Barrel Cactus Studio is located in beautiful, scenic Fountain Hills, Arizona. It is owned and operated by multi-talented musician, singer/songwriter, guitarist, performer, guitar teacher, and recording engineer, Scott Hallock. The studio has been in existence for eight years.

Many local, national and international artists have recorded at Barrel Cactus Studio. Clients have included O.K. Choral, Suzie Kiraly, Dave Sheehy, Francesca Evans, Dan Gutenkauf, Tom Tuerff, The Willows, Cottonwood Stone, Nancy Freeman, Tom Bertling (Smoot Mahooty), Anne James, Shane Wilson, Rhonda Lester, Scott Baker, Mike Alicke (Alaskan), Alonzo (Mango Mango), Amy Burns, Frank Carson Boyd, David Welch, and Dave Sklar.

Scott has developed a network of talented musicians that he can provide for your project. Session players at the studio have included Pete Huttlinger (John Denver’s band), Mack Bailey (The Limeliters), Ron Rotowski (Glen Campbell’s band with Jeff Dayton, and Poor Alfred), Mike Smith (the Gaitlin Brothers, Mike & T Band),  Peter Storn (The Rave), Kevin Mauch (Smoot Mahooty), Phil Shank, Mike Fix, Dan & Denny Gutenkauf, Rhonda Lester, Darren Mahoney, Lon Austin, Mark Dolin, and Craig Colson. Scott is available to sing and play on client projects upon request.

Barrel Cactus Studio offers a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and accommodates many styles, including singer/songwriter, folk, acoustic rock, Latin, bluegrass, pop, alternative rock, country, reggae, and piano instrumental. Spoken word sessions have included radio and TV commercial voiceovers, relaxation, self help therapy, interview and poetry.

We currently offer up to 96 tracks of Pro Tools 9-based digital recording and editing. Equipment includes high-end Neumann mics, AKG 414, Rhode K2 Tube Mic, Rhode NT5 matched pair, Buzz pre-amp, baby grand and upright piano, Fender Twin Reverb amp, Tech 21 Trademark 30 amp, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and percussion instruments. Click here to download our equipment listing.

The Barrel Cactus Studio fee is $50 per hour. Pre-paid blocks of time are available at discounted rates. Call us at 480-816-1884 or email us for information.

Scott Hallock, owner/engineer, is a graduate of Curry College, MA with a Communications Media Radio and TV major and Music minor. His experience includes performance in many bands and choirs including NJ All-State Choir. He was also co-owner of Rosewood Studio in Madison, NJ. Scott has artist endorsements with several music product companies, including Martin Guitars, Breedlove, D’Addario, LR Baggs, FBT, John Pearce, and BOSE. This has enabled him to participate in the NAMM Show for the past 12 years, doing equipment demos, learning about the latest products and recording technologies, and networking with companies and other musicians.