Rustbelt Studios

Rustbelt Studios is owned by head producer/engineer Al Sutton. Al has been producing, engineering, writing, and recording music for over 25 years. Al is most well known in the music industry for being Kid Rocks engineer and producer for the past 15 years.

In addition to his long-standing relationship with Kid Rock, Al has managed to acquire an impressive list of production credits, which include Bob Seger, Sheryl Crow, Hank Williams Jr, Uncle Kracker, Lynard Skynard, Pop Evil, Loretta Lynn, Sponge, Romantics, and Shannon Curfman. He has also collaborated with some well known producers like Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock R&R Jesus), and Ron St Germain (Creed).

Rustbelts second producer/engineer is none other than, the one, the only, Eric Hoegemeyer. Eric is a multi-instrumentalist who began working at Rustbelt back in 1999 as a midi programmer, and session musician. Al Sutton took Eric under his wing and trained him to be the great engineer and producer he is today.

Eric has a great ear for music. Al Sutton believes Eric is some sort of musical savant, or prodigy. He began his musical career playing drums for Detroit’s own Charm Farm, from there he went on to tour with Uncle Kracker for 2 years, and has made tv appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Show With David Letterman, and Craig Kilborn. Eric now resides here at Rustbelt Studios making hits, and drinking coffee. The only thing Eric likes more than coffee is music, and that’s saying a lot if you knew how much he loves coffee.

The newest addition to the Rustbelt family is Engineer/Producer Steve Lehane. Steve has already gained valuable experience in sound reinforcement, music recording, and sound for picture. Steve has also studied under Detroit studio legends Steve King, Al Sutton, and Eric Hoegemeyer. With a wide array of musical tastes, Steve has been fortunate enough to lend his expertise to projects varying from hardcore bands, psychedelic groups, electronic dance music, as well as gospel music, and even music for television shows. In addition to engineering, Steve is an avid writer and performer in the local music scene and can usually be found designing immense, rhythmic synthesizer parts to pair with smooth, original bass lines. With all of these talents and experiences, the Rustbelt crew is very excited for what the future has in store.