E13: Behind the Mic with Pittsburgh Producer Mike Hitt
What makes Mike Hitt with MCM Studios a good neighbor?
Behind the Doors of MCM Studios: Where Music Dreams Come to Life
Nestled between Pittsburgh's South Side and Allentown neighborhoods sits MCM Studios, a recording sanctuary that's been helping musicians of all levels bring their creative visions to life for sixteen years. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Hitt, the creative mind behind this musical haven, on the Good Neighbor Podcast, where he shared his fascinating journey from bedroom producer to professional studio owner working with major names like Netflix, Amazon, Jelly Roll, and Gabby Barrett.
What makes MCM Studios stand out in the competitive world of recording isn't just its impressive client roster but its refreshingly inclusive approach to the recording industry. Mike is passionate about debunking the myth that recording studios are exclusively for established artists with industry connections. "A huge myth and misconception is that you need to be a big name artist or you need to have art in your spirit or a skill somehow in art to get into a recording studio," Mike explained. From day one, Mike wanted MCM to be accessible to everyone – from the person who missed their dream but still plays guitar to the kid who's never rapped before but wants to learn how to keep rhythm and stay on beat.
The core of MCM's clientele consists of what Mike affectionately calls "pro hobbyists" – people who record music quietly as a personal passion without necessarily sharing it with friends or family. These are individuals who sense they have talent – a great song, a beautiful voice, or guitar skills – but don't know how to develop it further. What they discover at MCM is not just a recording space but a mentor in Mike, who offers the guidance and vision they need to elevate their craft. "During the process, it's not like, 'hey, I'm going to record your song and you leave.' Actually, people want more of the coaching and guidance while they're in the studio," Mike shared, emphasizing that this educational exchange is what makes his work so fulfilling.
The path to establishing MCM Studios wasn't without significant challenges. In a particularly poignant part of our conversation, Mike revealed that a life-altering car accident that left him learning to walk again became the catalyst for opening his studio. During his six-month recovery period, a friend showed him the space that would eventually become MCM Studios. Though the location needed substantial work, the accident had shifted Mike's perspective on life's fragility. "It helped me overcome the 'when the time is right' mentality," he reflected. "I could have just lost my life or not walked again. So I need to do what my passion is... any day could be your last day."
When he's not in the studio, Mike prioritizes disconnecting from technology, preferring to "touch the grass" through swimming, hiking, and simply being present in nature. This balance between high-tech profession and low-tech recreation seems to fuel his creative energy and keep him grounded in an increasingly digital world. It's perhaps this holistic approach to living that makes Mike such an effective guide for artists seeking to express authentic emotion through their music.
For those interested in exploring what MCM Studios has to offer, Mike's passion for the color orange provides an easy memory aid – it's the company's signature color that friends now recognize everywhere as "MCM orange." Whether you're an established performer or someone with a creative spark waiting to be developed, Mike Hitt and MCM Studios stand ready to help transform musical aspirations into reality – no fame or connections required, just the courage to begin.
To learn more about MCM Studios go to:
MCM Studios
(412)403-1086
