Welcome to Mixed Metaphor Recording Studio
And the gear list is here
At our boutique recording studio on the Boise bench, we combine the relaxed environment and "anything goes" spirit of home recording with the sound quality of commercial recording studios. We record the sounds we love without compromise: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, synthesizers, cello, and violin. While these are by no means the only instruments we are equipped to record (please bring your horn section!), they comprise the palette for most of the material we record and produce.
This approach is in line with a deeply held conviction: namely, that good records take time. For artists, this translates to extra time in the studio spent honing performances, trying out new ideas, and–most importantly–enjoying a relaxed creative process.
The recording studio has also expanded into hosting events for the Boise music community, including a monthly songwriting circle (reach out if you’d like to join) and Lower Gentry Studios’ Treasure Valley Live video series. To see more, checkout our gear list.
Jesse Blake Rundle
Jesse entered the Mixed Metaphor picture when he recorded his album “Radishes and Flowers” with Nate in 2018. That project began a friendship and partnership that resulted in rebuilding the studio space together and reopening in 2020.
Jesse is a seasoned music producer, audio engineer, and composer known for his ability to shape a wide range of sounds. At the studio, he’s produced an impressive catalog of indie rock, americana, shoegaze, folk, and country gems, creating a space where every artist feels empowered to dig deep and get creative. Known for his warmth, patience, and lightning-fast workflow, Jesse has a unique ability to bring artists’ visions to life. He understands the needs of artists because he’s a songwriter himself, having released several albums and written original film scores.
Mixed Metaphor embodies an “anything goes” philosophy—no rules, just pure creative flow. For Jesse, it’s about saying "yes, and"—letting each idea take shape naturally and exploring the full spectrum of creative possibility.
Nate Agenbroad
Nate got into recording in high school the way most people do: with a couple of cheap mics and a few song ideas. This led to a mild obsession with collecting and restoring vintage instruments and a few records released under the moniker "Solomon's Hollow." After moving to Portland to pursue music, he discovered that the love of recording wasn't limited to producing his own work; the microphones and gear became interesting in their own right.
The obsession became a business in 2014, back in Boise, ID when Mixed Metaphor was founded. The studio has hosted local notables Thomas Paul, Jake Saunders, Travis Ward, and Jeff Crosby.
Nate and his wife Kate moved to Portugal in late 2022 to pursue a new adventure. Nate is still working on music and available for mixing and remote tracking and production assistance.
“For our film, Stockton to Table Rock, Jesse not only wrote and produced an elegant, nuanced score, he became an integral part of post-production. He took the time to understand each character's arc and meticulously plotted how best to underline the themes of each scene. He wasn't just the composer; he was a key collaborator.”
— Cory Cavazos
“I can't say enough good things about Jesse and the Mixed Metaphor studio. Jesse is simply excellent on every front: he is professional, he is warm and empathetic, he is insightful and flexible and patient. He is just a lovely person to work with in every way, and truly knows his shit. The studio's vibes are impeccable; an abiding love for creativity emanates from every surface and every instrument. Standing amongst those 4 walls you can't help but feel inspired to create something beautiful. I would recommend (and have recommended!) Jesse to anyone who cares deeply about their music and wants to work with someone who cares just as much. Reach out to him--you won't regret it.”
— Brock Ross