Il dolce far musica: The SAMworld Experience

We believe a relaxed mind and an inspired soul are imperative for excellence in creative work. It’s one of the reasons why our artistic director Mirco Mencacci left the hustle and bustle of his studio life in Rome and decided to come back to his small home town of Lari in northern Tuscany to establish a world class recording space.

There is something magical, almost infinite, to this medieval castle village nestled in the Pisan hills. Protected by millennium old walls and populated by a welcoming and protective community that welcomes guests as one of their own, Lari is both secluded and inclusive, both tranquil and full of life, both otherworldly special yet somehow familiar.

It seems like something is preserved here that is long lost to the world. Call it Tuscan tradition or the Italian way of „la dolce vita“, guests here are treated like family on first sight, if they want to engage and partake. Or left in peace and quiet, if privacy and a clear focus is preferred. In any case the mundane seems unable to conquer the medieval castle walls of our Borgo of Lari.

Enjoy a coffee at Matteo at the piazza. Or at Michaela, or at Luca, since even though it’s compact in size, Lari offers three coffee bars to choose from. Try traditional Tuscan food at the restaurants of Federico and Paolo or Simonetta to taste artisanal Pasta of famous local producer Martelli and exquisite wine of the region.

Start the day with fresh pastries from family owned bakery di Stefano e Tommaso, winners of a Gold medal for best Panettone in the whole of Italy. Taste the exquisite cherry salami or delicious wild boar ragout at one of the two local butchers. And after sessions, grab a drink, strike up a conversation or play some pool and table soccer at the Circolo, just downstairs of our studio.

Or simply climb the medieval castello, once built as a fortress by the mighty Medici of Florence, that grants a breathtaking view over the surrounding countryside, and on clear days even to the sea and 100 km of coast and the leaning tower of Pisa aggiungere tramonto. And the best part? All of these Tuscan amenities are only steps aways, inside the Borgo, from our Dolby Atmos certified music recording and production studio.

With a wide range of backline instruments – including a Steinway grand piano and a Hammond B3 organ – and some truly rare analog gear and microphones, we have hosted lauded artists from all continents over the years. A novelty and remarkebly unique, we expanded our studio in the most literal sense: In addition to our recording and production rooms, artists can also record in characteristic locations like the church, the theatre and the castle, since they are all connected to our Control Room via fibre optics cable.

In summary, Lari renders not just a perfect creative retreat for inspiration seekers, but gives recording artists and music producers unique and outside-the-ordinary opportunities to compose and record. Speaking of opportunities: There are various types of great accommodation near the studio to chose from. From our own small, dedicated studio apartment, the neat and homely private rooms of Matilde – which grant a breathtaking morning view of the sunrise over the green cherry hills – or an ornate ancient villa with luxurious rooms, swimming pool and total privacy, there is a great place to stay for everyone.

And if at one point you feel like exploring and adventuring, their is a magnitude of activities to enjoy like wine tasting, horseback riding or hiking through the countryside; or world famous sites città d’arte to visit like Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Volterra, all reached in under one hour. Also sea with some wonderful beaches is a thirty minute drive away. Combined with great international connections via Pisa Airport, which is also accessed within half an hour, Lari is creative retreat, that seamlessly combines relaxed recreation and highest-level productiveness.

See for yourself, try the SAMworld experience and let’s make great things together! And maybe, in process, Lari your second home away from home.

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