Why South Loop Musicians Trust Us

South Loop’s musical legacy runs deep—from Chess Records capturing Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf’s blues on South Michigan Avenue in the 1940s to the Auditorium Theatre hosting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and later counterculture rock bands, this neighborhood has been central to Chicago’s music story for over a century. Today, with Columbia College Chicago training the next generation of musicians and Lollapalooza bringing thousands to Grant Park every summer, South Loop continues that tradition. Musicians from South Loop bring an awareness of that history to their recording projects: they understand what Chicago music sounds like, they respect the craft, and they’re looking for an engineer who can help them create work that adds to that legacy. Whether you’re a rock band tracking guitars, bass, and drums, a blues artist recording guitar and harmonica arrangements, or a voice actor capturing audiobook chapters and commercial narration, you’ll find a studio environment that honors South Loop’s recording heritage. Artists from this community value authenticity, technical skill, and an engineer who understands Chicago’s musical identity. As Chicago’s #1 rated recording studio on Google, Untold Stories has earned that recognition by working with artists who take their craft seriously. South Loop musicians choose us because we’re part of the same musical story—capturing today’s Chicago sound with the same commitment to quality that defined Chess Records decades ago.

Getting Here from South Loop

From South Loop, getting to our Pilsen studio at 1007 West 19th Street is remarkably convenient—just 10-15 minutes by car or transit. By car, take State Street or Michigan Avenue south, or access I-90/94 briefly and exit at Damen, heading south into Pilsen. The routes are straightforward and quick. Street parking in Pilsen is completely free and abundant—no meters, no hunting for spots, no downtown parking expenses. If you prefer transit, the CTA Red Line from Roosevelt runs south to Cermak-Chinatown, where you can transfer to a quick westbound bus or rideshare into Pilsen. Alternatively, the Pink Line is accessible from the Loop with service directly to 18th Street in Pilsen. Total transit time is roughly 15-20 minutes. Many South Loop artists appreciate being neighbors—you’re close enough to schedule sessions during the day without it dominating your schedule, and the short commute means you can easily do multiple sessions throughout the week. By the time you arrive at the studio, you’re still in the same creative energy that defines the south side. Plan to arrive right on time for your session, and you’ll find parking effortless, access simple, and the neighborhood’s artistic character a natural extension of South Loop’s own music culture.

What Makes South Loop Artists Unique

Musicians and voice actors from South Loop tend to approach recording with an awareness of Chicago’s musical heritage and a commitment to contributing to it. Living in a neighborhood where Chess Records captured legendary blues performances and where Columbia College students are learning their craft today creates artists who understand they’re part of a continuing story. South Loop artists show up with material that reflects that awareness—they’re not just making recordings, they’re creating work they want to stand the test of time. They value an engineer who understands Chicago music history and can help them achieve recordings that honor that tradition while sounding contemporary. We see rock bands recording full instrumentation with Chicago energy, blues artists tracking guitar, harmonica, and vocals with authenticity, indie and alternative bands developing their sound, singer-songwriters capturing acoustic and electric arrangements, electronic artists building modern productions, and voice actors recording audiobook chapters and commercial narration from South Loop. Many are artists connected to Columbia College’s music programs or embedded in Chicago’s independent music scene—they’re performing regularly, studying their craft seriously, and building their skills through dedicated practice and collaboration. What sets South Loop artists apart is their understanding that recording isn’t just about capturing a performance—it’s about creating something that contributes to Chicago’s ongoing musical legacy. They choose Untold Stories because we approach recording with that same respect for craft and history. When you walk into our studio from South Loop, you’re working with an engineer who understands the neighborhood’s musical importance, respects your artistic vision, and is committed to capturing recordings that represent your sound with the quality and authenticity Chicago music deserves.