Biography

Have computer, will travel. That could easily be the calling card of Nathaniel Kunkel, who established Studio Without Walls (SWW) some years ago in order to take the studio to the client. Kunkel can set up his innovative, portable and modular system anywhere, such as residences--Sting’s Malibu home being one notable example--hotel rooms, soundstages, garages, trucks; in fact, anywhere that he likes and where the client can feel comfortable and be creative.

Kunkel’s work has brought him plenty of industry recognition, including an Emmy for “A&E in Concert: Sting: Sacred Love” in 2004. The performance was recorded and mixed in surround by Kunkel, using his mobile SWW system, and has also been released on DVD as “Inside: The Songs of Sacred Love.” Kunkel has also won Grammy awards for his work with Lyle Lovett, B.B. King, The Trio (Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton) and Robin Williams, and has received recognition for his innovative surround mixes with Surround Music Awards for projects with Graham Nash, James Taylor and Insane Clown Posse.

His talents are not limited to engineering and mixing; Kunkel, who served his apprenticeship with one of the best, George Massenburg, beginning in his teens, also offers production, authoring, mastering and studio design services. In addition, his electrical engineering experience frequently brings equipment manufacturers to his door looking for his assistance as a consultant.

Some of his recent projects include Diana Ross, Lyle Lovett, I Nine, Russell Crowe, and James Taylor with Carole King.