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About 

Jay O'Rourke

Studio Owner/ Producer/ Engineer 

Jay O’Rourke grew up & started paying music as early as 1968 in the Philly area.

 

In 1977 he moved to Chicago & attended Columbia College where he received a film degree that led to studio/engineering work in Chicago.

 

Jay eventually would go on to be a live sound engineer at places such as The Vic Theater, The Park West, Tuts, & Misfits. Jay also did some touring as an engineer with Ministry, Ian Hunter, & Robbie Fulks, among others.

 

O'Rourke & his ex- wife, Ginny, started Monsterdisc Digital mastering/Manufacturing. Monsterdisc also was a small inde label for a few years, releasing many indie records. Monsterdisc was open between 1992 - 1998. Jay became the house mastering engineer for Alligator Records & mastered over 20 Cds for the label. With the advent of “pro tools” & the shockingly low prices of software based DAW systems, Monsterdisc could no longer support itself & was closed.

 

He also produced & played in many bands. The Insiders had a deal on Epic Records in 1987 & had an AOR top 10 song “Ghost On The Beach”, & was “Hip Clip of The Week” on MTV. Jay was instrumental in the signing of The Slammin' Watusis to Epic & produced their debut record. Jay has produced records for Epic, A&M, Warner Bros, Yep Rock, Monsterdisc, etc ….

 

Jay has had “Jay’s Garage” as a project studio since 1986 & has continued to work from there ever since. Many records & demos have been done there & continue to be made there. Jay has worked at studios around the country including, The Record Plant NYC, Ardent in Memphis, Rax Trax Chicago, CRC Chicago, etc …

 

Jay’s Garage was closed to the public for many years, but is now available to the right artists. Teddy Thornhill has brought a “youthful enthusiasm” back to the garage, & has convinced Jay to allow outside artists to use the facility.

 

Jay is available to produce on a limited basis with Teddy assisting. Teddy is the primary engineer at Jay’s Garage & Overdub Emporium.

Thomas 'Teddy' Thornhill 

Studio Manager/ Engineer 

Teddy is originally from Frederick, MD, but resides in Chicago. He is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Audio Arts & Acoustics and is totally immersed in the Chicago’s music scene. Teddy is an engineer and a musician. This combination allows him to understand the musician’s vision and achieve the optimal sound. Teddy enjoys working with singers, songwriters and full bands that are contributing music to their genres. His client list includes acts such as Faceless Ones, Stag & Owl, The Belvederes, Lucky 3 Blues Band, and many more. If you want a young, attentive, and excellent engineer Teddy is the man for you. In his spare time Teddy enjoys spending time with family and friends, BBQ, Ice Hockey, and anything to do with cars.

 

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