After nearly two decades of shaping the sound of countless artists, Echo Mountain Recording will close its doors at the end of 2025. The renowned studio, housed in a historic former church in downtown Asheville, has been a cornerstone of the music community, known for its world-class facilities and Grammy-winning recordings.

Echo Mountain will continue to operate at full capacity through October 1, 2025. After that date, the studio will no longer conduct recording sessions. From October through December 31, the team will focus on winding down operations, liquidating inventory, and preparing the property for transition to GBX Group, which acquired the building and the adjacent API building in early 2024. The downtown property sale was part of the plan to move Echo Mountain Recording to a new 68-acre property just outside Asheville between Marshall and Mars Hill, and construction began in early fall 2024 on that new property. As of this announcement, construction has stopped on the new property and the land will be prepared for sale later in 2025. 

“The decision to close Echo Mountain was not made lightly,” said Steve Wilmans, Echo Mountain’s owner and founder. “After thirty years in the recording industry, this feels like a natural moment to step away and focus on my family and spend more time with my kids. The landscape of the recording industry is also shifting, and rather than push forward with a new studio outside Asheville, we feel the responsible choice is to close this chapter with gratitude and intention.”

Originally opened in 2006, Echo Mountain transformed a century-old church into one of the most sought-after recording spaces in the Southeast. Over the years, it has hosted a diverse range of artists, from independent musicians to internationally acclaimed acts, contributing to albums that have left an indelible mark on the industry.

“Echo Mountain has been more than just a recording studio—it’s been a creative home,” said Jessica Tomasin, studio manager. “We are incredibly proud of the work that has been done within these walls and the artists who have trusted us with their projects. Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition for our team and helping them find their next opportunities.”

Sessions are still being booked for the Church studio, API studio and B Room from now until October 1, 2025. Tomasin notes that any artists or bands who wish to book the remaining studio sessions before October 1st should reach out as soon as possible to ensure they get their ideal times. Staff will remain employed through the end of the year as well as receive severance packages for 2026 so they are taken care of while they move into the next phase of their careers. 

Echo Mountain’s legacy will live on in the music recorded within its walls and in the dedicated professionals who have been part of its journey. The studio extends its deepest gratitude to the artists, engineers, producers, and community who have supported it through the years.

Source: Echo Mountain Recording.