Housed in a historic former church on North French Broad Avenue, Echo Mountain Recording has become an institution in music, capturing the talents of local artists and drawing international acts to its state-of-the-art studio.

The recording studio announced that after almost 20 years of capturing the voices of artists from Gladys Knight to Steve Martin to The Avett Brothers, it will close at the end of the year.

Echo Mountain's owner and founder Steve Wilmans explained in a press release that the decision was no easy feat. Wilmans said that after 30 years in the recording industry, he wanted to spend more time with family — he also cited changes in the business.

"The landscape of the recording industry is also shifting, and rather than push forward with a new studio outside Asheville, we feel the responsible choice is to close this chapter with gratitude and intention."

The studio will continue to operate as usual through October 1. Then, the team will begin to close up shop, selling inventory and preparing to transfer the property to GBX Group, which bought the space in early 2024.

In March of last year, Echo Mountain announced plans to move the operation to a 68-acre property between Mars Hill and Marshall — construction on the property has ceased, and the land will be sold later this year. Artists can still book sessions through October 1 but should reach out "ASAP".

"We look forward to making music with you until the very last note," the site reads. Echo Mountain staff will remain employed through the end of the year and receive severance packages for the upcoming year.

Before its closure, the studio plans to host a celebration of its legacy — stay tuned for updates on social media. If you're a fan of the studio or adore any of the works that have come out of it, help commemorate this piece of Asheville history by leaving a comment on their Instagram or sending them an email sharing the love.