘Concrete Floor,’ were recorded, mixed, …
Shop Small at Mystery Street this Season.
In a world dominated by big-box retailers and online giants, there’s something uniquely special about supporting local businesses, especially when it comes to the realm of music. Mystery Street Recording Company, nestled in the heart of Chicago, stands as a testament to …
New Job Postings: August 2023
Part-Time Videographer/Video Editor Mystery Street seeks an ambitious videographer and editor. Job will require both in-studio and on-location video shoots of music performances, podcasts, interviews, and corporate media. Ability to meet client requests and deadlines is a must. Basic information of sound …
Studio Summer Camp at Mystery Street!
Kids ages 10-14! Join us at Mystery Street Studio Summer Camp, August 7-11, 2023. …
Mystery Street Recording at Library of Congress
In June 2023, Mystery Street Owner and Audio Preservation Specialist, Joe Tessone, visited the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, VA, which was hosting the Audio Engineering Society International Conference on Audio Archiving & Preservation. Tessone received a grant …
New consignment and retail space!
Friends of Mystery Street! We are excited to announce the launch of our new consignment and retail area located on the second floor of the studio! Saturdays until Christmas, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17, from 11am to 3pm, we’ll be open to …
A Q&A with Mystery Street Recording Company Owner/Audio Engineer Joe Tessone
Original Interview at American Blues Scene by Brant Buckley Joe Tessone is the owner and lead audio engineer at Mystery Street Recording Company. He is a graduate of Columbia Colleges Chicago’s Audio Design and Production program, as well as an adjunct professor at …
Blind Adam Leaks Single One Month Ahead of Album Release!
Blind Adam and the Federal League have released a thought provoking, stomach churning new single from their newest album to be released September 9th! Mastering was done by our very own Joe Tessone, and the release is from AF Records. We couldn’t …
The Return of Live Music & More!
After over a year without any shows, live music is finally making its big comeback. Everyone here at Mystery Street has been very busy providing live sound and recording at live shows every week since the city has re-opened. Ensuring we have …
UPDATED September 2021: New Internships and Job Posting
Part-Time Videographer/Video EditorMystery Street seeks an ambitious videographer and editor. Job will require both in-studio and on-location video shoots of music performances, podcasts, interviews, and corporate media. Ability to meet client requests and deadlines is a must. Basic information of sound design …
Psychedelic Rock Reborn With Reality Anonymous’ New Album “The Ghost Host”
Recorded over several years by Joe Tessone at Mystery Street Recording, the debut album from Reality Anonymous is a Psychedelic Rock masterpiece for modern times. Producer and frontman, Lyn Vaus, sought out some of Chicago’s most talented players to accompany this fuzzy, …
Beach Bunny on Jimmy Kimmel
Friend to Mystery Street and rehearsal client, Beach Bunny, started out as the singer-songwriter project of singer/guitarist Lili Trifilio. Eventually adding a backing band consisting of Jonathan Alvarado (drums), Matt Henkels (guitar), and Aidan Cada (bass). Cada left the band in early …
Blind Adam and The Federal League: Music Video Release!
Our friends Blind Adam and The Federal League has released a new music video for their song “An Act of Desperation”, which was mastered at Mystery Street by owner and lead engineer Joe Tessone. Check out the music and article below to …
Quarantine Livestream Benefit Series
At the start of Illinois’ shelter-in-place order, we partnered with our good friend Adam from Blind Adam and The Federal League to host a series of livestream shows featuring local musicians and raise funds for non-profit grassroots organizations fighting against Covid-19. Our …
Columbia College Chicago Highlights: Mystery Street Recording
Mystery Street’s owner and lead engineer recently was featured in an article by Columbia College Chicago! It covers the journey that was made to create the studio, along with featuring his position as an adjunct professor at Columbia College. Check out the …
That’s a Wrap For 2019
2019 was an eventful year at Mystery Street! We saw so many great bands come through our doors and we had many opportunities to support touring musicians out in the field. We also made great progress in our mission to help others …
Our Online Store!
