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What You Need To Know About Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is one of the most important places in American music history! Visitors can tour the famous recording studio used by legends like Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, and Linda Ronstadt. Any true music fan will enjoy a Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour!

What You Need To Know About The Tours

Finding Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is easy! It’s located at 3614 North Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama. It doesn’t look like much from the road but it’s one of the most important buildings in music history! You can tour the studio throughout the year, Tuesday – Saturday. The guided tours begin on the half hour starting at 10:30AM with the last tour at 3:30PM.

Each tour of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio lasts about 30 minutes. You’ll learn a few fun facts about the studio and then you’ll have some free time to walk around and take photos.

The History of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

The Muscle Shoals “Swampers” became famous as studio musicians down the road at FAME. FAME was the original Muscle Shoals recording studio and the first to bring in artists from all over the country that wanted the unique sound the legendary musicians were known for. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett, Duane Allman and countless others recorded music in their studios.

Eventually, The Swampers (Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, and Jimmy Johnson) decided to open up their own studio and moved down the road a bit to Sheffield, Alabama. In 1969, they trademarked the phrase “The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section” and opened up their new studio in the tiny, unassuming building on Jackson Highway.

Over the years, The Swampers produced at least 50 hit singles in this new studio. The first hit was from artist R.B. Greeves called Take A Letter Maria . (The song hit #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was certified Gold.) Other hit songs record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio included Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger; Kodachrome by Paul Simon; Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones; and I’ll Take You There by The Staple Singers.

What You’ll See On A Tour of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

The studio itself is quite small and you’ll have access to see everything inside of it. The mixing board sits in a control room behind a large window that looks out into the main studio. Some of the original furniture (couches, chairs, etc) are still where they once sat during the studio’s heyday.

The instruments on display are mostly original as well. The piano, which is a focal point of the tour is probably the most significant item you’ll have the chance to see in person. This piano is where the song Free Bird, a huge hit for Lynyrd Skynyrd, was initially composed. It’s also the piano featured on Paul Simon’s Kodachrome. But its most famous notes are heard on Bob Seger’s hit song, Old Time Rock and Roll. The notable introduction of the song was not only played on that piano, it was also a mistake. It was never intended for the opening notes of that song to repeat a second time. Someone made an error in editing the tape after the session.

The bathroom at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is also a focal point. It was often used as an additional recording space for musicians. Keith Richards notably played guitar here while recording the hit song Brown Sugar. It’s also where he wrote the lyrics for their song Wild Horses.

The only notable difference in the studio is that the original shag carpet has been replaced.

What Does A Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour Cost?

Currently, the cost to tour Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is $20. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.

Do They Still Record At Muscle Shoals Sound Studio?

Yes! Artists still use the famous studio to record, mostly for its incredible acoustics.

If you are a true music lover, you will absolutely appreciate and enjoy a tour of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. If you were a fan of 70s music, especially if you lived through that decade, you absolutely must visit the studio where some of its biggest hit songs were recorded. It’s an unforgettable experience and a bucket list moment for many who come from around the world to say they’ve stood in one of America’s most important recording studios.

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Muscle Shoals VIP Music Tours

Customize your experience in the shoals.

The oldest, most comprehensive, in-depth, and entertaining tour in The Shoals!

• Exclusively endorsed by the Colbert County/Muscle Shoals Tourism Bureau
• Special lodging and hotel rates available
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Experienced guide.

Radio broadcast veteran Wes Sterling knows music and he knows The Shoals! Wes has made his home in Muscle Shoals, immersed in the history and stories which make the four cities along the Tennessee River legendary. Let Wes customize a tour that fits your schedule. Wes can help you plan your experience with music history!

The Shoals area is filled with live music, delicious food, and a vibe that you won't forget. You will enjoy seeing where the roots of the Muscle Shoals Sound began and explore studios not listed with public access.  The information that Wes shares with you will make your trip unforgettable.

Tour transportation provided.

Visit ideas

Choose our standard tour or add these exciting tour stops: 

• Cypress Moon Studios
• Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
• Wishbone Studio
• Ivy Manor Recording Studio
• Alabama Music Hall of Fame
• Belle Mont Mansion
• Florence Indian Mound Museum
• Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House
• Helen Keller Birthplace / Ivy Green
• Pope’s Tavern Museum
• W.C. Handy Home and Museum
• Coon Dog Cemetery

Talk to Wes about your accommodations, transportation, live music viewing, and restaurants - because he is connected to the music and tourism professionals in the area, he can help you plan your experience.

