Welcome to

Monaco Studios.

a solar-powered recording studio nestled in the woods of Falmouth, Maine

sound check

test… one two?

we pride ourselves on working with a diverse range of artists across genres, both local and “from away”…

whether you are a student looking to learn the basics of studio recording, or an established artist ready to knock out your next album, we’d love to host you.

you can have a listen to our latest projects here and stay tuned for more!

catch a vibe

open-concept by design

Monaco Studios features an open-concept design with a unified control room & live room to blur the lines between producer, engineer, and performer, encouraging an atmosphere of collaboration and learning. the space has been meticulously designed for optimal acoustics without compromising on aesthetics.
solar-powered sessions

with a 49-panel array that has saved over 25,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions to-date, you can spend as much time as you need perfecting your next project here without worrying about your carbon footprint.
kid-friendly/students welcome!

as parents of a very musically-curious 2-year-old, we are happy to welcome your little ones into our studio too! we are passionate about working with budding musicians of all ages, and are pleased to be able to offer discounted student rates — don’t hesitate to reach out with an inquiry!
sound all around

beyond our open-concept live room, we have a cozy iso booth perfect for vocalists… and we even have wired inputs in our mudroom and second floor space, both of which offer excellent natural reverb, so you can spread out and get creative while tracking up to 24 channels simultaneously!
destination: recording

we are thrilled to announce that The Loft at Monaco Studios is now open for reservations! our newly-renovated second floor space adds a kitchen, bathroom, and convertible queen-sized sofa bed to the mix. immerse yourself in the creative process by sleeping just upstairs from our recording studio — send us an inquiry for rates and availability!

gear up

Monaco Studios was custom-built with the intention of providing musicians and engineers with top-quality tools and equipment perfectly matched to the demands of the physical space.

set against a backdrop of forest and farmland, distractions disappear and inspiration takes root in this open-concept studio featuring world-class gear, reclaimed wood acoustic treatment, & good vibes only!

OK BUT I'M A GEAR-HEAD, GIMME THE DEETS

meet n greet

the connections that we make through music and art are why we do what we do. it was music that brought studio owners Sam & Melanie Monaco together in the first place, and it was music that led them to find their home & the studio that would become Monaco Studios.

Studio Owner
NYC-born and Portland-raised, Sam has had one foot in each city most of his life. While studying music and audio engineering at Sarah Lawrence College, he cut his teeth working at CBS Radio/last.fm, re-wiring a Neve console from the Ed Sullivan Theater and running sound for some of his favorite indie bands like Man Man and Ra Ra Riot. After a decade living in Brooklyn, he was thrilled to return to Maine in 2020 and open up this newly-renovated studio, working with the local bands he grew up going to see rock the State Theater, as well as musicians from New York and elsewhere who want a peaceful getaway to hone their focus.

Studio Owner
A lifelong singer and theater producer, Melanie spent much of the 2010s writing and producing her original acclaimed musical, The Cave: A Folk Opera, which won Best New Musical at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. These days, she can be found running her successful online coaching business The Self-Love Lifestyle, and popping into the studio in her spare time to sing or play piano on a track.

Producer/Engineer
Ethan, a lifelong multi-instrumentalist with eclectic musical taste, proudly hails from New Gloucester, Maine. Ethan’s passion for music production ignited while attending Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS). He studied at the New England School of Communications, graduating in 2012 with a BS in Audio Engineering and Music Production. Ethan then returned to his roots and has been teaching audio engineering at PATHS since 2013. When he is not teaching, recording, or mixing his students’ impressive work, he can be found practicing his other passion: photography. Ethan is thrilled to join Monaco Studios as a producer and engineer, bringing his keen ears and love of collaboration to help clients create their best work.

Producer/Composer
Dan Capaldi is a Berklee-trained percussionist and film composer who has performed with popular acts; The Cambiata, Seepeoples, Cadaverette, Soft Bullets, and Spencer & The Walrus. He has composed and produced music for The Boston Celtics, Tony Hawk, and Cartoon Network, all the while evolving his own musical art under the name Sea Level. As a producer, he doesn’t conform to a specific style or genre, applying his versatile skill set with a diverse range of artists & ensembles to achieve their individualized creative visions. His bottom line: the most important elements of recording are learning, teaching, and above all — connection. So he invites you to email him today to discuss your next project!

so, how’d we do?

"I’ve been working with Sam for years now, and there’s a reason for that. Technically everything is as sound as you could imagine, but what I love most is him, his atmosphere. Sam makes me believe in myself. He helps you see your inner rockstar, and the work is all the better for it. Shoutout Sam forever!!"

