About
Tonic Recording Studios was originally designed for country music legend George Jones.
Studio architects completed their drawings in 1983, and construction on our fabulous building began the following year. The project was completed in 1986, and the studio opened under the Alpha Star name in 1987, operating until late 1991.
Five years later, our current owners moved their SoundScape Studios into the building. In January 2015, we rebranded the company as Tonic Recording Studios.
Our outstanding team enables us to build upon our rich history in this world-class facility.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Engineers & Producers
Our mission is to elevate and amplify your sound.
Doug Kasper
Doug Kasper, a Pittsburgh native, is a lifelong musician, songwriter, guitarist, engineer and producer. He founded Tonic Recording Studios in 1996 and has done hundreds of recordings locally and internationally.
Dave Hillis
Dave’s wide range of skills in programming and electronic music production make him highly qualified to be a producer, mixer and multi-platinum engineer. His credits include Pearl Jam’s debut album, “Ten,” “Alice In Chains,” “Afghan Whigs” and pop artist James Blunt. Dave has also been a recording artist for major labels.
Lee Caruso, Jr.
Lee Caruso, Jr. is a Pittsburgh native and an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is the lead singer and guitarist for Big Atlantic, a regional rock-and-roll act. Lee has shared the stage with international performers, including Sha Na Na, Richie Kotzen, Jeff Scott Soto and Tesla. A background in artist management landed him work with acts such as Hidden in Plain View. Lee has been working as a music entrepreneur since age 10, and recording and producing bands since he was 14, collaborating with various engineers, including Rob Freeman, a renowned Grammy nominee. Lee joined the Tonic team in 2019 and works with acts to develop their custom brands and sounds.
Billy Rossi
Billy is a musician, writer, engineer and producer who has a long history in the music industry. He is a lead engineer and producer at Tonic Recording Studios and is also a partner in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (L.E.G.) Productions. Billy began his career at Tonic before leaving Pittsburgh. He has since returned, bringing his talents and vast experience back to the city and studio he calls home.
Justin Short aka Big Jus
Big Jus is an artist, writer and producer. He has worked with Sam Sneed of Death Row Records and Godfather Black Mafia Family and has produced tracks on The Robin Harris Story: We Don’t Die, We Multiply, and on various solo projects. Big Jus also produced The Big Money Project featuring Deezil Money and is the founder of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (L.E.G.) production and writing team.