Top of the Hill Music

Top of the Hill Music studio is a beautiful, spacious, state-​of-​the-​art sound studio that frankly trumps the Seattle-​area recording studios I have been in! Steven can isolate several players playing together at once, thus providing complete sound separation while maintaining a true «live» feel. The capabilities of his facility also save time because each musician doesn’t have to play separately — one after the other. (Though that is an option.)
My experience with owner Steven Bell, other than attending musician’s events at his studio, has been working with him on CD mastering (we recorded songs elsewhere, semi– live). He has really improved the recording, even in ways that I didn’t think was possible, and he has an excellent ear in getting the volume levels between the tracks right. (I worked with an expensive but rather well-​known mixing studio on my last CD, and every time I listen to it it bothers me that one song is louder than the others!) I have found him to be both skilled and patient.
Steven has developed a good ear for producing as well as playing, too. I was impressed with some saxophone and tasteful keyboard parts he added to recent tracks (of other musicians), and his production suggestions were right on.
Steven also hosts amazing live concerts and events for musicians, as the main sound studio is actually large enough to hold a small audience plus a band! The acoustics blew me away when I heard Money Creek Mining Co. (a stellar bluegrass band) there. And he has a real piano there, which I appreciated! (Usually my electronic keyboard my only option.)
The location is a bit remote, but it is a beautiful, private setting and well worth the drive! It’s also a fantastic place to record choirs, orchestras/​orchestration, and other groups that might not be easily accommodated in smaller recording studios.
The compilation CD’s mentioned in a negative review were done years ago — before this recording facility was even built! It is unfortunate that anyone would suggest that Steven’s volunteer recording work many years back (done to help out another local business that doesn’t even exist anymore) would in ANY way reflect his current abilities, equipment, or business.
Steven Bell has been an active volunteer in the community for many years, booking Sandblast musicians, recording the Cedarcrest High School choir, etc. and it’s sad to see his earliest efforts (when he was indeed a hobbyist) used against him.