It is an understatement to say that it is extremely hard to be nominated for a GRAMMY, let alone to win one. Many in the music industry will go their whole careers not getting close to the momentous feat. But, for those who are able to capture that glory, it demonstrates reverence that the industry has for the achiever. Today, we take a deep dive into the GRAMMY Award-winning music studio, Bay Eight Recording Studios, which is owned by Matthew “Formatt” DeFreitas.
Bay Eight Recording Studios started off as Midnight Blue Studios. Midnight Blue Studios was founded by GRAMMY Award-winning hitmaker Fabio “Estefano” Salgado. Estafano is known for producing many platinum-selling albums and hits with artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. Midnight Blue Studios was designed and constructed by world-renowned acoustician John Arthur and award-winning mastering engineer Brett Lambert.
Estefano eventually sold the recording studio in 2004 before constructing his second facility on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, Florida. Midnight Blue Studios changed ownership five times before Formatt purchased it.
In 2015, Formatt purchased the studio from subsequent owner Marco “Infamous” Rodrigues. Formatt already had experience working in music studios and engineering records. He also had a book of clients, so opening his own facility was a no-brainer. Formatt officially re-opened the studio in February 2015, and the first major renovations were completed within three months.
Funny enough, Formatt didn’t have a name picked out prior to the purchase. He really was only focused on perfecting his craft and servicing his clients. “I was in the studio day and night with work, mixing, and recording projects, and because of this, I never had time to name the studio.” Formatt continued: “When I was in sessions, clients would ask the address, and I would tell them we were in Bay Eight, which is our unit number. The name stuck, and all of my clients started referring to the studio as ‘Bay Eight Studios,’ so we ran with it.” That marked the birth of the renowned Bay Eight Recording Studios.
As the studio’s staff and notoriety grew, so did the clientele. Bay Eight Recording Studios has had a ton of talented underground and up-and-coming acts grace its facility. But, the studio has also had famous music acts come through and record hits over the years including, but not limited to, Boi Wonda, Rico Love, Don Corleon, Migos, DaBaby, Lucky Daye, Creative Titans, Izzy, Walshy Fire, Diplo, Kranium, Jessie Reyez, Maluma, Usher, Lil Wayne, Masego, and Danileigh. Not only have music acts used Bay Eight Recording Studios’ facilities, but major record labels and production companies have utilized its services.
Bay Eight Recording Studios is on the verge of moving away from boutique status as an expansion is imminent. Formatt also recently founded a small creative collective that is a parent company to the studio called, “Formatt Music Group.” Akin to Bay Eight, Formatt Music Group (FMG) was born organically. FMG will focus on music publishing and admin. Bay Eight Recording Studios is clearly one of the best studios out there and is quickly becoming more than just a studio. For more information, check out Bay Eight Recording Studios’ website. Also, follow Bay Eight on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.