Firecat Audio is the personal studio of producer/engineer/composer/performer James Byron Schoen.
ABOUT
True to its name, Firecat offers up a small yet powerful approach to audio, bringing a wide variety of client-centered services to our Soho Recording studio in the heart of NYC and beyond. We have a full range of offerings, from recording and post-production, to podcast development and home studio consultation to serve to broad creative needs of our clients, who range from ad agencies to a cappella groups, rappers to rock bands, vocalists to voice actors. Our focus is our flexibility, and we’ll build a plan to fit your needs, your timeline and your budget.
Have a project in mind? Send us a message. We’re listening.
BIO
“James Schoen…cares about great sound” – Bob Katz, Mastering Engineer
James has decades of experience on both sides of the glass and has been recognized widely for both his audio production skills and his musicianship and composition, drawing both critical praise and the admiration of his musical mentors, such as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. He formed FireCat (formerly JBS Recording) in 2007, where he has developed a long and varied portfolio, recording voice with Kris Kristofferson, working on shows with the BBC, American Public Media and TLC, corporate projects with Pepsi, and a slew of musical projects with pioneering NYC musicians in genres ranging from classical, to progressive rock, to acoustic folk to heavy metal, to Latin Jazz and hip hop. He’s also recorded nearly one hundred a cappella albums with collegiate groups throughout the northeast.
MUSIC
Capturing the sounds in your head
Firecat offers a full complement of studio services for realizing your musical project: From pre-production to recording to mixing and mastering, FireCat can guide you on the full journey from conception to final release, or any steps along the way. Over the past two decades, James and the rest of the team have worked in styles ranging from rock and metal to classical to EDM, to acoustic folk to jazz to hip hop to traditional Japanese music. No genre is off limits and click here to learn more about what Firecat can bring to your next creative endeavor.
A CAPELLA
Sound like your best self
Over the past twelve years, Firecat has been a major player in the collegiate a cappella world, recording and releasing hundreds of songs for groups around the Northeast US. It doesn’t matter if your group is world class or just starting out; we’ll bring the same personal attention, musical precision, and genuine feel to your art. Better yet, you won’t even need to leave campus. Click here to learn how FireCat can light up your next project.
POST
Meeting Deadlines…Exceeding Expectations
Firecat serves clients in far reaching fields: advertising agencies, film-makers, audio book publishers, podcast producers, voice actors and more. Whether it’s VO demo reel production, audiobook recording, music supervision, commercial sound design, surround mixing, remote recording via SourceConnect (ISDN bridge), ADR or virtually anything else, Firecat will bring its expert tools and skills to your next important project.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you so much for all of the work you put into producing our CD. It is our first, and we are all extremely excited about listening to it and sharing it!”
–The Paradiddles
The Middlebury College Paradiddles“Working with James has been a pleasure and privilege. His efficiency and timeliness is topped only by the thoughtfulness and level of care he puts into each project, and the quality of his work. “
–Lauren, S’madar
Columbia University's S'madar“We just recorded our first album and we were so glad we chose James and JBS Recording to record and mix our album. Not everyone is so flexible and helpful, especially with groups that have questions regarding the process. James knows exactly what he’s doing and he even helped us through our physical and digital release processes. We couldn’t be happier with our choice! Thanks so much and we look forward to using you again! “
–Ben, The Bensonians
The Bensonians of Fairfield University“James was a pleasure to work with. We got things done quickly and thoroughly, and he really knows his stuff! He took us all the way from recording to mastering, and he did an amazing job across the board.”
–Ben, Pizmon
Columbia University's Pizmon“Working with James on our album was the best decision we ever could have made. From day one, James was supportive and responsive with any questions or worries we had about the album process. During our recording sessions, James was patient and enjoyable to be around, but also demonstrated extreme knowledge about music and offered great advice on how to make our album the best it could possibly be. The album turned out better than we ever could’ve imagined and it really would not have been possible without his consistent support, attentiveness, and professionalism.”
–Jessie, The Shwiffs
The Shwiffs of Connecticut College“Recording our album with James was an all-around wonderful experience. Not only is he an expert at the technical aspects of the process, but he also respected our group’s style and direction, while providing helpful commentary and suggestions to aid us in creating the sound we strive for.”
–Naomi, The Vassar Devils
The Vassar College Devils“Working with James on our past 2 CDs has been so much fun! His ear was always spot on during recording sessions, and he was more than accommodating with his schedule to give us just the sounds we wanted. James is awesome!!!”
–The Resos
The Colgate College Resolutions” …these are UNREAL!!!! They sound better than I ever imagined they would. You addressed my notes so well! We are so happy. Thank you SO much!”
–Sweet Ophelia
Franklin and Marshall's Sweet Ophelia