Bill Smith

Bill Smith’s journey into recording engineering began at 16 when his home tapes sparked a relentless curiosity for the craft. After cutting his teeth at various New York studios, a key opportunity at Todd Rundgren’s Secret Sound Studio confirmed his passion, and in 1989 he made the move to Los Angeles. A pivotal role at Cherokee Studios eventually led to a 14-year stint at Capitol Records, where Bill had the fortune of working closely with engineering icon Al Schmitt. His longtime friendship with Beatle’s engineer Geoff Emerick was also the source of great knowledge and inspiration throughout his career. Bill’s impressive portfolio spans collaborations with Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, and Dr. John, but two standout projects include Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable… With Love and Ask A Woman Who Knows. One of Bill’s most unique experiences was recording Yes at a rented Wells Fargo bank for seven months, a session made memorable by the band’s generosity in sharing their process with local fans.