About Us

Dial Back Sound is a recording studio and label in Water Valley, Mississippi owned by Matt Patton (Drive-By Truckers, Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals, The Dexateens, Model Citizen). The studio was opened in 2009 by producer Bruce Watson. Patton began frequenting the studio as a session bassist early on and later began producing, eventually purchasing the studio in 2016. The Dial Back Sound label launched in 2018.

Some of the many artists, producers, and engineers that have worked at Dial Back include Bruce Watson, Simone Felice, Clay Jones, Tim Kerr, Patterson Hood, Laura Jane Grace, Leo Bud Welch, The Seratones, A. A. Bondy, Thomas Dollbaum and MJ Lenderman.

Lodging for artists working at Dial Back is available onsite at an apartment attached to the studio space. Amenities include a lounge area, sleeping quarters, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and courtyard for cooking out and bonfires.

Dial Back Sound welcomes freelance engineers to bring sessions to our well-appointed studio, which is fully equipped for both analog and digital recording. We can recommend experienced engineers, producers, and musicians for artists seeking to record. Contact us today to talk about your project!

About Our Mission

Dial Back Sound has a particular interest and mission in working with the “lifer” musician. This includes nurturing those who may be considering a lifelong career as recording and performing artists.

The DBS label serves as a catalyst, helping such artists release music, book shows and promote themselves in an increasingly flooded market. These are partnerships that aim to help each other “cut through the noise,” so to speak.

About Water Valley

Dial Back Sound is located in Water Valley, MS, about 20 minutes south of Oxford. Memphis, TN is a little over an hour to the north and the Mississippi Delta is a little over an hour to the south.

The town of Water Valley is a close-knit community of approximately 4000 residents. Most homes can be found right off of either Main or Central Street, where strands of locally owned storefronts and scenic parks can be found.

Due to cost of living increases in places like Oxford, Water Valley has attracted more than its fair share of musicians, writers, visual artists, scholars, and freelancers.

Many of Dial Back’s clients find they’ve caught “The Water Valley Bug” after spending some time in town. The affordability and deep well of inspiration make it an ideal place for a recording studio; the relatively slow pace and peacefulness of the town make it an ideal spot to focus on making the best music possible.