Sonic Vista Studios plays host to many of the world’s top artists and has been responsible for numerous well known tunes. Where better to pen a new tune than an island like Ibiza where inspiration is around every corner? Sonic Vista offers artists a state of the art studio in a comfortable atmosphere with the knowledge and back-up of industry professionals who have been operating at the top of their game for over two decades. Essentialibiza caught up with Louis Henry Sarmiento to get the lowdown on Sonic Vista…
What was the thinking behind opening Sonic Vista Studios in Ibiza?
I was living in San Francisco, California before moving to Ibiza and I was running Herbie Herbert’s recording studio. I saw an opportunity in Ibiza as there was a gap in the industry standard studio business. I was the first studio to bring a Pro Tools HD system to the island. I have been to Ibiza before and loved the island and its special vibe it has.
What was your first experience of the island?
My first experience in Ibiza was when I came along with friend/producer (DJ Miguel Migs) for a show he was doing at Pacha. The island had a special magic to it and I knew I would be back.
With many of the world’s top DJs and producers playing regularly on the island and Ibiza being the inspiration that it is, you must have a regular flow of high profile clients, tell us who uses the studio?
I cater to high profile artists and up and coming artists. My client list includes the likes of 50 Cent, Lady Gaga, Taio Cruz, Swedish House Mafia, Andy Taylor, The Ting Tings, Akon, Ms. Dynamite, Steve Lawler, Pushtronic, Ibiza Rocks and many many more….
What’s the busiest time of the year for you?
All year is busy as I work with an international base of music clients. I don’t depend on the summer mass population of tourism.
Which well known pieces of music have been made in your studio?
Lady Gaga: Alejandro (Song), 50 Cent: In the Dark w/ Dev, The Ting Tings: (Song on new album coming out in 2012), to name a few…
What does Sonic Vista Studios offer prospective clients?
Sonic Vista offers an inspiring, professional and focused environment held in a 400 year old villa on a hill top with sea views. Hosting a wide variety of the best in Analog hardware and digital audio tools to conquer any audio needs.
What is it about Ibiza that makes it the perfect place to make music?
The ability to have complete isolation from the chaos of urban cities and to be emerged in the best and biggest dance clubs of the world.
In your twenty years in the industry what have been the biggest changes in how you make music?
Technology/software is changing and improving everyday. Hardware still stays relatively the same. Also, the ability for artists to create on laptops within their travel schedules.
Does technology make it easier to make music and in a way dilute the quality that is delivered as a whole?
Yes, technology does make it easier to create music but you must have talent! The main question is: Is it good? Is there talent? Or is it just a bunch of loop files that everyone can get, which makes it all sound the same. My question to all producers/ DJs/ artists: Do you know where the middle C of the keyboard is?
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
Avid Pro Tools HD as it is my main platform that I have been using for over 12 years and is the best sounding DAW. Period!
What does 2012 hold in store for you at Sonica Vista?
Lots of amazing music/artists and talent. Social epidemic movements that will penetrate worldwide… Stay tuned 
