I am a multidisciplinary music professional with decades of experience spanning production, publishing, running a record company, performing as a musician and singer, and exploring the history and artifacts of the music world as a musical archaeologist. I studied Music and Theater at Florida State University in 1970, joined the Marching Chiefs and Jazz Band, and performed locally at the Down Under. My early years intertwined performance with hands-on studio work, laying a foundation for a life in music across multiple cities and roles. From Memphis to Nashville, I wrote songs for Mempro Inc., recorded with London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and engineered at Ardent while collaborating with Dan Penn, Jim Dickinson, and a host of legendary artists. I later led Ace Records in Jackson, built projects across Malaco and International Recording, opened my own Franklin studio, and eventually created Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, where I curate catalogs, score films, and work on audio books. I rely on Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Luna to archive, mix, and preserve music history for the next generation.

Jim Lancaster user1147834

I am a multidisciplinary music professional with decades of experience spanning production, publishing, running a record company, performing as a musician and singer, and exploring the history and artifacts of the music world as a musical archaeologist. I studied Music and Theater at Florida State University in 1970, joined the Marching Chiefs and Jazz Band, and performed locally at the Down Under. My early years intertwined performance with hands-on studio work, laying a foundation for a life in music across multiple cities and roles. From Memphis to Nashville, I wrote songs for Mempro Inc., recorded with London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and engineered at Ardent while collaborating with Dan Penn, Jim Dickinson, and a host of legendary artists. I later led Ace Records in Jackson, built projects across Malaco and International Recording, opened my own Franklin studio, and eventually created Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, where I curate catalogs, score films, and work on audio books. I rely on Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Luna to archive, mix, and preserve music history for the next generation.

Available to hire

I am a multidisciplinary music professional with decades of experience spanning production, publishing, running a record company, performing as a musician and singer, and exploring the history and artifacts of the music world as a musical archaeologist. I studied Music and Theater at Florida State University in 1970, joined the Marching Chiefs and Jazz Band, and performed locally at the Down Under. My early years intertwined performance with hands-on studio work, laying a foundation for a life in music across multiple cities and roles.

From Memphis to Nashville, I wrote songs for Mempro Inc., recorded with London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell, and engineered at Ardent while collaborating with Dan Penn, Jim Dickinson, and a host of legendary artists. I later led Ace Records in Jackson, built projects across Malaco and International Recording, opened my own Franklin studio, and eventually created Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida, where I curate catalogs, score films, and work on audio books. I rely on Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Luna to archive, mix, and preserve music history for the next generation.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Songwriter at Mempro Inc.
December 31, 1977 - October 15, 2025
Wrote songs for Mempro Inc. in Memphis and 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 and Mud Boy and the Neutrons; began recording engineering work at Ardent in Memphis; worked on projects with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Recording Artist at London Records / Hi Recording (Memphis, with Willie Mitchell)
December 31, 1977 - October 15, 2025
Recorded as an artist for London Records at Hi Recording with Willie Mitchell; collaborated on writing and recording with Dan Penn and Jim Dickinson; participated in various Memphis productions and sessions.
Recording Engineer at Ardent Studios
December 31, 1977 - October 15, 2025
Recording engineer at Ardent Studios in Memphis; contributed to client projects and side ventures across Memphis-area studios; worked with Knox Phillips at Phillips Recording.
Backing Vocalist at "3rd Generation Country" / David Allan Coe project
December 31, 1983 - October 15, 2025
Relocated to Nashville and joined the backing vocal group 3rd Generation Country; contributed to David Allan Coe's first Columbia record, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy; professional associations during this period included Jack Clement, Shelby Singleton, Hal Newman, Johnny Darrell, Waylon Jennings, Stevie Goodman, Steve Earle, and Dan Penn.
Studio Manager at Ace Records
December 31, 1983 - October 15, 2025
Studio Manager at Ace Records in Jackson, Mississippi; 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 (recording 45s for Tucker St. Music and IRS label).
Piano Sales / Studio Owner at Franklin, Tennessee
December 31, 1993 - October 15, 2025
Sold pianos in Franklin, Tennessee; constructed a studio and continued recording while raising a family.
Musician / Cabinet Construction Company Owner at Florida
December 31, 2003 - October 15, 2025
Returned to Florida, performed in bands, and owned a cabinet construction company.
Owner / Playground Recording Studio 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 and continued 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.

Education

Music and Theater studies at Florida State University
January 1, 1970 - January 1, 1970

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Other