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I Discovered Alabama's Coolest Legacy On The Muscle Shoals Music Studio Tours

Lisa Battles

Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.

More by this Author

A funny thing happened on the way to a sandwich shop I hoped to try. While the sandwich didn’t happen, I instead got lost and made the most of it with my first of two Muscle Shoals music studio tours. When I realized I was on the wrong highway and headed toward Florence, I checked the time. “Why not catch the last scheduled tour of the day at 3614 Jackson Highway?” I thought. This was the first location of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and one of three studios there I had been meaning to visit.

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The Muscle Shoals music studio tours are definitely doable in a day if you choose. You can even add a couple more Muscle Shoals music attractions – the Alabama Music Hall of Fame  and the W.C. Handy Home & Museum. Another note: you can use Viator to book the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Tour ahead of time. Beyond these attractions, there are great restaurants, nature trails, and so many other things to do in Muscle Shoals. You’ll want to stay at least a night or two.

You can find detailed histories and other information about each of the studios and tours on the websites of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio , FAME Recording Studios , and Cypress Moon Studios . Have you done any or all of the Muscle Shoals Music studio tours? We’d love to hear about your experience and favorite stories from the tour.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Tiny building, big deal

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is a museum by day and a recording studio by night. The museum preserves the historic building in Sheffield and shares the history of big hits coming from the tiny town of Muscle Shoals and neighboring communities in northwest Alabama.

When groups arrive, they’ll be shocked at how small the building is, and when they leave, they’ll be amazed at how much history is packed into the structure.

It was built in 1946 and became a studio in 1969, when a group of session musicians — the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as the Swampers — from the nearby Rick Hall’s FAME facility decided to start their own. It was the first studio to be owned and operated by session musicians and attracted legendary musical acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Cher, Bob Dylan and many others.

Eventually, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio outgrew the 3614 Jackson Highway location and moved. The building fell into disrepair until a 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals , revived interest in the building’s role in the area’s music history. The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation was created and opened the building for tours. It closed for nearly 18 months for extensive renovations and to restore the main studio to the 1969–1970 era. The studio reopened in January 2017.

All tours are guided and cover the basement and main studio, as well as a hidden room and the listening porch. Videos and music are incorporated, and visitors are allowed to play any instruments on display, some of which are original.

“Our guides talk about the past and the present of the studio, from the Swampers who started it all to who might be recording here tonight,” said Ana Hyde, assistant director of the foundation and studio and operations manager. “We realize that often people might not recognize the title of a song or an album we’re talking about, but when we play a clip, they recognize it right away. So, visitors will hear music clips throughout the tour as we share the incredible history of the studio.”

For more information, call 256-978-5151 or visit muscleshoalssoundstudio.org .

Article by MeLinda Schnyder

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

A Music Fan’s Guide to Muscle Shoals

January 4, 2017 By Caroline Eubanks 2 Comments

It all connects to the river. The music, the history, the atmosphere.

It’s one of the most influential places in American music history. You might be thinking of Nashville or  Memphis or even Los Angeles. But it’s actually a small town in North Alabama, or rather a grouping of towns, all dotted along the Tennessee River: Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Florence.

Cherokee History in Muscle Shoals

The Native American tribes first used these lands as their hunting grounds in the 18th century before European settlement. They spoke of the “singing river.”

Legend goes that when these tribes were removed during the Trail of Tears , one young woman found her way back home by following the sound of the river. The ancestors are honored at Tom’s Wall , a manmade rock wall on the Natchez Trace Parkway . Tom himself is there to welcome visitors on most days.

Early Music Influences

The first notable artist to come out of the Shoals was W.C. Handy, a native of Florence. Born the son of a pastor, Handy learned to play the guitar and later the trumpet. A move to Memphis led to one of his most famous works, “Memphis Blues,” which would inspire “Beale Street Blues” and “Saint Louis Blues.”

He was remembered as the Father of the Blues and a successful composer, songwriter, and publisher. When in Florence, you can visit the W.C. Handy House , a one-room cabin restored to look as it did when his family lived there.

The Recording Era

The 1960s were a time of great creativity in the Shoals, as artists came from all over the world to record in these studios. Some changed names and ownership, but  Fame Recording Studios  and  3614 Jackson Highway  are the most notable, hosting famous acts like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones over the years.

