Welcome to Compass Road Studio:
South Florida’s creative escape.

Nestled on a serene waterfront property just minutes from the beach, Compass Road Studio offers artists a one-of-a-kind recording experience where inspiration meets tranquility. Surrounded by tropical beauty, our studio blends world-class technology with laid-back coastal energy — the perfect setting to create, record, and relax.

Meet Andy Chase

Andy Chase is a New York City– and Fort Lauderdale–based musician, producer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the acclaimed indie pop band Ivy. He co-wrote and co-produced all seven of Ivy’s critically praised albums, with the band’s music featured in more than 100 films and television shows worldwide—cementing Ivy’s reputation as one of the most licensed indie pop groups in the United States.

In addition to his work with Ivy, Chase founded Unfiltered Records, a boutique label dedicated to releasing music from his own creative circle of artists. As the frontman for Brookville and Camera2, he has toured extensively around the world, bringing his signature sound to audiences across continents.

Chase was also the co-owner of Stratosphere Sound, a renowned New York City recording studio he operated alongside James Iha (The Smashing Pumpkins) and Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy). Stratosphere Sound quickly became one of NYC’s premier recording destinations, hosting artists such as Depeche Mode, R.E.M., Ryan Adams, Kanye West, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Following the studio’s closure in 2014, Chase relocated to South Florida, where he established Compass Road Studio in Fort Lauderdale—a creative hub continuing his legacy of musical innovation and collaboration.

Testimonials

You know those recording experiences where you’re stressed in a cramped, cave-like environment, severely pale and lacking in Vitamin D? This is the opposite of that — in the best possible way. Compass Road Studios is kind of unreal. It’s the best vintage gear tucked away in the most beautiful house in Ft Lauderdale, with a pool and every amenity you could want. It honestly feels like you’re making a record while on vacation. Vintage and modern, top-of-the-line gear that’s set up in a streamlined, easy-to-use way — nothing precious, nothing in the way. Amazing instruments, and one of the most beautiful grand pianos I’ve ever played. Compared to other professional studios, this place makes them feel like a chore. At Compass Road, there’s zero stress. The vibes are so good it would be hard to make bad music here. We made the new Ivy album this way, and it couldn’t have been better.

Bruce Driscoll (Freedom Fry, Ivy, Blondfire)

We had previously worked with Andy when he mixed our album, Weightlifting, at Stratosphere, and the perspective he brought to those songs elevated them so much, bringing a much-needed clarity to the final production, that we were keen to record our next record, In The Music, with him from scratch. So in the months leading up to our arrival in NYC, we worked with him remotely, him receiving rehearsal mp3s from Glasgow and making telling suggestions on the arrangements and programming. As a result, by the time we got together in November of that year, we all had a pretty solid idea of how we wanted the record to sound, and, at his suggestion, we brought 2 additional musicians with us, to try to achieve a fuller take on the songs as live as possible.

We had everything we needed at Stratosphere, and though we were recording onto Protools, the vibe felt and sounded very ‘analog’ and comfortable for us, used as we were to recording in our old studio in Scotland. Beautiful vintage guitars, amps, microphones and outboard gear, and Andy was great at selecting and quickly editing takes so we didn’t get bogged down in the technology. The sessions were a lot of fun, and again, Andy made further key arranging—and songwriting—contributions. The post-Stratosphere vocal and overdub sessions on snowy Martha’s Vineyard were done in January 08, using the mobile equipment Andy had brought with him on the boat from the mainland, and they are a treasured memory for us. As lead vocalist, I was especially grateful to Andy for his ability to put me at ease and guide me through my parts during what I often find to be the most challenging aspect of making a record. All in all, it was a wonderful experience for us.

Francis Reader (Trashcan Sinatras)

When I first stepped into Compass Road Studio, I felt an immediate connection to the room – from the warm sunlight peering in through the window to the high-end recording equipment and collection of vintage guitars hanging from the walls. I was impressed with the quality of the microphones and the wide range of recording options. As soon as you close the door, there is a nice separation from the outside world, giving you the space and time you need for your work.

My favorite part of my experience there was hearing my music play through the amazing speakers; it felt like I was rediscovering the song for the first time. During breaks, I would go swim in the warm, heated pool. Outside the studio, I admired the art displayed throughout the house, which gave me a boost of inspiration and motivation. Also, if you’re ever in need of a good laugh, Andy Chase is a master storyteller!

Siena Nell

Working at Compass Road Studio is genuinely an amazing experience. The space has this super vibey, welcoming feel — great lighting, plenty of room, and that perfect balance of being a fully equipped, kickass recording studio while still feeling warm and comfortable. The studio itself is aesthetically beautiful. Every time I’ve worked there, I’ve found it genuinely hard to leave. The room is dialed-in, the sound is clean and controlled, and recording always feels effortless and inspiring. The house around it adds to the atmosphere — spacious, beautifully kept, and with an outdoor area and pool that make the entire property feel like its own creative retreat. It’s the kind of environment that fuels creativity the moment you step inside.

Julien Denis (Peer Music)

I’ve worked with Andy Chase many, many times over the years. What is there to say? (A whole lot apparently!!!)

First, let me start by saying, the vibe of Compass Road Studios is AMAZING!!! The minute you walk into the space you are hit by its chill, laid back atmosphere. It has its own unique vibe and the room sonically SOUNDS brilliant!!! Did I mention musician’s gear? Andy has plenty of it to be sure…a virtual music gear museum of some of the best instruments one would need to color in (and out) of the lines. His facility is VERY well stocked and a pleasure to play and create in.

But saving the best for last, Andy’s skill set both behind the console as well as a sounding board is second to none! His impeccable ears, skill sets and song writing talents helped guide me to achieving the sound I was looking for many times over (and a nicer person you’d be hard pressed to meet).

I would not hesitate in a second to recommend both Andy Chase and Compass Road Studios to help you reach the highest of musical peaks.

Christopher Moll (The Postmarks)

After having spent years recording albums in New York studios, my experience at Compass Road couldn’t have been more pleasant! A pure joy. The track room is so comfortable and inviting and you feel like it’s home. The recording experience was so unique for me: I would cut my vocals and then take a break while the engineer would comp them, letting me enjoy the sun and the pool, and then would go back to work. The experience was so relaxed and healthy for a New Yorker! Got plenty of vitamin D while cutting my new album.

For now on I will only record and work at Compass Road Studio!

Dominique Durand (IVY)

I’ve had the pleasure of working several times at Compass Road Studio, first on my solo album—which leaned toward electronic music—and later on a more rock-oriented project. In both cases, the studio proved to be perfectly suited for my needs. It’s a real treat to have access to top-tier outboard gear like the original LA-2A, LA-3A, and 1176 compressors, as well as an exceptional selection of microphones.

The seamless integration of Pro Tools with all this gear, along with the API 1608 console, is a major advantage. Everything works hand in hand, perfectly integrated, and it truly elevates the sonic quality of the work. The monitoring system also adds to the comfort, especially during mixing sessions.

Beyond the technical aspects, the house itself is fantastic and ideally located. The pool is a godsend, especially during long sessions—taking a quick dip is a great way to refresh both body and mind. The bedrooms are spacious and bright, and the kitchen is amazing if you feel like cooking.

The ocean is just a 15-minute walk away, making for a wonderful morning stroll to stay in shape. And then there’s our host, Andy, who is always attentive and ready to help. This is a place I highly recommend to anyone looking to combine productivity with pleasure. Working in such great conditions is a guarantee of successful and inspired work—I’ll be back as soon as I can!

Welcome to Compass Road Studio:South Florida’s creative escape.