Do you want Mystery Street branded merchandise but don’t want to leave the house? Stock up on drum sticks, ear plugs, T-shirts, and more with just a few clicks! Our store offers these products and more with three convenient categories to explore: …
Just In Time for the Holidays!
With the holidays approaching it can be overwhelming to track down the right gift for friends and family. The good news is that Mystery Street Recording Company has all of your audio needs covered! We offer gift certificates that can be used …
Three more audiologists earn Sensaphonics Gold Circle certification with training at Mystery Street Recording
(Chicago, IL – September 12, 2019) Sensaphonics, the pro audio industry leader in hearing health, recently educated three audiologists in the fine art of working with musicians at a Gold Circle Seminar in Chicago. This two-day event covers a wide range of …
An Ode To The Family
Chicago rock band Push33 was formed in 1996. Comprised of Derbhile Fabie (Vocals and Keys), CL Fabie (Percussion), Steven Perna (Guitar) and Pete Danos (Bass). After disbanding in summer of 1998 the band had reunited 20 years later adding Steven’s son Max …
15 IPS: Live From The Lab featuring Blind Adam & The Federal League
Following the release of their 7” record titled “Mansions on the Boulevard,” Blind Adam & The Federal League joined us for the return of our video series, 15 IPS: Live From the Lab. Both the 7″ and the video below were engineered …
Unexpected Honesty in an Audio Book
To Quote our mission statement, Mystery street recording company is more than just another business, it’s a community. We strive to operate under this principle with a goal of mutual prosperity between us and our clients. We recently had the opportunity to …
Voyage Chicago Features Mystery Street Recording Company
As originally featured at: http://voyagechicago.com/interview/meet-joe-tessone-mystery-street-recording-company-lakeview/ Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Tessone. Joe, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. My audio journey began when I was …
Sweetwater inSync Spotlight: Mystery Street Recording
Our President and Lead Engineer, Joe Tessone, was featured in Sweetwater’s Insync Customer Studio Spotlight! Joe answered questions about his audio upbringing and what makes Mystery Street great! As a long-time customer with Sweetwater, we are thrilled to have worked with them on this. Check out …
Chicago’s Most Vegan Friendly Recording Studio
Mystery Street Recording is Chicago’s most vegan friendly recording studio! Owned and operated by longtime vegans, Joe and Kristen Tessone, the company takes pride in compassion towards animals and our environment. What makes a studio vegan friendly? For starters, it is written …
Bric-a-Brac
Mystery Street Recording Staff Engineer Daniel Ryan just finished up the new record from Chicago Band Bric-A-Brac! The Shape of Things To Come is an 11 track album 20 years in the making. It is a collection of timeless music …
Mystery Street is currently accepting resumes for fall 2018 internships.
Our unique studio environment allows higher education students to get hands on experience with a wide variety audio work. From studio production and live audio recording to archival and restoration, interns will be immersed in numerous areas of audio engineering practices. …
We are hiring Audio Engineers!
We are seeking career-focused engineers with a passion for customer service and a love of audio. Required Skills Highly proficient with Pro Tools Experience with reel-to-reel recording Excellent understanding of audio signal flow, microphone technique, and analog console operation Great verbal communication …
We Are Celebrating Our 11 Year Anniversary!