Notable hits like “When A Man Loves A Woman” and “Wild Horses” were recorded with the Muscle Shoals Sound. Southern rock also found its sound here with The Swampers, a session band. What made this so unique was that black and white artists came together in the music industry when the rest of the country was so divided. Some of our favorite Muscle Shoals songs are put together on the playlist below.

Muscle Shoals Today

Thanks in part to the  Muscle Shoals documentary and the Beats by Dr. Dre foundation, these studios have been restored for visitors. Historic markers around town show where important music events took place. Visit the studios with the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio tour in Sheffield Alabama or the Muscle Shoals VIP Music Tours .

The  Alabama Music Hall of Fame  honors the artists from the past as well as modern musicians to come out of the area. Patterson Hood of Drive By Truckers and John Paul White, formerly of The Civil Wars, still have ties to the Quad Cities.

The Shoals Beyond Music

If you’re interested in visiting the Shoals for yourself, each of the towns has something to offer.

Where to Eat

Rivertown Coffee , Florence– Grab your morning java and pastries at this coffee shop next to the Shoals theater.

Claunch Cafe , Tuscumbia– Set inside the local park, this cafe is a popular spot for a lunchtime bite, especially for their chicken salad.

City Hardware , Florence– You’ll find both Southern dishes and international flavors at this downtown eatery.

360 Grille , Florence– Located in the tower the Marriott, enjoy a rotating view with your meal.

Odette , Florence– Perhaps the best restaurant around, you’ll find creative Southern dishes and craft cocktails.

Rattlesnake Saloon , Tuscumbia– This remote watering hole is located inside a cave hosts live music.

Pope’s Tavern Museum , Florence– This tavern was used as a hospital for soldiers during the Civil War and a watering hole for stagecoach travelers. It contains artifacts like a Confederate soldier’s uniform and a rare rifle.

Ivy Green , Tuscumbia– An important stop is the birthplace and home of Helen Keller, which contains items from her life. You can see the well featured in  The Miracle Worker .

Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum , Florence– Tour the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the state of Alabama. Despite some flood damage, the home retains much of the original design from the architect, including furniture.

Singin’ River Brewing , Florence– The area’s only craft brewery honors the river through their name and the names of their beers. Coda Chrome, Handy’s Gold and The Swamper are just a few.

Where to Stay

Marriott Shoals Hotel And Spa – The luxury hotel has views of the river and all the amenities. It also has a restaurant and bar named for the Swampers as well as a revolving restaurant. Read our review here . Florence

Gunrunner Boutique Hotel – The stylish boutique hotel takes its inspiration from the musicians that performed here with ten themed rooms. Most of the rooms have private balconies. They also have a spa and a bar. Florence

The Stricklin Hotel – Located in a 1946 building, the Stricklin has art-filled rooms with modern decor. The hotel is also home to a bowling alley and Big Bad Breakfast, a favorite from Oxford . Florence

McFarland Park – The city’s public park also has its own campground for RVs and tents with river views. There’s also a marina, floating restaurant, and playground. Florence

Rentals– Spread out in your own space, which might be a cozy downtown cottage or a spacious barn. Airbnb has a few options as well.

My trip to Florence, Alabama was made possible by Visit Florence. 

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

Reader Interactions

January 9, 2024 at 2:58 pm

I am planning a trip with a friend to Muscle Shoals to tour the recording studios. We would like a recommendation on where to stay for one night and if there is a unique off the beaten path blues bar near there.

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• 2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns in Alabama

Author Rick Bragg once described his native Alabama as "a place where grandmothers hold babies on their laps under the stars and whisper that the lights in the sky are holes in the floor of heaven." This beautiful description is a testament to the heart of Dixie territory. Most people are familiar with Huntsville , Montgomery , and Birmingham . However, to truly appreciate the culture of this region, you need to explore the outskirts. Those small hamlets, where granddads convene at the corner barbershop to discuss the Crimson Tide and where kind courtesies are the rule and not the exception. Let's roll on to learn more about these communities, showcasing Alabama’s adorable charm.

