I'm a lifelong music industry professional—producer, publisher, record company owner, musician and singer. I'm married to Jill and proud father of Clayton, Will, and Patrick. Over the decades I've worn many hats across the Memphis and Nashville scenes, from writer and performer to recording engineer and studio manager. My journey began in 1970 at Florida State University where I studied Music and Theater, and later I took on roles with Mempro Inc., Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and collaborations with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson. I’ve worked with Jim Dickinson on projects with The Replacements, Toots Hibbert, The Rock City Angels, and Alex Chilton, and I helped shape sounds at Ardent and Phillips Recording. In recent years I've acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, renovated the facility, and upgraded it for both digital and analog recording. I serve as IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner and continue cataloging unsold material. My recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and research into AI applications for archiving and creative processes. I use Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer to archive and mix, and I'm committed to evolving technology while staying true to the craft of musicianship.

Jim Lancaster

PRO

I'm a lifelong music industry professional—producer, publisher, record company owner, musician and singer. I'm married to Jill and proud father of Clayton, Will, and Patrick. Over the decades I've worn many hats across the Memphis and Nashville scenes, from writer and performer to recording engineer and studio manager. My journey began in 1970 at Florida State University where I studied Music and Theater, and later I took on roles with Mempro Inc., Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and collaborations with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson. I’ve worked with Jim Dickinson on projects with The Replacements, Toots Hibbert, The Rock City Angels, and Alex Chilton, and I helped shape sounds at Ardent and Phillips Recording. In recent years I've acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, renovated the facility, and upgraded it for both digital and analog recording. I serve as IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner and continue cataloging unsold material. My recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and research into AI applications for archiving and creative processes. I use Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer to archive and mix, and I'm committed to evolving technology while staying true to the craft of musicianship.

Available to hire

I’m a lifelong music industry professional—producer, publisher, record company owner, musician and singer. I’m married to Jill and proud father of Clayton, Will, and Patrick. Over the decades I’ve worn many hats across the Memphis and Nashville scenes, from writer and performer to recording engineer and studio manager. My journey began in 1970 at Florida State University where I studied Music and Theater, and later I took on roles with Mempro Inc., Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and collaborations with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson. I’ve worked with Jim Dickinson on projects with The Replacements, Toots Hibbert, The Rock City Angels, and Alex Chilton, and I helped shape sounds at Ardent and Phillips Recording.