Thank you to everyone who has been there with us as we’ve grown. To celebrate, we are offering 11% off regularly priced rehearsals and tape/vinyl transfer projects until the end of June! Use coupon code 11YEARS when you book your rehearsal. …
Accepting Resumes for Spring Internship 2018
Be a part of our company and gain the skills to succeed! Spring Engineering Internship Educational Objective: To gain valuable hands-on experience in a thriving studio environment. Requirements: Currently enrolled in college level Audio Engineering classes or a degree in Audio …
Demystified: Elizabeth Morgan – “She’s Folks” (2017)
Above: She’s Folks. Photo credits: Jm Fager Photography. Demystified is a new series where Mystery Street Recording Company has an in-depth discussion with some of the artists who have recorded at our facility over the years. Elizabeth Morgan (Betsy to her …
Demystified: The Polkaholics – “Wally” (2009)
Above: Li’l Wally Jagiello with The Polkaholics. Photo credits: Dick Blau. Demystified is a new series where Mystery Street Recording Company has an in-depth discussion with some of the artists who have recorded at our facility over the years. If you’ve …
Mystery Street on S.E.E. Chicago TV
This past weekend, Mystery Street Recording Company was featured on an all-music episode of S.E.E. Chicago TV, a show where Dawn Jackson Blatner explores some of the coolest businesses the city has to offer. Special thanks to Beta Dogs for being a …
A Bear Hug For Carlos
One of the most fun and unique services that we provide here at Mystery Street are the karaoke parties for kids. For 3 hours, we open up the studio for an unforgettable birthday party where kids can sing their favorite songs …
15 IPS: Live From the Lab, Episode 2, ft. The Polkaholics
Episode 2 of “15 IPS: Live From the Lab”, featuring Chicago favorite polka rockers, The Polkaholics, is now streaming! This first ever acoustic performance by the band was recorded live at Mystery Street’s Audio Preservation Lab, in Chicago, IL, on April 23, …
15 IPS: Live From the Lab, Episode 1, Ft. Glass Mountain
We are excited and proud to present the debut episode of “15 IPS: Live From the Lab”, featuring Glass Mountain. The performance was recorded live at Mystery Street’s Audio Preservation Lab, in Chicago, IL, on February 18, 2017. Audio was recorded in …
Recent Americana Recordings….
This summer, our lead engineer, Joe Tessone recorded a few really great albums by americana/folk bands- Glass Mountain and Trick Shooter Social Club. Different styles of music and both super fun. Give them a listen below and purchase their albums to support …
We’re Celebrating Our 9 Year Anniversary!
9 Year Anniversary Specials Book an 8 hour session any weekend now through August and get a 9th hour free! Or Use Coupon Code NINEYEARS to get 9% off any rehearsal you schedule online through July 4th! Today marks our ninth year …
The Recording Academy Comes to Mystery Street
Studio Tour: Mystery Street Recording Company By Olivia Schroeder -November 18, 2015 Photo by Olivia Schroeder – Control room with 32 analog/96 virtual track Pro-Tools HD2 System The Chicago Chapter got the inside scoop from Joe Tessone, Owner and Lead Engineer of Mystery Street …
Glass Mountain Review in Chicago Tribune
This week, the Chicago Tribune featured Mystery Street band Glass Mountain in their “Chicago Fall Music Preview” and gave them, and their album, a glowing recommendation. Don’t call Glass Mountain a nostalgia act. Although its music might sound retro on the surface …
The Kreutzer Sonata Release New Full Length and Start Summer Tour
One of our favorite bands, The Kreutzer Sonata, have released a new full length record, Austere, as both digital download and on colored vinyl. The band spent their winter months at Mystery Street with engineer Joe Tessone, recording this driving, fist-in-the-air, socially-relevant …
Recording Notes: Dogs on the Subway
Over the past month, Dogs on the Subway have been at Mystery Street working with lead engineer Joe Tessone. This is the second recording project the band and Tessone have worked on together. Since the last time they were in the studio, …
The Kreutzer Sonata Release Video for “Northern Lights”
With the recent release of their studio EP “FTW”, The Kreutzer Sonata premieres a music video for the song “Northside Lights,” which was recorded here at Mystery Street. …
New EP from The Kreutzer Sonata- Recorded at Mystery Street
Over the past month the Chicago punk band The Kreutzer Sonata was in the studio working on their newest release, FTW. With rage and attitude, thrashy guitar, melodic bass lines, and drum rhythms perfect for circle pits, this band really encompasses a …
The Freedonian Municipal Band- EP Recording
In November, we began recording The Freedonian Municipal Band‘s EP – “The Freedonian Municipal EP.” The band came to us with the idea of recording an EP for release as a free download, which is always fun for fans. The band is …
Revolution and Beer
REPOST FROM revolutionandbeer.com Thinking about what we’re thankful for at Revolution and Beer today gave me the overwhelming urge to express our sincerest gratitude to Joe Tessone, of Mystery Street Recording Company. Joe runs a fantastic Recording Business that’s worker owned and …
Mystery Street Gears Up for Winter- Adds Neumann, API, Manley, and More
To support the needs of our recording clients during this busy winter season, Mystery Street has added some serious gear to the control room. We started out by adding the classic Neumann U87 large diaphragm microphone to our collection in October. This …
New Music Video by Mystery Street Engineer- Marcus Galloway (M.D.G.)
