Deafheaven "Honeycomb"
Jack Shirley
Jack Shirley
Jack Shirley is a Grammy-nominated producer, engineer, and mixer known for his raw, energetic approach to recording and his ability to bring out authentic performances in any genre. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jack is the founder of The Atomic Garden Recording Studio, where he’s spent over two decades developing his signature sound and helping artists push creative boundaries. His versatile discography includes work with critically acclaimed acts like Deafheaven, Jeff Rosenstock, Loma Prieta, Gouge Away, Joyce Manor, and Oathbreaker.
Jack began his music career as a guitarist in several punk bands, which instilled in him a hardwired DIY ethic and a passion for emotional honesty in music. That ethos carried over into his production style, which is often characterized by live tracking, minimal editing, and an emphasis on capturing performances in the moment. He prefers to let the music breathe naturally, often avoiding excessive digital manipulation in favor of analog warmth and organic dynamics.
His breakout moment came with the 2013 release of Deafheaven’s “Sunbather,” an album that blended shoegaze, post-rock, and black metal into a groundbreaking and genre-defying statement. Jack’s engineering and mixing on the album helped define its lush yet abrasive aesthetic, earning it widespread critical acclaim and elevating his status in the music production world. He continued to collaborate with Deafheaven on their later albums, maintaining an approach that embraced both technical precision and a fearless sonic exploration.
While Jack is often associated with heavy and emotionally intense records, his range extends beyond the extreme. He has worked with artists in indie rock, hardcore, folk-punk, and experimental music, always bringing a respect for the integrity of the song and the identity of the artist. Whether it’s a lo-fi punk record or a cinematic metal album, Jack focuses on the thing that matters most: the impact of the performance.
In the studio, Jack is known for creating a relaxed, collaborative environment that allows artists to feel safe taking creative risks. He approaches each project as a partnership, encouraging experimentation while maintaining a clear vision for the final mix. His background as a musician gives him a unique sensitivity to the artist’s perspective, making him a sought-after collaborator for bands looking to evolve their sound without losing their core essence.
As one of the most respected producers in the underground and heavy music scenes, Jack Shirley has carved out a reputation for honesty, intensity, and craft. His work has been featured in major music publications and year-end lists, and his influence continues to extend through the global independent music community. Whether producing a thunderous wall of sound or a delicate acoustic session, Jack brings the same passion and precision to every project he touches.
Jack continues to operate out of The Atomic Garden’s new, fully analog facility in Oakland, California, where he remains committed to supporting innovative artists and continuing to push the limits of what recorded music can be.