In recent years I’ve acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, renovated the facility, and upgraded it for both digital and analog recording. I serve as IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner and continue cataloging unsold material. My recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and research into AI applications for archiving and creative processes. I use Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer to archive and mix, and I’m committed to evolving technology while staying true to the craft of musicianship.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Songwriter at Mempro Inc.
December 31, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Worked as a songwriter and engaged in publishing activities; contributed to writing and recording efforts, including collaborations with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson, and participation in projects tied to London Records and Hi Recording.
Recording Artist at London Records
December 31, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Recorded as an artist at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated on writing and recording with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; involved in various projects including an unreleased 1974 production.
Recording Engineer at Ardent Studios
December 31, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Became a recording engineer at Ardent in Memphis; worked on client projects and side ventures across multiple Memphis studios; collaborated with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Studio Manager at Ace Records
December 31, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Served as Studio Manager; compiled tapes for leasing; produced Ace Record for Geater Davis; co-produced and engineered the LP Genuine Mississippi Blue; regular visitors included James Booker, Huey Smith, and Paul Burlison; related work at Malaco and International Recording in Pearl, Mississippi (recording 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS).
Recording Engineer / Studio Work at Malaco / International Recording (Pearl, MS)
December 31, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Completed work at Malaco; managed the studio at International Recording, recording 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Piano Sales & Studio Construction at Self-employed
December 31, 1993 - October 2, 2025
Sold pianos in Franklin, Tennessee; constructed a studio and continued recording activities.
Musician at Self-employed
December 31, 2003 - October 2, 2025
Returned to Florida, performed in bands; active as a musician during this period.
Cabinet Construction Company Owner at Self-employed
December 30, 2003 - October 1, 2019
Owned and operated a cabinet construction company in Florida during this period.
Studio Owner / Recording Engineer at Playground Recording Studio
January 1, 2004 - Present
Acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida; renovated the facility and upgraded it for both digital and analog recording; IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner; cataloging unsold material; recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and AI research; uses Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer for archiving and mixing.
Songwriter / Recording Artist at Mempro Inc.
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Wrote songs and performed as an artist for London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; contributed to an unreleased 1974 production; engaged in projects with Jim Dickinson including The Replacements, Toots Hibbert, The Rock City Angels, and Alex Chilton; worked with Mud Boy and the Neutrons; later became a recording engineer at Ardent Studios in Memphis; led client projects and side ventures across Memphis studios, notably Phillips Recording with Knox Phillips.
Recording Engineer at Ardent Studios (Memphis)
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Recording engineer at Ardent; supported client projects and side ventures in multiple Memphis studios; collaborated with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Backing Vocalist / Group Member at 3rd Generation Country
January 1, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Joined the backing vocal group in Nashville and contributed to David Allan Coe's first Columbia record, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy.
Studio Manager at Ace Records
December 31, 1978 - October 1, 1983
Studio Manager; compiled tapes for leasing; produced Ace Record for Geater Davis; co-produced and engineered the LP Genuine Mississippi Blue featuring Sammy Myers, Johnny Littlejohn, King Edward; regular visitors included James Booker, Huey Smith, and Paul Burlison; also completed work at Malaco and managed the studio at International Recording in Pearl, Mississippi; recorded 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Independent Musician / Studio Owner at Franklin, Tennessee
January 1, 1993 - October 2, 2025
Sold pianos, constructed a studio, and continued recording while raising a family.
Musician / Cabinetmaker / Entrepreneur at Self-employed (Florida)
January 1, 2003 - October 2, 2025
Returned to Florida, performed in bands, and owned a cabinet construction company.
Studio Owner / IP Director at Playground Recording Studio
January 1, 2004 - Present
Acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida; renovated facility and upgraded for both digital and analog recording; IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner; cataloging unsold material; recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and AI research in music applications; uses Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and for archiving and mixing.
Songwriter at Mempro Inc.
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Wrote songs and contributed to recording projects in Memphis; collaborated on writing and recording with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; contributed to unreleased 1974 production.
Recording Artist at London Records / Hi Recording
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Recorded as an artist at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated on writing and recording projects; worked with Jim Dickinson.
Musician / Collaborator at Mud Boy and the Neutrons
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Worked with Mud Boy and the Neutrons; contributed to sessions and Memphis projects.
Recording Engineer at Ardent Studios
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Became a recording engineer at Ardent in Memphis; worked on client projects and side ventures in multiple Memphis studios; collaborated with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Backing Vocalist at 3rd Generation Country