Chicago rapper and Mystery Street hip-hop engineer, M.D.G, drops video for his second single “New Element” off the For No Reason Mixtape. Directed by Wildbeats Team. …
Lollapalooza Rockers, Makeshift Prodigy, to Play Mystery Street Music Fest
MAKESHIFT PRODIGY TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL WITH SPECIAL ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE! 8/7/13- Makeshift Prodigy of Atlantic Records announced last-minute as headliners for the 2013 Mystery Street Music Fest. The band is set to do an acoustic performance on the downstairs stage at Elbo Room. …
Jail Guitar Doors Instrument Drive Starts Now!
Donations accepted at Mystery Street Recording from July 1- August 11 Call 773-512-2630 for available drop-off times. Wish List 1. Guitar Strings/ Acoustic and Nylon 2. P.A. Systems* 3. Microphones and Cables* 4. Music Stands 5. Electric Guitars w/straps and cases* 6. …
New Microphones Added to our Collection
We’ve recently added 5 new mics to our collection, including a Shure Beta 52, MLX V69 Mogami Edition, and three American DR330 ribbon mics. The American mics were manufactured in 1950 and have a very smooth, dark tone. Perfect for vintage rock …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 3: Don Quixote
Episode 3 of Mystery Street Radio. Featuring interview and previously unreleased live studio performance by Don Quixote (Live performance recorded in ORTF stereo with Shure KSM32 microphones). Download their new EP at http://donquixoted.bandcamp.com/ …
New records done at Mystery Street…
Below are a few new records recorded at Mystery Street and recently released. Enjoy! The Alpha and the Omega by Behold! Automagic by Biiko From the Stump a Branch will Grow by Jacob Mau shallow diver by shallow diver Fitting Like The …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 8: The Missing Chums
Take a listen to Mystery Street Radio Episode 8 (Part 3 of the Mystery Street Music Fest special edition Podcasts), featuring eclectic indie rockers, The Missing Chums. See The Missing Chums perform live at the Mystery Street Music Fest on August 11 …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 7: Owen Stevenson
Check out Episode 6 of Mystery Street Radio (Part 2 of our Mystery Street Music Fest Special Edition) featuring the talented singer/songwriter Owen Stevenson. Owen will be performing at the fest on August 11 at Patsy’s Pub at 8:40 PM. …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 6: The Polkaholics
Check out this Mystery Street Music Fest Edition of Mystery Street Radio, featuring polka punk legends, The Polkaholics!!! See them live at Home Tavern at 6:30 PM on August 11! …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 5: Al Scorch
Episode 5 of Mystery Street Radio, featuring interview with Al Scorch and music by his band Al Scorch & the Country Soul Ensemble. …
Mystery Street Radio Episode 4: It’s A Girl
Episode 4 of Mystery Street Radio. Featuring interview with Miki Greenberg of It’s A Girl. A combination of 60’s Brit Pop, Steven Sondheim, Yonder Mountain String Band, They Might Be Giants, and the B-52s. Download their new record at http://itsagirlchicago.bandcamp.com/ …
Mystery Street Radio: Episode 2, Marcus Galloway
Listen to Episode 2 of Mystery Street Radio, the official podcast of Mystery Street Recording Company! This episode features Mystery Street’s freshest hip-hop engineer, Marcus Galloway. …
It’s A Girl! Sun-Times Interview
Last year, It’s a Girl recorded their debut album at Mystery Street and on February 25, 2012 they are having their record release concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The band’s piano player, Miki Greenberg, did an interview about …
#24 on Huffington Post’s Best Albums of 2011
Live from the Old Town School- 127 Songs From the Archives is compiled of 127 favorites of the first 10,000 songs digitally preserved and archived by Mystery Street’s Joe Tessone at the Old Town School of Folk Music. After the songs were …
String Quartet for Metal!
