Black Barrel Records (BBR) is an independently owned record label and recording studio headquartered in the historic Conti building at 415 Howe Avenue in Shelton, Connecticut.

Founded in 2021 by James Howard, Zach Stout, and Nick Howard, a team with decades of recording experience, BBR is fully equipped to provide bands and artists with high quality, high-tech recording services, exclusive rehearsal space and hands-on label services.  Custom built by its owners, the studio is operated by the company’s Chief Executive Officer James Howard. The newly renovated 1500-square-foot space provides bands with ample room to record, as well as a separate recording room for vocals.

Under the direction of veteran luthier Austin Michaels, Black Barrel Records’ repair and retail shop, which is located in the same building as the studio, was opened with the goal of serving musicians in the New Haven County and Lower Naugatuck Valley area following the closing of Sam Ash. The shop offers guitar set ups and repair services for string instruments, as well as a curated selection of instrument accessories, such as Ernie Ball and D’Addario guitar strings and accessories, MXR cables, Dunlop guitar picks, vintage records, band merchandise, and more. For more information, visit our shop today.