A. Sarr, Brooklyn, NY
"I've been singing for almost 20 years, but I'd never done a professional recording session before. Sam not only helped me through my nerves, but also provided valuable insight into what the song needed to make it that much better. He asked about my motivations for the song, about my partner who I was recording it for, and he used that knowledge to make the perfect suggestions. You definitely won't regret giving Sam your time, money, or musical talent. He will give you back something better than you could have ever expected. He will surprise you in the best of ways."

Robin Phillips, Portland, ME
"Dan Capaldi is a world class engineer, producer, mixer, and musician in his own right. He added so much to my songs, and he really went above and beyond with each track. It's clear he really cared about the music, and it was such a joy making this record. I've been in a lot of amazing studios, and worked with legends such as Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant), Michael Barbiero (Guns N Roses, Soundgarden) and Jonathan Wyman (Pretty Wreckless, Jeremiah Freed). Working with Dan at Monaco Studios was just as joyful an experience as any I've ever had while recording music."

Jake Roche of Grander Canyon,
North Shore, MA
“Monaco Studios is one of my favorite places to record. The room sounds excellent and the whole team works so well together to help you make the best art possible. I really admire all of the work they are doing to give young artists like myself a voice.”

Aedan MacDougall, Portland, ME
"I had a great experience at Monaco Studios! I recorded my single “Let Me Love You” with producer Dan Capaldi there and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Since I last recorded, they have renovated the space and I’m looking forward to getting back in there checking out the new digs! Thanks Monaco for creating a great space for musicians and producers to make music!”

Natalie Mishell, Portland, ME
"I brought my bare bones songs to Monaco Studios after getting frustrated with self recording. I had a vision of what the songs could be, but needed help building them up. I found that help, but so much more! Producer Dan Capaldi was amazing at recording, mixing, playing instruments, identifying other session players to contribute parts, and just being a great inspiration all around. Sam was very accommodating – always a friendly presence – and best of all, I feel like part of a vibrant creative community now. Make your next record here and be welcomed to the family with open arms!"

James Day Leavitt, Portland, ME
"We went to Monaco because everything we heard coming out of there sounded great. And there’s a reason for that. Before we even set foot in the studio, both Sam and Dan Capaldi came to a live show to see what we were after—and then delivered exactly what we were looking for: a polished & professional recording with the energy of our live show. These guys are pros, and Dan is a gifted engineer and producer. When we’re ready to do our next record, we’re gonna do it at Monaco."

Frank G of Plague Dad, Portland, ME
"The song I recorded at Monaco Studios is one of my all-time favorites that I’m most proud of. Dan has a truly magic touch and way with music."

Kristina Kentigian, Portland, ME
"What attracted us to Monaco Studios was the atmosphere. The natural light and the farmhouse vibes felt like the perfect place to make our record. And fortunately, the team there is amazing as well. Dan really brought our vocals to life and Sam was supportive in every way possible. It was the perfect place for us and this record."

Zak Kendall of GoldenOak, Maine
"Monaco Studios is a super warm and inviting environment, like hanging at a buddy's man-cave but way cooler. :) Dan was patient, made us comfortable and had top notch feedback and ideas. We will be back very soon <3"

Dan Pelletier of The Station, Portland, ME
"Sam's professionalism, knowledge, and willingness to experiment are top notch! Not only did we become huge fans of Maine, we also got to know Sam and Melanie extremely well. They are pros and we could not have asked for a better end product. I highly recommend the sweet magic vibes of Monaco Studios for any recording project you may have."

Meikle Gardner of Souvenir Satellite, Brooklyn, NY
"Recording with Dan at Monaco Studios was a delightful experience. The studio is beautiful and Dan’s mastery of music and equipment made for a fun, creative, and professional time. The proof is in the pudding and I couldn’t be happier with how my first ever EP came out."

Luna Colt, Portland, ME
"1 word: Harmonious. Sam was the most accommodating gentleman in a more than accommodating environment that basically felt like church. Not only did he lend his ears but very much had a hand in participation and recommendations, yet allowed the songs to breathe and be what they are. Thank you beyond, Sam! We’ll be back with future endeavors."

David Trammell aka mr. blueSky,
Dallas, TX
"Working with Dan Capaldi and the team at Monaco Studios created a comfortable environment to bring out sparks of creativity in both the music and the recording process I had never thought possible. I cannot recommend this studio enough for your next band or solo project."

Logan Abbey of Cadaverette,
Portland, ME
"Getting our EP recorded and mixed at Monaco Studios was an incredible experience. I would recommend recording with Dan Capaldi to any musician, but especially young musicians like ourselves. Dan guided our project into what it is today, and we are eternally grateful for his insanely hard work and the crafted care that Sam put into this special space. These people really care! Thanks Sam and Dan <3"

Peyton Semjen of Night Hawk, Brunswick, ME