Dolce Strings recording the string section on a song for the metal band Truculency’s new album. Engineered by Joe Smith at Mystery Street Recording on 1/22/12. …
The Missing Chums are at it again!
Another great music video by The Missing Chums, one of Mystery Street’s regulars, with some beautiful cinematographic images from inside the studio. Definitely worth a watch and listen! …
One Hour Naps- Encrypyted Code, Recorded at Mystery Street!
New record by Chicago band, One Hour Naps! Recorded and mixed at Mystery Street! Listen for free and buy the vinyl record! Encrypted Code by One Hour Naps …
Sean Johnson @ Oakville Sessions
Sean Johnson, one of Mystery Street’s newer clients, spent some time in California at the beginning of October and performed with Billy Dean. Sean is currently in the studio writing and recording his debut album. …
Mystery Street Gets a Radio Shout Out!
The Missing Chums excel at making fast-paced Indie Rock. Their debut LP, Out of the Gates, recorded at Mystery Street, is a quick moving collection of catchy hooks and gripping vocals. Matthew, Mike, and Matt joined host Jesse Menendez in studio to …
To Answer your most frequent question…
Hey, where did you come up with the name of the studio? Well, while we were sitting there the night before we incorporated trying up come up with a good name, this song came on…. … and the rest is history …
New Video for “Moving Target” By Missing Chums!
The Missing Chums, one of Mystery Street’s regulars, just released a nice video of live performance, accompanied by their studio recording done here. Brief appearance by Mystery Street engineer Joe Tessone playing tambourine at one of their shows in Chicago. The Missing …
The Missing Chums Promo Video filmed @ Mystery Street
We just wrapped up nearly a year of recording, mixing, and mastering for The Missing Chums newest album “Out of the Gates.” Check out these videos for a preview of the album! The first is live footage from the studio while they …
Remodeling Rehearsal Room A
Over the holidays, we remodeled rehearsal room A by taking down some of the wall coverings, refinishing the walls and floors, and changing the lighting a bit. I’m sure you will like it even more now. In the next month or so …
The Missing Chums Music Video
This song was recorded by Joe Tessone at Mystery Street in 2009. It is featured on the Missing Chums first album, Days Without Overcoats. The Missing Chums are currently working on their second album at Mystery Street. Expect it in early 2011! …
New Total Recording Packages at Mystery Street!
SILVER Total Recording Package With this package you can get a demo ready to review the songs you plan on recording, you’ll get sixteen hours of recording, and both rough and final mixes! SILVER Total Recording Package Includes: 1x Two Hour Record …
Audio Preservation Month! 20% off!
It is Audio Preservation Month at Mystery Street Recording! Receive 20% off format transfers from cassette, DAT, or open-reel tape through the month of September! We can also do tape/cassette repair, tape baking, mastering, and noise reduction! For more information about our …
Christmas in August Special
The retail industry doesn‚Äôt start selling Christmas items until November, but an album takes much longer to produce than a plastic tree. Start recording your holiday songs with us in August and we‚Äôll give you a $20 gift certificate* for every $100 …
Rapper Ill Will films at Mystery Street
Chicago Rapper Ill Will recently filmed parts of his music video at Mystery Street and then spit a freestyle for the camera while he was here… …
“At Last, Okemah!” scene filmed at Mystery Street
“AT LAST, OKEMAH! is a short film retelling the story of Don Quixote in the modern day world of folk music; an uproarious comedy that believes that a person can become whatever he wants to be, rise above adversity, and inspire hope …
Celebrate Woody Guthrie’s Bday w/ 20% off Recording!
