About Soggy Dog Recording

 

Our Story

Soggy Dog Recording began out of necessity. While performing with a wide range of singers—students and professionals—Steve Vertigan saw the growing need for quality backing tracks in the early days of MIDI and digital music production. As demand increased, singers began requesting full studio recordings. The equipment list expanded, and so did the services. Eventually, Steve began working with bands and classical ensembles, prompting a move from Northcote to a larger, purpose-built studio in Upwey. Since becoming a full-time operation in 2010, Soggy Dog has continued to be one of the busiest studios in Melbourne.

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Meet Steve Vertigan

Steve Vertigan, founder of Soggy Dog Recording, is a seasoned musician, producer, and engineer with a rich and diverse career. He began as a full-time classical clarinettist before transitioning to piano, performing with many of Australia’s most recognisable artists at major events and on national television. In addition to his performance career, Steve has worked in music education, heading school music departments and helping to establish Contemporary Popular Vocals in Victoria’s VCE curriculum. He is co-author of Blues Plus and The Greatest Ever Improve Your Singing Book for Contemporary Vocals—both used in exam syllabuses and held in the National Library of Australia.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to understand each artist’s unique story, style, and vision, and help bring that to life. Whether you're an emerging singer-songwriter or an experienced performer, band, or ensemble, we work with you to shape your sound with clarity and integrity. We’re not just here to record. We’re here to listen, guide, and support your creative journey from start to finish.

 

Why Choose Us

At Soggy Dog, Steve engineers every track himself. This hands-on, tailored approach ensures consistency and care throughout the entire process. When needed, a team of world-class session musicians and creatives are brought in to enhance your project. Our focus truly sets us apart: every decision we make is guided by your musical goals. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, collaborative environment where communication is clear, and your artistic vision always comes first.

 

Our Values

We are an ethical, inclusive, and artist-focused studio. We proudly welcome musicians of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities—including those in the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. Music is for everyone, and so is this space.

 

What’s With the Name?

The studio’s name came from an unexpected muse: Steve’s own dog, who happened to come inside soaking wet during the brainstorming phase. The name stuck—and like our studio, it’s a little quirky, warm, and full of character.

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Who and what the Studio Suits Best

While Soggy Dog Recording isn't a purpose-built facility, its versatile layout and acoustics make it an ideal environment for a wide range of recording projects. The studio is particularly well suited to:

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• Solo artists and singer-songwriters – from vocals and piano to layered arrangements with backing tracks or live instruments.

• Small-to-medium ensembles – including jazz combos, classical chamber groups, string quartets, and acoustic bands.

• Vocal groups – with flexible mic setups for everything from tight a cappella arrangements to large harmony stacks.

• Overdub sessions – perfect for building up complex arrangements track-by-track with a single musician or rotating group.

• Universities, schools and Academies. We offer a wide range of services for staff and students in the studio and on location.

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With carefully selected gear and a thoughtfully arranged space, the studio supports both intimate performances and projects with larger instrumentation. It’s a space where creative collaboration thrives, and where each session is shaped to fit the artist’s needs, not the other way around.

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A Studio for (Almost) Everyone

At Soggy Dog Recording, we’re proud to work with a truly diverse range of clients — from professional musicians to passionate newcomers — and from all walks of life.

Our clients come from near and far: a refugee from Myanmar finding his voice through songwriting; a rapper who flew in from Portland, Seattle; a rock band from Cairns wanting to capture their live energy; and a songwriter-farmer from near the South Australian border — also the star of a popular TV series. We’ve recorded students, buskers, seasoned performers, and singer-songwriters from communities along the Murray River, as well as neighbours who live just a few streets away.

Some perform for a living. Others are self-taught or just starting out. What unites them is a love of music and the courage to put their creativity into the world.

We welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds, musical traditions, and levels of experience. Whether you’ve performed on stages across the country or this is your very first time in a studio, you’ll find a respectful, supportive, and inspiring environment at Soggy Dog Recording.

Why (Almost). We have made albums of so many diverse genres and styles, however, we will only work within our capabilities. If we don't have the knowledge or skills for your project, we will be the first to say so. Perhaps we can point you in the best direction.