On a warm Saturday in late July, the pulse of creativity could be felt reverberating through an unlikely location: the Walmart at 3600 Mallory Lane in Franklin, Tennessee. But this wasn’t just any retail space. Tucked within its walls is Create-it Studios — a first-of-its-kind creative hub — and on July 26, it hosted its inaugural Create-it Takeover, presented by industry powerhouses Focusrite and ADAM Audio. The result? A dynamic fusion of music, technology, education, and inspiration that signals a new era for creators of all levels.

A Studio for the People

Born from a partnership between Walmart and Full Sail University, Create-it Studios was created with a clear mission: democratize creativity. With six professional-grade studios designed for everything from podcasting and music production to video editing and immersive mixing, the space offers both emerging and established creators hands-on access to world-class tools — no gatekeeping, no red tape.

“We’re building more than just a space; we’re building a community,” said Jon Phelps, founder of both Full Sail University and Create-it Studios. “This is about removing barriers and giving every creator the tools they need to tell their story.”

And with doors now open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., that vision is well on its way to becoming reality.

The Takeover Begins

Focusrite and ADAM Audio’s Create-it Takeover served as the perfect christening of the space. Part gear showcase, part masterclass series, part live music celebration — the event offered something for every kind of creator.

Throughout the studios and main performance stage, guests were immersed in a curated lineup of experiences:

• Live Performances: Nashville artists Tom Schreck, Steve Stout, and Stargurl lit up the main stage, amplified by Martin Audio’s top-tier sound reinforcement systems.
• Studio 1: Attendees got hands-on with Focusrite’s renowned interfaces, Novation controllers, and ADAM Audio monitors during personalized demos.
• Studio 2: Podcasting pros Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting) and David Hooper led deep-dive sessions into the art and business of audio storytelling.
• Studios 3 & 4: ADAM Audio offered intimate headphone and monitor demonstrations for those chasing perfect playback.
• Studio 5: An audio dream team — including John Merchant, David Kalmusky, and Jon Blass — showcased immersive Dolby Atmos® mixing inside a custom-built 7.1.4 ADAM Audio environment.
• Studio 6: GRAMMY-winning producer F. Reid Shippen, Steve Stout, and mastering engineer Mauricio Gargel welcomed guests into recording and mixing sessions, providing rare insight into the pro workflow.

Session musician Chris Rodriguez. Photo: Courtesy of LEGACY PR

Power in Collaboration

What made the Create-it Takeover especially powerful wasn’t just the gear or the guests (although both were impressive), but the spirit of access and collaboration that permeated every corner of the studio. From seasoned engineers to first-time podcasters, everyone had space to explore, ask questions, and get inspired.

“The energy in the room was electric,” said Lindsey Smith, U.S. Marketing Manager for ADAM Audio. “You could see people’s eyes light up as they tried gear for the first time or got one-on-one advice from some of the best in the business.”

Focusrite Group leaders including Dan Hughley, Lee Whitmore, John Merchant, and Brad Stephens were also on-site, engaging with attendees and championing the company’s core belief: creativity should be for everyone.

The Future of Creative Access

With plans already in motion to replicate the Create-it model in new cities, the Franklin location is just the beginning. Focusrite’s Lee Whitmore sees massive potential.

“By placing professional-grade tools and expert-led experiences right in the heart of the community, we’re empowering creators of all backgrounds to bring their ideas to life,” Whitmore said. “This is the future of accessible creativity.”

For now, Middle Tennessee holds the blueprint. And if the Create-it Takeover is any indication, it’s a blueprint worth following.

Sidebar: What You’ll Find at Create-it Studios

• 6 fully-equipped production studios
• Tools for podcasting, music production, video editing & immersive mixing
• Free and affordable workshops led by industry pros
• Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Located inside Walmart at 3600 Mallory Lane, Franklin, TN

Quote of the Day:
“I’m thrilled to launch this innovative concept from the Nashville area. My passion has always been to open doors for creative dreamers.”
— Jon Phelps, Founder, Create-it Studios & Full Sail University