A landmark of the Hollywood music scene is entering a new chapter as Conway Recording Studios, the tropical-themed oasis that has hosted generations of superstars, is officially up for sale. Buddy Brundo, the sound engineer who has owned and operated the facility since 1976, is listing the acre-sized property for $15 million as he prepares to conclude a career spanning half a century.
Located on the edge of the Melrose Hill neighborhood at the intersection of Melrose and Western avenues, the studio has served as the creative home for a staggering roster of talent. From the legacy recordings of Burt Bacharach, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Wonder to modern hits by U2, Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift, the studio has remained a top-tier destination despite the rise of digital home recording. Most recently, the South Korean group BTS used the space to record their comeback album, “Arirang,” a process captured in a Netflix documentary released in March.
Brundo, 83, says the decision to sell is a matter of timing. A transplant from Buffalo, New York, who moved to California seeking sunlight and warmth, Brundo defied the traditional recording studio design of the 1970s. While most studios of that era were windowless, soundproof bunkers, Brundo insisted on installing large, soundproof windows that let in natural light and views of the property’s lush, jungly grounds.
“I moved to California to be outside in the warm,” Brundo said. “I like sunlight.” This design philosophy created an atmosphere that real estate professionals describe as feeling more like Hawaii than a bustling Los Angeles thoroughfare. That aesthetic has fostered deep loyalty among artists; Taylor Swift is such a frequent visitor that she famously caused a surge in demand for company merchandise after being photographed in a Conway Recording Studios sweatshirt.
Beyond its visual appeal, the studio is known for its high-end technical specs and a series of unique custom features. The sale includes three separate studios, various offices, and a wealth of recording equipment, including two grand pianos. Brundo also designed a specialized air-conditioning and filtration system using charcoal filters and ultraviolet blue lights to neutralize smoke and bacteria, catering to a studio policy that allows artists to smoke whatever they choose while working.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the property is its gradual expansion. Over the decades, Brundo acquired and demolished 10 adjacent houses to create the sprawling, secure campus seen today. These acquisitions were not always simple. In one instance, a neighbor became incensed after musician Ted Nugent, an avid archer who was practicing on the studio grounds, accidentally shot an arrow into the neighbor’s yard. Brundo eventually purchased that neighbor’s house a year later, though he noted the price increased significantly following the incident.
In recent years, the facility has continued to evolve to meet the needs of modern stars. Brundo recently painted a full basketball court on the studio’s large asphalt parking lot to provide recreation for the singer The Weeknd during downtime between sessions. The lot is also known for its capacity to host high-value security details and luxury vehicle fleets, with room for up to 59 cars.
Industry trends suggest that while home software like Pro Tools revolutionized the business in the 1990s, physical spaces like Conway are seeing a resurgence in value. According to data from the Recording Industry Association of America, U.S. recorded-music revenue grew 7% to $6 billion in the first half of 2026. Experts point to a “reversion back to the real,” where bands are increasingly seeking out large live rooms and vintage gear to counter the saturation of AI-generated music.
Despite the site’s potential for redevelopment into housing or retail, Brundo expressed a strong desire to see the property remain a recording studio. He remains active, noting that he still works out regularly and maintains a hands-on presence at the facility.
“Ten years ago I wouldn’t even think about this,” Brundo said of the sale. “But I’m 83, and how long can I keep this up? It’s best to walk away while I still can.”
