At Total Access Recording, music isn’t just a business—it’s a lifelong passion. For decades, our studio has been a beacon for artists looking to craft professional, high-quality recordings that stand the test of time. At the heart of it all is Steve Ornest, a dedicated producer, musician, and creative force behind the studio’s continued success.
Steve Ornest’s journey into music began at an early age. He started playing piano at six before transitioning to guitar, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. While still in high school, Steve had a fateful encounter with music producer Wyn Davis, who invited him to Total Access Recording. This introduction opened doors for Steve to play on records for rock artists like Don Dokken and Minoru Nihara (Loudness), igniting his career in the music industry.
Now, as the driving force behind Total Access Recording, Steve brings decades of experience as a musician, producer, and engineer. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the creative process allow him to work closely with artists, helping them bring their vision to life in ways they never imagined.
Steve has played a pivotal role in maintaining the legacy of Total Access Recording while modernizing its approach to music production. He has worked with a diverse range of artists, from up-and-coming local talent like Acolyte, Willowake, and Charlotte Sabina to legendary acts such as Black Sabbath, Dio, Foreigner, and Alien Weaponry. His collaborations extend to industry giants, including producers Ken Scott (The Beatles, Elton John, Supertramp), Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn), and Eric Sarafin (Ben Harper, Amy Grant), reinforcing his reputation as a top-tier producer and engineer.
One of Steve’s greatest strengths as a producer is his ability to think like an artist—because he has been one. Having spent years touring and performing, Steve understands firsthand the challenges and nuances of being a working musician. His experience on the road, playing internationally with artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ali Amran, Annie Bosko, and others, gives him a unique ability to connect with artists on a deeper level. He knows what it takes to craft a song that resonates both in the studio and on stage, making him an invaluable partner in the creative process.
Beyond his technical expertise, Steve is passionate about fostering new talent. His mission is to provide a professional platform where young artists can record their music and achieve the same high-caliber results as major-label productions. Whether acting as a producer, arranger, or session musician, Steve ensures that every project he touches reaches its full potential.
Mike Sutherland, production manager for Gwen Stefani, puts it best: “Steve has the ability to listen and think like a musician and as a fan. Most producers aren’t able to go back and forth like that.”
Under Steve’s leadership, Total Access Recording continues to be a hub for artists looking to create music that resonates. Whether you’re recording a single, EP, or album, Steve’s expertise and dedication ensure that every project is crafted with the utmost care and precision.
If you’re ready to take your music to the next level, Total Access Recording is the place to make it happen. Let’s create something unforgettable together.
Wyn Davis is a veteran music producer, engineer, and studio owner with a career that spans over four decades. His journey began in Southern California, where he started playing guitar at age 10. Immersed in the diverse musical culture of the West Coast and deeply influenced by artists like The Beach Boys, The Doors, Spirit, Jefferson Airplane, and Frank Zappa, Wyn developed a deep appreciation for songwriting, sonic experimentation, and the raw energy of live performance.
The pivotal releases of 1967–1968—folk, psychedelic rock, and the British Invasion—laid the foundation for his musical sensibilities.
In the early ’70s, Wyn toured the Northeast extensively as a guitarist and performer, playing over 200 colleges and universities. But it was in 1981 that he made a major leap, opening his own recording studio in Redondo Beach, California. He named it *Total Access Recording*—a nod to a backstage pass given to him by legendary engineer George Massenburg during an Earth, Wind & Fire show. Initially conceived as a space to record his own music, Wyn quickly learned that the key to running a successful studio was building relationships and attracting outside clients.
Through word of mouth and a reputation for high-quality results, Total Access became a go-to spot for developing artists. The studio earned early credibility recording punk and rock acts from SST Records, including Black Flag, Hüsker Dü, and the Descendents. Over the years, Wyn’s credits expanded to include a wide array of artists such as Dio, Dokken, No Doubt, Great White, Foreigner, Guns N’ Roses and countless others. His ability to capture raw performances with clarity and impact has made him a trusted name across genres.
Today, Total Access remains one of the longest-running independently owned studios in Los Angeles. Under Wyn’s leadership, it continues to foster new talent while serving as a creative home for both legacy acts and rising stars. With a career rooted in musicianship, a deep respect for songcraft, and decades of technical expertise, Wyn Davis has become more than a producer—he’s a steward of California’s rich recording legacy.