Fifty miles north of Birmingham sits Cullman. Initially part of the Cherokee nation, German immigrants settled in this town in the late 1800s. To this end, historic wooden bridges and European street names reflect the Bavarian influence. Those interested should visit Ave Maria Grotto, one of the most visited sites in the entire town. Fascinatingly adorable in all its perfectly scaled detail, this four-acre park has over 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings and shrines on display. Designed by a Benedictine monk from St. Bernard Abbey in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is a must-see. Nearby, the Abbey itself is impressive and worth taking a tour.

Continue the historic endeavor at the 1904 Clarkson Covered Bridge, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only one of its kind in Cullman and stretches over 270 feet in length. For the vintage shopping enthusiast, you will be overwhelmed by what Highway Pickers Antique Mall has to offer. With three floors and 57,000 square feet of unique finds, it is an adventure all on its own. One can find everything from Civil War-inspired memorabilia to classic vinyl records, perfect for a souvenir. Before leaving, outdoor enthusiasts should spend some time at the local Smith Lake Park, which offers various activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Incorporated in 1889, this town was named after U.S. Army Captain John Payne, who fought in the Trial of Tears. Its landscapes are a biodiverse combination of rocky terrain and mighty falls. To this end, nature enthusiasts adore Little River Canyon National Preserve, a local favorite for swimming, cascading waterfalls, and hiking. Or, retrace the steps of the Cherokee Nation at DeSoto State Park. With over 3,500 acres, it is the ideal hunting ground for arrowheads. Within the park, DeSoto Falls is a beautiful destination, boasting 104 feet of cascading freshwater on the West Fork of Little River. There is no better backdrop for your kayak or canoe adventures.

When back in town, railfans will want to stop at the Fort Payne Depot Museum. Built in 1891, it remained operational until 1970. Today, it houses an impressive collection of railway artifacts and memorabilia.

Nestled along the banks of the Coosa River, this small town has a history of being a significant economic player in Alabama. Once home to Goodyear Tires and Republic Steel, Gadsden was the second-largest commerce producer in the state. Today, one can witness the past in the Gadsden Downtown Historic District, showcasing some of the state's best landmarks. Some top spots are the 1894 First Methodist Church, 1910 Post Office and Courthouse, and 1927 St. James Catholic Church.

Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the endless hiking trails and water activities at Noccalula Falls and Cherokee Rock Village. Or, try your skills at fly fishing in Black Creek. Filled with rainbow trout, it's a local favorite. As the day ends, one can relish a picnic and enjoy the views at the Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing. Afterward, walk the boardwalk for stunning 360-degree views of Greater Gadsden during sunset.

Home to the Chickasaw Tribe and Helen Keller, Tuscumbia showcases various periods of Southern history. With multiple sites on the National Historic Register, history enthusiasts have a blast in town. Ivy Green is one of the most visited spots in the city as the birthplace of Helen Keller . This Virginia cottage structure has become a monument to the pioneer's storied life. Daily tours and workshops are available, and admission costs benefit local organizations that champion causes dear to the Keller Society.

Nearby, Tuscumbia Railways Museum is just as the name describes. With endless anecdotes and artifacts, it is the ideal spot for trainspotters to spend an afternoon. To gain more knowledge, one can tour the grounds of Belle Mont Mansion. On the historical register since 1982, it is one of the few remaining examples of Jeffersonian architecture in the South. Meanwhile, visitors love to end the day at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which pays homage to some of the South's most legendary artists. With exhibits of all genres, it's an audiophile's dream.

Monroeville

"People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for."—if you are looking for the culture that created one of America's most endearing literary works, look no further than this quaint town. Home to famed writers such as Truman Capote and Harper Lee, this small-town inspired novels such as “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Those interested in Monroeville’s literary past can retrace their journey along the Literary Capital Sculpture Trail / Walking Tour of Monroeville. Here, bronze sculptures pay tribute to Harper Lee, Capote, and other legendary Alabamians, including country icon Hank Williams.

Offering a different take on local history, the Old Courthouse Museum fully immerses visitors in rooms where Atticus Finch came to life. Similarly, the historic downtown is also the place to be during the holidays, with the annual Fruitcake Festival in November and Truman Capotes and Christmas Stories productions.

Guntersville

Initially named Gunters Landing, this quaint village was founded by John Gunter (great-grandfather to Will Rogers) and incorporated in 1848. Following this, the town’s primary industry during the 20th century was cotton processing, which is palpable today at the famed Saratoga Victory Mill. This historic mill was built in 1928 and is a wonderful destination for history lovers. Similarly, Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center, located in the Rock Armory, showcases a thousand years of history. Exhibits featuring Native American artifacts and prehistoric relics are complemented by modern cultural tributes to various music genres.