January 1, 1977 - Present
Relocated to Nashville and joined the backing vocal group, contributing to David Allan Coe's first Columbia record, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy.
Studio Manager / Producer at Ace Records
January 1, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Studio Manager; compiled tapes for leasing; produced Ace Records release for Geater Davis; regular visitors included James Booker, Huey Smith, and Paul Burlison.
Studio Engineer / Producer at Malaco
January 1, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Completed work at Malaco; contributed to sessions and projects.
Studio Manager / Recording Engineer at International Recording
January 1, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Managed studio in Pearl, Mississippi; recorded 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Piano Salesperson at Franklin, Tennessee
December 31, 1993 - October 2, 2025
Sold pianos; constructed a studio; continued recording.
Studio Builder / Studio Owner at Franklin, Tennessee (Self-employed)
December 31, 1993 - October 2, 2025
Constructed a recording studio; continued recording activities.
Musician / Band Performer at Self-employed (Florida)
December 31, 2003 - October 2, 2025
Returned to Florida and performed in bands; continued recording.
Cabinet Construction Company Owner at Self-employed (Florida)
December 31, 2003 - October 2, 2025
Owned and operated a cabinet construction company.
Studio Owner at Playground Recording Studio
January 1, 2004 - Present
Acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida; renovated the facility and upgraded it for digital and analog recording.
IP Director / Catalog Archivist at Playground Recording Studio
January 1, 2004 - Present
Serves as IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner and catalogs unsold material.
Songwriter / Recording Artist at Mempro Inc. (Memphis)
January 1, 1977 - October 2, 2025
Wrote songs and recorded as an artist for London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated on writing and recording with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; contributed to an unreleased 1974 production; engaged in multiple projects with Jim Dickinson including The Replacements, Toots Hibbard, The Rock City Angels, and Alex Chilton; also worked with Mud Boy and the Neutrons; served as a recording engineer at Ardent Studios in Memphis; involved in various client projects and side ventures across Memphis studios, and collaborated with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Studio Manager / Engineer at Ace Records, Jackson, Mississippi
January 1, 1983 - October 2, 2025
Studio Manager; compiled tapes for leasing; produced Ace Record for Geater Davis; co-produced and engineered the LP Genuine Mississippi Blue featuring Sammy Myers, Johnny Littlejohn, King Edward; James Booker, Huey Smith and Paul Burlison were regular visitors; also did work at Malaco; managed the studio at International Recording in Pearl, Mississippi; recorded 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Owner / IP Director at Playground Recording Studio, Valparaiso, Florida
December 31, 2003 - Present
Acquired and renovated Playground Recording Studio; upgraded facility for both digital and analog recording; IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner; cataloging unsold material; recent work includes two movie scores, audio books, and research into AI applications; uses Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer for archiving and mixing.
Studio Manager at International Recording
January 1, 1983 - October 21, 2025
Managed the studio at International Recording in Pearl, Mississippi; recorded 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Songwriter at Mempro Inc.
December 31, 1977 - December 31, 1977
Wrote songs for Mempro Inc.; recorded as an artist for London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; contributed to unreleased 1974 production; involved in projects with Jim Dickinson (The Replacements, Toots Hibbert, The Rock City Angels, Alex Chilton); worked with Mud Boy and the Neutrons; served as recording engineer at Ardent in Memphis; engaged in client projects and side ventures in multiple Memphis studios, notably with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Studio Manager at Ace Records
December 31, 1983 - December 31, 1983
Studio Manager at Ace Records in Jackson, Mississippi; compiled tapes for leasing; produced an Ace Record for Geater Davis; co-produced and engineered the LP Genuine Mississippi Blue featuring Sammy Myers, Johnny Littlejohn, King Edward, among others; James Booker, Huey Smith, and Paul Burlison were regular visitors; also completed work at Malaco and managed the studio at International Recording in Pearl, Mississippi, recording 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label.
Piano Salesperson / Studio Builder at Self-employed
December 31, 1993 - December 31, 1993
Sold pianos in Franklin, Tennessee; constructed a studio; continued recording while raising a family.
Musician and Cabinet Construction Company Owner at Self-employed
December 31, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Returned to Florida, performed in bands, and owned a cabinet construction company.
Studio Owner / IP Director at Playground Recording Studio
January 1, 2004 - November 25, 2025
Acquired Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida; renovated facility and upgraded for digital and analog recording; IP director for catalogs left by the previous owner and continues cataloging unsold material; recent work includes two movie scores, audio books; research into AI applications; uses Pro Tools, Luna, and Digital Performer for archiving and mixing.

Education

Music and Theater studies at Florida State University
January 1, 1970 - October 2, 1972
I did several "Play in the pit" for theater productions..and studied tuba
Undergraduate study in Music and Theater at Florida State University
January 1, 1970 - October 2, 1972
Studied Music and Theater at Florida State University
January 1, 1970 - October 21, 1972
Studied Music and Theater at Florida State University
January 1, 1970 - November 25, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Education, Other, Computers & Electronics
    paper This Don't Feel Like Love

    This is a Jill song (my wife), we sing together. She wrote and performed this as well. Jazz quertet!

    paper This Don't Feel Like Love

    This is a Jill song (my wife), we sing together. She wrote and performed this as well. Jazz quertet!

    uniE603 Why Then recorded in 1971 transferred and remixed 2022
    I transferred this from 2" 16 track analog machine to digital and re-mixed
    uniE608 Southern Americana This Ain't Hi-fidelity Trailer 16sec
    Intro to underground non-promoted Web show