Bias Studios - History

Bias Studios, originally known as The Bias, was started in the mid 60's by three high school friends with an odd assortment of gear begged, borrowed and built. The studio was moved from one fed-up mom's basement to another until it was temporarily disbanded because of founding member Bill McElroy's induction into the Army. Somewhere around this time, another founding member, Charlie Muir, decided to bail out, opting instead for a real job. He was bought out for $67 and an amplifier. Bob Dawson, the third and only remaining founder, took this opportunity to attend college.

In 1972 Bill and Bob rented commercial space in Falls Church, Virginia and started the company as a partnership. One year later, they incorporated, added equipment, studios and staff, and created a business which spanned the big rock, country rock, and dance eras. When forced out in 1980 by the landlord whose nerves were rattled by his proximity to the drum booth, they moved to Springfield, Virginia.

The new space, minutes from downtown D.C., has two studios designed by Tom Hidley. See the studioA | studioB pages for plans, photos and more.

Bill McElroy, who left in June of 1994 to pursue other interests, built a reputation for himself in the acoustic world. His best known work was with The Seldom Scene, Jonathan Edwards, The Country Gentlemen, and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Bill is now working near Richmond doing digital multi-track editing.

Over the years, the clientele of Bias has evolved into a big family of creative, gifted artists with whom we are proud to be associated. The group is ever-expanding, bringing in new talents and outlooks, challenging growth and appreciation in ways we could never have imagined.