In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Zino B and Jimmy Bonks — producers, engineers, and co-founders of Channel Recording Company, a brand-new Chicago studio designed to feel like a living room while sounding world-class.

They share the story of transforming a raw warehouse into a fully treated space in Fort Knox Studios, complete with cedar diffusion walls, a 25×25 ft live room, and a glass-walled ISO booth big enough for a grand piano. We dive into their philosophy of hospitality-driven engineering, why “good sound should be the default,” and how creating a comfortable environment frees artists to focus on making their best music.

Beyond the technical build, Zino B and Jimmy reflect on their paths through the Chicago scene — from Joyride sessions with legends like Buddy Guy to Grammy-nominated projects, to building a community hub where artistry, collaboration, and care come first. They also tackle big topics like AI in music, the importance of “first listeners” in mastering, and how true fans sustain independent art.

📲 Follow Channel Recording Company: https://www.instagram.com/channelingcompany/

🎚️ Learn more & book sessions: https://channelrecordingcompany.com/

🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

00:00 Intro — Channel opens to the public

03:15 From Joyride to Channel: credits, craft, and workflow

05:45 Designing for comfort: glass wall, open doors, quiet rooms

14:35 Building a studio (cedar, diffusion, floors)

23:50 What makes Channel different (hospitality + musicianship)

33:05 Chicago scene: world/jazz, Americana, blues lineage

45:20 AI & the “first listener” argument for human mastering

52:30 True fans, community, and sustainable careers

57:40 What’s next: projects, outreach, and how to book