That vibrant green building. It’s hard to miss isn’t it? That’s Mutato Muzika.
This isn’t just any building. This is the headquarters of Mutato Muzika a renowned music production company. Founded in 1989 by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo fame. The name itself is a quirky blend of “mutant” and “potato”. A nod to Mothersbaugh’s love of mutants and Devo’s fans who were once playfully dubbed “spuds”.
This round green building is a Los Angeles landmark. Rumor has it it was designed by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Though no official documentation supports this claim. It was originally built in 1967 for a plastic surgeon. Dr Richard Alan Franklyn wanted natural light for his operating room. So he built this unique circular structure. The skylights and arched windows were designed to illuminate the center. The bright green paint came much later after Mothersbaugh purchased the building.
Mutato Muzika has created music for countless films. Think Rushmore The Royal Tenenbaums The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. They’ve also scored television shows like Rugrats and Regular Show. Even video games like Crash Bandicoot and The Sims. Their commercials work includes spots for Apple Martini and Rossi and Apartments.com. It’s a company that seamlessly blends high art and popular culture.
Imagine the creative energy humming within these walls. Devo members often meet here. They rehearse and collaborate. It’s a place where musical magic happens. Until his death in 2014 Bob Casale also worked here as a producer and engineer. The building itself is a testament to creative vision. A bold statement on Sunset Boulevard. It’s more than just a recording studio. It’s a piece of Los Angeles history.
Mutato Muzika. A place where music comes to life. A place where innovation and creativity meet. This isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant testament to musical genius. A unique landmark and a must-see for any music lover visiting Los Angeles.