Reciprocal Recording (Hall of Justice Recording)

This unusual triangular building still holds some of the most interesting musical memories in Seattle. It is here that the former Reciprocal Recording studio operated, active under that name between 1986 and 1991.

It was during the Reciprocal Recording years — managed by Chris Hanzsek and Jack Endino — that bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden recorded their earliest demos. Those recordings reached the independent label Sub Pop and put these names into circulation before the world had any idea what was about to happen.

The building itself has been used as a recording studio since the 1970s, passing through different names and owners over the decades. It currently operates as Hall of Justice Recording.

What was recorded at Reciprocal Recording?

The list of records made at Reciprocal Recording during that period sketches the first map of Seattle grunge:

• Green River – Dry as a Bone (1987)
• Soundgarden – Screaming Life (1987)
• Tad – God’s Balls (1989)
• Nirvana – Bleach (1989)
• Screaming Trees – Buzz Factory (1989)
• Mudhoney – Mudhoney (1989)
• Mark Lanegan – The Winding Sheet (1990)

After Reciprocal Recording

The studio continued operating after 1991 under different names and owners. But there is another chapter here worth knowing about for rock fans.

Between 2000 and 2005, Chris Walla — a member of Death Cab for Cutie — owned the space, and the band recorded here on three separate occasions during that time. Sleater-Kinney also passed through the studio in 1997 and 2000, and Nada Surf in 2005.

Jack Endino

Producer Jack Endino, who co-managed Reciprocal and is credited on many of the recordings from that era, remains active in Seattle. His current studio, Soundhouse, is located about a ten-minute drive from Pike Place Market — and is not open to visitors.

Is it possible to visit the studio?

The building is not open to the public and the space is in private use. The triangular shape of the structure is clearly visible from the street, which is more than enough for anyone stopping by to photograph the address. Be discreet when taking pictures and respect those who work on the premises.