About Us

8 South Music is the result of a long road, a lot of records, and a belief that great music doesn’t come from formulas—it comes from people.

Our story began in 1979 when our producer Ren began taking music recording and production classes at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA under esteemed producer and engineer Don Dorsey (Look Him Up!!!). He then went on to intern at IAM Studio in Irvine, CA then partnered in Studio Orange in Orange, CA and then Santa Ana, California.

In 2008 with the launch of AREN Creative in Houston, Texas, we built a reputation for thoughtful production, strong songwriting support, and artist-first collaboration. From the start, the focus wasn’t trends or shortcuts—it was helping artists make records they could stand behind for life. Suring this period, Ren, his wife Andi and Bill Ward formed the award winning Folk/Americana trio 2-Bit Palomino culminating with their 4th CD "Things I Dream About" topping the Roots Americana charts at #5, and having a #5 and #3 Single as well.

In 2015, our work expanded into Nashville, deepening our roots in songwriting, Americana, country, and artist development while continuing to serve clients nationwide and abroad. That chapter reinforced what had already become clear: geography matters far less than trust, taste, and experience.

By 2023, it was time for a new home—and a new name.

Relocating to Alamogordo, New Mexico, we embraced a slower pace, a wider horizon, and a creative reset inspired by the Southwest. With that move, AREN Creative officially became 8 South Music—a name that reflects both our southern musical roots and the independent, wide-open spirit that defines how we work today.

Who We Are Today

8 South Music is a boutique music production facility serving the global creative community. We work with artists, songwriters, bands, filmmakers, and content creators from all over the world, collaborating remotely and in-studio with the same care and attention to detail.

“Boutique” isn’t a buzzword for us—it’s a philosophy.

We take on projects we believe in.

We work closely with our artists.

And we give every record the time, intention, and respect it deserves.

Whether you’re recording your first song or refining your tenth album, our approach remains the same: serve the song, elevate the artist, and never lose sight of why the music matters in the first place.

From Houston to Nashville to the high desert of New Mexico—and everywhere in between—8 South Music continues to do what it’s always done:

help artists turn honest ideas into lasting records.