Produced · Engineered · Mixed · Mastered
Naked Brunch
Named “Best Local Album” by the Chicago Reader. Full-cycle production through final master.
◆Now booking a limited roster · Direct access to Chris Steinmetz
Now Booking · Limited RosterChicago · Available Worldwide
Work Directly With Multi-Platinum Engineer / Producer Chris Steinmetz
Major-label quality recording, production, mixing, and mastering for artists who are ready to make records that last.
Your record deserves more than a bedroom mix. Stonecutter helps serious artists turn unfinished ideas into commercially competitive records — ready for release, sync, touring, pitching, and long-term catalog value, without sacrificing creative ownership.
◆30+ years behind the console
|◆Multi-platinum credits across genres
|◆Hand-selected roster
Direct Access
Every record. Every session. Every decision — made personally by Chris.
- 30+
- Years In The Chair
- Multi-Platinum
- Certified Records
- 500+
- Released Productions
Career Associations
Trusted by Artists Who Define Records.
Three decades of catalog work alongside the artists, producers, and rooms that shaped modern music.
KISS
Kanye West
Rihanna
Disturbed
Alice In Chains
Chicago Recording Company
Chicago Trax
Bob Ezrin
Michael Wagener
Suicidal Tendencies
Recent Work & Highlights
Currently in rotation.
Engineered
“Sweet Little Angel” — B.B. King 100th Birthday Tribute
Featuring Buddy Guy. Released on Joe Bonamassa’s label as part of the centennial tribute.
Why Artists Choose Chris
“Chris is the rare producer who hears the record you're trying to make before you do — and then actually helps you make it.”
Marty Casey · Recording Artist · Lovehammers
From Demo to Release
We help artists transform unfinished songs into release-ready records.
Major-label quality. Strategic production. Long-term catalog value. Every engagement is built around the outcome — not the hour, the room, or the gear.
01
Production
Strategic production direction shaped by three decades of records that have moved markets and built careers.
02
Recording
World-class tracking sessions with the engineer whose name is on the door — vocals, bands, orchestral, hybrid.
03
Mixing
Hybrid analog and in-the-box mixes engineered to translate from earbuds to arenas. Major-label finish, every record.
04
Mastering
Final-stage tonal balance and loudness prepared for streaming, vinyl, sync, broadcast, and long-term catalog value.
05
Artist Development
Long-form mentorship for serious artists building catalogues, sonic identity, and durable, ownable careers.
06
Release Strategy
Distribution, metadata, splits, sync positioning, and pitch readiness — handled with the rigor of a label A&R.
07
Label Guidance
Advisory work with independent labels and management seeking world-class execution on flagship releases.
08
Remote Production
Send your stems from anywhere. Receive a release-ready record back. Same major-label standard, no travel required.
I came in with rough demos and walked out with a record that opened doors I'd been knocking on for years. The difference between 'good' and 'releasable' is everything — Chris delivers the latter.
Who We Work Best With
Built for artists who are serious about the work.
Stonecutter is intentionally focused. We take on a small number of records each year so every artist — established or emerging — gets the attention a real career deserves.
We Work Best With
- ◆Independent artists at any stage who are committed to building a real career
- ◆New and emerging artists who are coachable and ready to develop their sound
- ◆Bands preparing singles, EPs, full albums, or multi-release rollouts
- ◆Producers needing high-level finishing on flagship records
- ◆Labels and management seeking world-class execution
- ◆Artists building long-term catalogues, not chasing trends
An Honest Note
New and emerging artists are absolutely welcome here.
What matters most isn't where you are in your career — it's how seriously you take it. If you're committed, coachable, and want to build something real, we'll meet you where you are and help you grow. Stonecutter is a development partner, not just a finishing room. We work with artists at every stage who are ready to put in the work.
Our Process
A clear path from first call to finished record.
Every engagement follows a deliberate, transparent flow — so you always know what's happening, what's next, and what we're building toward.
- 01
Discovery Call
A no-pressure conversation about your music, goals, timeline, and whether we're the right fit.
- 02
Creative Direction
We map the sonic identity, references, and artistic intent that will guide the entire engagement.
- 03
Production Strategy
Arrangement, performance, and song architecture decisions that maximize impact and longevity.
- 04
Recording + Editing
Tracking sessions captured with major-label discipline. Edited and prepped for a clean, focused mix.
- 05
Mixing + Mastering
Hybrid mix, final master, and format-aware delivery for streaming, vinyl, sync, and broadcast.
- 06
Release Readiness
Metadata, splits, distribution, sync positioning, and rollout strategy — handed off ready to launch.
Thirty years of experience shows up in the small decisions — the ones you didn't know mattered until you hear what they do to the record. Working with Chris is a masterclass every session.
Why Stonecutter Exists
Records should build careers. Not just stream counts.
Chris Steinmetz works differently than most engineers because he built his career inside the rooms that defined modern records — not adjacent to them. Three decades, multi-platinum credits, and a worldview shaped by the artists, producers, and labels that move culture.
That perspective changes how every decision gets made. Ownership matters. Catalogue matters. The long arc of a career matters more than the loudness of any single release.
Serious artists choose Stonecutter because Chris is not an engineer for hire. He is a strategic partner — a producer, mixer, and career-minded collaborator invested in the record after the record is done.
Because great records are not accidents.
They are built by experience, judgment, and intent.
Frequently Asked
Clear answers for serious artists and labels.
Everything most people want to know before reaching out. If your question isn't here, bring it to the discovery call — we'll answer in plain English.
Start Your Project→How much does recording with Chris Steinmetz cost?
Engagements are scoped to the artist, the catalog, and the goals. Single-record projects, full-album productions, and long-term artist development are all priced transparently after a free 15-minute discovery call. We do not publish hourly rates because Stonecutter is not an hourly studio.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Roughly half of every record we deliver is mixed and mastered remotely for artists, producers, and labels outside Chicago. You send stems, we return release-ready masters with the same major-label standard.
Do you produce full albums, EPs, singles, and remixes?
Yes — singles, EPs, full-length albums, and remixes are all core to what we do. These formats are essential to modern artist growth, and early-stage artists in particular benefit from a strategic release plan rather than waiting years for one perfect album. If you need to define your sound, I'll help you craft it. If you already have a sound, we'll help you strengthen it. Developing a unique sound and a memorable brand is critical at every stage of an artist's career.
Do you work with labels?
Yes. We take on advisory and execution work for independent labels, management companies, and rosters that need world-class production and finishing on priority releases.
Can you help with release strategy?
Yes. Every engagement includes guidance on distribution, metadata, splits, sync positioning, and rollout sequencing so the record reaches its commercial potential — not just its creative ceiling.
Do you offer artist development?
Yes. Long-form artist development is the centerpiece of our work with career-minded artists. We build sonic identity, catalogue strategy, and a multi-release roadmap designed to compound value over time.
Can I hire Chris for mixing only?
Yes. Mix-only and master-only engagements are available for producers, artists, and labels who already have completed productions and need a major-label finish.
How do I start a project?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll listen to your music, discuss your goals, and tell you honestly whether Stonecutter is the right next step. There is no pitch and no obligation.
What It Feels Like To Work With Chris
“He treats your record like it's his own. That's rare — and it's the reason artists keep coming back when the next project matters.”
Sarah Potenza · Recording Artist
Limited Roster · Now Booking
Make the record that builds your career.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Chris. We'll listen, discuss your goals, and tell you honestly whether Stonecutter is the right next step. No pitch. No pressure. No obligation.
◆ Reply within 24 hours◆ No commitment required◆ Direct call with Chris