For those whose mission is to try the best fairways in the South, look no further than Gunters Landing Golf Club. Golfers can purchase a day pass to enjoy the lush amenities at this 18-hole course, which overlooks Lake Guntersville and has been consistently ranked in the top 25 in the South for the last two decades. Continue the outdoor scenery at Lake Guntersville, which spreads over 69,000 acres and is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and camping. Afterward, one can relish a bit of detoxification at the Soak House & Soapery Day Spa. This adorable spot offers luxurious bath experiences and treatments using locally sourced products, and you won't want to leave.

Muscle Shoals

Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River , this historic town was originally Native American territory. Legend has it that its etymology stems from its bountiful supplies of "mussels" from the nearby river. Speaking of the river, outdoor adventure awaits in nearby McFarland Park, which features a driving range, soccer field, fishing pier, boat ramp, and more. Thus, tourists can hike, fish, swim, boat, dine, and camp in this natural wonderland.

Music lovers will have entered their idea of a utopian dream with Fame Studios in the heart of Muscle Shoals. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this studio has seen legendary artists from Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, and Otis Redding to Clarence Carter record popular hits. After working up a healthy appetite, grab a table at Rick's Barbecue, known for its rustic ambiance and delicious baked potatoes.

Dauphin island

Dauphin Island has been a popular holiday destination bordering the Gulf Coast since the 19th century. This family-friendly seaside town, about a dozen miles long, boasts sandy white beaches that attract some of the best seaglass hunting in the South. Nature lovers will appreciate the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest in the South. Navigate its landscape of marsh and dunes to spy over 100 different types of birds. Similarly, the Alabama Aquarium offers entertaining and informative excursions, such as the Salt Marsh Excursion, which showcases habitats for shrimp, small fish, and crabs. The Beach, Dune, and Maritime Excursion takes visitors through forests to sandy beaches for shell hunting.

Military enthusiasts won't want to miss Fort Gaines. Visitors can walk the grounds where the Battle of Mobile during the Civil War played out and view the anchor from USS Hartford's legendary setting of the mantra "Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead." For an interactive and fun way to take in the fort’s charm, visit during October for the Fort Gaines Fall Festival Fundraiser. Nearby, Fort Morgan, another Civil War battle site, provides regular reenactment experiences. For more history, prehistoric relic hunting abounds at Indian Shell Mound Park. Search for arrowheads while listening to the chorus of downy woodpeckers that have made these forests their home for centuries.

Wrapping Up

The South has long been praised for its rich heritage and authentic hospitality. Alabama continues this legacy in its vibrant but adorable communities. There is no such thing as a stranger in this territory; they see you as a guest and proudly showcase everything they have to offer. From artisanal wares to magnificent landscapes, Alabama has it all. Look no further than its small towns for a genuine Southern experience and warm, welcoming charm.

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On the Road with Olivia and Alexa Episode Two: Muscle Shoals and Hartselle

(WHNT) — Episode two of On the Road features two Class 6A Region 7 rivals: Muscle Shoals and Hartselle.

Starting with the Trojans from Muscle Shoals who made the playoffs once again in 2023 after finishing the regular season with a perfect record and winning the 6A Region 7 title.

On the Road with Olivia and Alexa Episode One: Madison Academy, Randolph and Westminster Christian

That’s all in the past now and this year it’s a clean slate; head coach Scott Basden has high hopes for his 2024 squad.

“They’ve got an opportunity to be really special and most of those guys are back,” Basden said. “We’ve got a lot of experience and in the back end we’re a little young but very athletic and I think those guys have a chance to be really special. I’ve seen them grow over the summer with some of the competition we’ve gone out and played.”

Switching to the Hartselle Tigers who went 9-3 in 2023 and reached the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.

This season brings some change for the red and white as the Tigers are under new leadership in head coach Bert Newton; Coach Newton is definitely not new to the game or this program since he’s served as an assistant coach for several years at Hartselle.

Hiley Mazda Key Athlete of the Week: Mae Jemison Football’s Hezekiah Harris

With this being Newton’s first season at the helm of the Tigers, there is probably a lot of pressure to replicate the same success as previous years but Coach Newton is ready for the challenge.

