Around 200 people packed the corner of Belmont Avenue and Rockwell Street in Avondale to celebrate the unveiling of Steve Albini Way on a cold November day.

It was a touching tribute to Steve Albini, the legendary musician and recording engineer, who passed away in May. The strong turnout showed his ability to bring together many people from different walks of life.

For many years, Albini operated his studio, Electrical Audio (2621 W. Belmont Avenue) in the North Branch. The small business employs five people in high-quality jobs and manufactures audio equipment.

Electrical Audio has two unique recording studios (Studio A & Studio B). In addition to music recording and mixing, the business offers analog tape-to-digital transfers at competitive rates and can restore tapes to facilitate proper transfer.

Studio B

Albini was well-known for dedicating his time to bands who had just recently launched. He worked hard at his craft to make sure that bands could sound the way they desired.

Along with helping bands produce incredible music, Electrical Audio played a major role in fostering a creative and thriving music and arts scene in the North Branch.

Indeed, our area is home to many dynamic creative arts and live music venues. These businesses include Delmark Records, Visceral Dance Studio, Essanay Studio & Lighting Company, The Hideout, The Salt Shed, and The Outset.

North Branch Works worked with Electrical Audio and helped the business obtain grants from the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund and a zoning change.

SBIF funds were used to replace HVAC units, windows, and doors, as well as a tuckpoint of the building and to renovate office space.

Our staff was honored to attend the unveiling of Steve Albini Way and a tour of Electrical Audio. We look forward to supporting the business as it carries on Steve’s legacy.

To watch a video of the street unveiling, please go here. For a tribute to Steve Albini and a special live music performance, please go to this link.

To book the studios, inquire about video projects and purchase merchandise, please visit Electrical Audio’s website or reach out to: info@electricalaudio.com.

For the latest updates, please follow Electrical Audio on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.