Happy Birthday Woody! Woody Guthrie, once of America’s greatest and most influential singer-songwriters, whose musical legacy includes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, and ballads was born July 14, 1912. In his honor, Mystery Street Recording Company is offering 20% off …
June is Columbia College Student Appreciation Month!
Both Joe and Mickey are graduates of Columbia College Chicago’s Audio Department and for the sake of taking care of our own, we are offering all Columbia students and alumni 25% off recording and freelance engineer rates through the month of June! …
April is Pre-Production Month at Mystery Street!
Get those songs ready for your summer gigs and recording projects with 20% off rehearsal recordings until April 30th. As an added bonus, if you book a rehearsal recording with us this month, we will throw in a gift certificate for a …
Mystery Street gets a little blog press…
Although we have a glowing sign that says “Recording Studio” in our window, most people in our neighborhood are clueless as to what lies beyond the doors our blue building. Here is a funny little story that a friend discovered about uncovering …
Article from Old Town School of Folk Music gives credit to Mystery Street’s audio transfer work
A past article from Hot Times at Old Town, an Old Town School of Folk Music publication, that mentions Mystery Street’s audio transfer work. “Unique Gift Idea Convert your friend/partner/spouse‚Äôs favorite audio tape(s) to CD format. An easy choice for this job …
Pearls Mahone & The OneEyed Jacks at Mystery Street
Found a video online of Pearls Mahone and The OneEyed Jacks recording some vocals at Mystery Street. As of now, tracking is done for their upcoming album. We will be mixing down in the next few weeks. Keep your eye out for …
Winter Breaks at Mystery Street Recording!
Hey! Ho! (Ho! Ho!) Lets go!¬† At Mystery Street Recording Company you will find the most comfortable, creative, and friendly recording and rehearsal spaces in Chicago! To keep with tradition, we are offering some great holiday savings! 1. Special Holiday Savings 2. …
The Polkaholics are Back at Mystery Street!
Check out a video of The Polkaholics during their recording session at Mystery Street this past weekend! They are currently working on their up and coming album WALLY, which is due for release on August 1, 2009. ¬† …
New Rehearsal Rooms and Mystery Street Feature in UA Webzine!
As of September 1, we have expanded our facility to include two more rehearsal rooms. The beauty of them is that they are acoustically isolated from our recording space, so can have rehearsals and recordings going on at the same time. That …
Polkaholics at Mystery Street (video)
We just came across this youtube video of The Polkaholics recording at the pre-fire Mystery Street back at the beginning of 2008. If you haven’t seen these guys live, you are missing out… ¬† …
Back in Business! Fire Update #5
We are excited to announce that we are officially open again for business! All of our new gear was installed this past week and we had our first tracking session on Saturday, which was a huge success. If you liked our studio …
Rebuilt Walls, Painted Halls, Gear, Gear, Gear: Fire Update #4
The contractors who are fixing up all of the fire damage are almost done! The walls are up and they are almost done painting. Take a look at the video below for a quick tour of the progress… At the beginning of …
Deconstruction before Reconstruction: Fire Update #3
First and foremost we want to thank our good friends at Kuma’s Corner who, last Friday held a benefit for us which raised over $1000 for the reconstruction of our studio! It was the first time I’d ever been there and it …
Great (well, as great as it can get, considering) News! Fire Update #2.
We can now guarantee that all client data has been recovered and safely backed up onto fresh new hard drives! Tomorrow we begin the process of finding replacements for our gear. If there is anything you want to see us have, please …
Fire Update #1
To Our Good Friends and Clients: On Friday May 2, a fire broke out in the control room of Mystery Street Recording Company. No one was in the building at the time, however, a patron of Two Rooms Rehearsal Studio, smelled smoke …
The Positives
The first episode of Mystery Street Radio, which features an interview with Chicago pop-punk band, The Positives! …