“Our whole focus is on Austin week one and then secondary is win region championship and bring it back to Hartselle,” Newton said. “I think the past two years before we did that and last year we were second but the biggest goal is to get better every day and stay focused on week one against Austin because that’s our first opponent.”

Hartselle will open their season on August 23 at home against Austin; Muscle Shoals will hit the road for week 0 taking on Gadsden City.

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She had her life laid out perfectly just two weeks prior: One of the top aestheticians in town, servicing the supple skins of the hottest celebrities and the wealthiest housewives, her business is on the verge of breaking through to the next level. However, stress bubbles to the surface. She owes the landlord (John Billingsley) back rent on her studio, located in Hollywood’s charming Crossroads of the World shopping complex — a storybook location befitting this fairytale gone awry. The imminent launch of her home skincare line (“from Italy,” the running joke exclaims) is majorly dependent on the press she’s courted. And the self-proclaimed “glow-getter” is overly anxious about staying booked and busy.

Peters and co-writers Sam Freilich and Deering Regan aren’t just skewering beauty as an industry. They’re also skewering the lifestyle’s exquisitely polished shellac, which coats the business’ darker dealings with fickle trends, insatiable media cycles and predatory people. Peters displays an assured sense of vision, weaving in character details along with an unsettling atmospheric unease, lightly borrowing from masters like Kubrick (a stalking by an intimidating bald man echoes “Eyes Wide Shut”) and De Palma (during an interrupted break-in at Hope’s house). Hope and Angel’s clashing sensibilities are reflected in the opposing color schemes of their inner sanctums, hers coated in serene light blue and eggshell white, and his in outrageous, youthful dark teal and fuchsia. Fatima Al Qadiri’s score, which ranges from the sort of haunted harp instrumentals you’d expect to hear in a soothing spa to thumping industrial beats, folds in beautifully with the eclectic soundtrack cues.

Among the movie’s more visible flaws, Hope’s assistant Marine (Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez) is severely underwritten, coming across as barely one-dimensional. She has no internality or arc, solely servicing the contrived needs of the screenwriters to get Hope from one pivotal place to another. The filmmakers are sloppy at handling the reveal of who’s behind Hope’s cyberbullying. The points when we figure it out (ages before any of the characters do), when the filmmakers show us (which is an hour in) and when Hope figures it out (which is late in the third act) come at staggered intervals. Had these details aligned, there could have been an impactful denouement.

Banks delivers a fine performance, despite having been cast in similar roles before (most recently in “The Beanie Bubble”). Had this material risen to the talented actress’s capabilities, it might’ve allowed her to explore deeper facets of the hallucinatory toxicity into which Hope was sliding, à la “Repulsion” or “Black Swan.” With razor-sharp specificity and a ripped physique, Pullman (perhaps channeling a bit of his father Bill’s scene-stealing brilliance as a himbo in “Ruthless People”) nails the sort of cocky dimwit that circles the drain in this town. Méndez also turns in strong work, smoothing his character’s rougher edges with a sophisticated subtlety.

Reviewed online, Aug. 7, 2024. MPA Rating: R. Running time: 96 MIN.

• Production: An IFC Films release of a Jalapeño Goat, Iervolino & Lady Bacadi Entertainment, WWPS.TV production, in collaboration with Evolution & Development Technology S.A. Producers: Logan Lerman, Jonathan Schwartz. Executive producers: Elizabeth Banks, Scott Shooman, Adam Koehler, Sam Freilich, Deering Regan, Luca Matrundola, Richard Salvatore, Danielle Maloni, Andrea Iervolino, Monika Bacardi.
• Crew: Director: Austin Peters. Screenplay: Sam Freilich, Deering Regan, Austin Peters. Camera: Christopher Ripley. Editor: Laura Zempel. Music: Fatima Al Qadiri.
• With: Elizabeth Banks, Lewis Pullman, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez, Erik Palladino, John Billingsley, Wendie Malick.

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Backstage Pass Studio Hours and Tour Times

For hours and tour times of the six featured venues please look below!

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Tuesday - Saturday with tours every hour on the half-hour 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30

Fame Recording Studios - Open for tours Monday-Friday at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM, a tour every hour on the hour.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame - Open for tours Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Cypress Moon Studios - Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

W.C. Handy Birthplace + Museum - Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Swampers at the Marriott Shoals - 20% discount on food & beverage, excluding alcohol