ABOUT THE STUDIO
Degraw Sound is a recording studio in Brooklyn, New York owned and operated by record producer, mixer, and songwriter Ben Rice.
Founded in 2012, the studio was meticulously designed with a dual focus on acoustic excellence and aesthetic appeal, drawing inspiration from the classic recording studios of New York City where Rice began his career. The control room is centered around a vintage Trident Series 24 console, formerly owned by James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins, and the studio features an extensive collection of vintage and boutique instruments, microphones, and classic analog outboard gear, with a live room and ISO booth set up for recording full bands. Artists have access to a private lounge with panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline.
Ben Rice
Producer / Mixer / Owner
Ben Rice is a music producer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter known for cultivating a supportive environment in which artists can authentically express their creative visions.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rice developed his musical sensibilities amidst the vibrant and diverse soundscape of New York City. Growing up, he was influenced by rock & roll, country, and soul, as well as Brit-pop and shoegaze bands. During the early 2000s, Rice played in several bands that were part of the New York indie rock revival, landing a record deal with Lizard King/WMG.
His experience playing in bands led to working with and being mentored by producers Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), Gus Van Go (The Beaches, Metric), and later, Youth (Paul McCartney, The Verve). Fascinated by the record-making process, Rice began producing his friends and local musicians in a DIY studio in his family's basement, which grew to host sessions with acts ranging from The Mooney Suzuki to Lenny Kaye. In 2012, he opened Degraw Sound, a recording studio in Gowanus, Brooklyn, which is his home base for working with artists.
Speaking to Relix about their work there together on her most recent album, Nobody Owns You, Joan Osborne describes Rice’s style: “He has a very calm and thorough approach to what he does, whether that’s writing, producing, getting an overdub on a track or whatever it is. He’s very centered and calm – you get this feeling that no one’s in a rush and we’re going to take as much time as we need to do this.”
Rice also received praise for his work on “Colors,” from Valerie June’s album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers. The album reached #1 on the Americana Chart and earned an Americana Award nomination for Album of the Year, with Rice himself receiving a nomination for Producer of the Year. His production style has been described as “Americana through a Brooklyn filter” by Brooklyn Magazine, and Rolling Stone lauded "Colors" for its “innovative blend of banjo, strings, and pop drum loops.”
Always excited to collaborate with up-and-coming artists, he was among the first to hear the potential in The Skins, producing and mixing their first EP – a project that set them on the path to being signed by Rick Rubin. Other notable collaborations include co-producing and mixing The National's version of “Im Glück” for the 50th anniversary of NEU!'s debut album, and producing and mixing The Candles’ album Matter + Spirit, which features Norah Jones on the duet “Move Along”. He has mixed for James Bay, Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds), and Nicole Atkins.
Comfortable collaborating with both new and well-established artists, Rice recently worked with Northern Soul legends The Flirtations, producing, co-writing, and mixing their comeback album Still Sounds Like The Flirtations. After falling in love with their 1969 hit, “Nothing But A Heartache,” Rice sought out the group and helmed the project, which features the Dap King Horns and the song “Memories,” co-written with Stevie Wonder.
In addition to his work as a producer, mixer, and songwriter, Rice has collaborated with pop producers seeking organic sounds for their recordings. He has played guitar on tracks for artists like Meghan Trainor, Ben Platt and the Jonas Brothers, including their Billboard #1 hit “Like It’s Christmas.” As a performer, Rice has toured internationally, opening for Arctic Monkeys, Band of Skulls, The Bravery, Brendan Benson, Steel Train, and Killing Joke.
With extensive experience both in the studio and on the stage, Rice’s work embodies a deep commitment to the music-making process and he is dedicated to helping artists make space for their creativity.
Leah Dunn
Engineer
Leah Dunn is a New York–based producer, engineer, and mixer who’s quickly becoming a trusted collaborator for indie artists and producers. Her dedicated, detail-oriented approach helps create a centered atmosphere where musicians can refine their ideas and make clear creative decisions. She’s worked with artists including Jared Benjamin and Luisa Wilson.
Leah graduated from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, after attending Interlochen Arts Academy, where she studied songwriting. During her time at Clive, she was mentored by producers and engineers such as Erin Tonkon (David Bowie, Gustaf) and Kevin Killen (Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush), and most recently attended a masterclass with Catherine Marks (boygenius, The Killers).
After graduating from Clive, Leah joined Degraw Sound as an engineer and assistant to producer Ben Rice (Joan Osborne, NEU x The National). She specializes in recording and mixing, working with bands, vocalists, and producers to capture clear, intentional performances. Her musicality, background as a songwriter, and welcoming presence have endeared her to a growing community of artists.
