While Oklahoma’s music scene thrives on its DIY spirit and tight-knit community, it’s not entirely self-contained. In recent years, one out-of-state figure has quietly become a major contributor to the sound of Oklahoma: Felipe Castañeda, a skilled audio engineer based at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas.
Sonic Ranch: A Desert Studio with Oklahoma Ties
Touted as the largest residential recording studio in the world, Sonic Ranch is nestled in the Texas desert and has hosted major acts like Bon Iver, Fiona Apple, and Animal Collective. But more recently, it’s become a creative haven for Oklahoma musicians looking to record in a unique, distraction-free environment.
Artists such as Jason Scott and The High Heat, LABRYS, and Johnny Manchild have all chosen Sonic Ranch for recent recordings. Behind the boards for each of those sessions was Castañeda, whose engineering expertise and enthusiasm for music have made him a go-to collaborator for artists from Oklahoma City and beyond. 
A Unique Bond with Oklahoma’s Music Scene
Originally from Mexico City, Castañeda studied environmental engineering before discovering a deep passion for sound design and audio engineering. After winning a scholarship to study in San Francisco, he learned the art of recording in a studio environment. But it was a surprising recommendation — from a neighbor’s Grammy-winning brother — that led him to Sonic Ranch.
“There must be something happening in Oklahoma,” Castañeda says. “All the musicians coming from there are just so good… they’re friends, they play together, and they lift each other up. That makes the community so strong and vibrant.”
Trusted by Top Producers and Artists Alike
Much of the Oklahoma-to-Texas connection can be traced to repeat collaborators like Chad Copelin and Jarod Evans from Blackwatch Studios in Norman. Copelin alone has brought dozens of projects to Sonic Ranch, helping bridge the geographical gap.
Castañeda’s appreciation for the Oklahoma music community goes beyond the studio. He’s even traveled to OKC to engineer projects and continues to build relationships with artists like Twiggs, Swim Fan, and Wilderado.
“There’s a different energy at the Ranch,” he says. “People come here to do something special. And as engineers, we match that commitment.”
From Environmental Engineering to Audio Mastery
Castañeda’s journey has been anything but typical — from growing up in Mexico City to discovering his calling through hands-on studio work. Now, his passion fuels collaborations that are helping shape the future of Oklahoma’s indie sound.
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