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.