Andy Giles
Studio Engineer / Audio & MixingLead engineer and founder. 20 years of experience in live music recording, mixing, and mastering.
We bring professional recording equipment and expertise directly to venues, events, and unique spaces — capturing performances exactly as they happen, with all the authenticity and energy that makes live music special.
Great recordings don’t always happen in traditional studios. Sometimes the best sound is found in a vintage record shop, an intimate venue, or an unconventional creative space. We go where the music is.
Since our founding, we’ve become deeply embedded in Asheville’s vibrant music community, recording artists across every genre — from improvisational jazz and experimental electronic music to indie rock, funk, and singer-songwriter performances. Our work prioritizes feeling over perfection, capturing the spontaneous magic of single-take performances while maintaining broadcast-quality technical standards.
Andy Giles is the founder and lead engineer of Blue Oak Studios, bringing 20 years of experience in recording live music to every project. Specializing in on-site capture, Andy has built a reputation for delivering broadcast-quality audio and video production in any environment — from clubs and theaters to unconventional creative spaces.
His engineering approach emphasizes the emotional authenticity of a performance. Whether recording a single-take improv session or mixing a multi-tracked studio album, Andy focuses on capturing the feeling that makes each performance unique. He’s equally comfortable setting up microphones in a warehouse as he is fine-tuning a final mix, always listening for the moments that connect artists with their audience.
Based in Asheville, Andy has become a trusted collaborator within the city’s thriving music scene. His work spans genres and styles, but his passion remains consistent: preserving the energy, spontaneity, and artistry of live performance. As the creative force behind Secret Sounds, he pioneered a format that allows artists to experiment with single-take, single-room recording — stripping away studio conventions to emphasize raw talent and genuine connection.
When he’s not behind the board, Andy is likely scouting new locations, researching vintage microphones, or attending live shows throughout Western North Carolina.
Blue Oak Studios is the production home behind Secret Sounds, a live music series filmed at Revolve Buy-Sell-Trade in West Asheville. Each Secret Sounds session invites artists to perform intimate, single-take sets in the unique atmosphere of a vintage mercantile space.
The series has showcased some of Asheville’s most talented and adventurous musicians, creating a growing archive of authentic live performances. Secret Sounds represents our philosophy in action: minimal setup, maximum artistry, and a focus on preserving moments rather than manufacturing them.
View the Complete ShowcaseLead engineer and founder. 20 years of experience in live music recording, mixing, and mastering.
Visual production specialist handling multi-camera filming, video editing, and creative direction for Secret Sounds and client video projects.
Recording should serve the music, not the other way around.
Our process is collaborative, flexible, and focused on what matters most: capturing performances that feel alive.
Whether we’re recording a full band in a single take or meticulously mixing a studio album, we approach every project with the same commitment to quality and authenticity. We work with artists, not for them — listening to your vision, adapting to your creative process, and delivering recordings that honor your work.
If you’re an artist looking to capture a live performance, a venue seeking professional recording services, or a creative looking for a production partner, we’d love to hear from you.
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