Celebrating 75 Years of L.A.’s Iconic Capitol Records Building
Photographer and sculptor Ted VanCleave has just released his new Capitol Records Building series of limited edition prints, an homage to one of his favorite architectural icons in Los Angeles. The 13-story tower, which resembles a stack of records, was the world’s first circular office building when it was built 75 years ago. The site of the historic Capitol Studios, Capitol Records is where Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Nat “King” Cole, Sir Paul McCartney, and many more music legends recorded some of the most treasured music in history. Although it’s generally not open to the public, VanCleave gained access to lovingly shoot some of his favorite angles and features of the building. For Polarr, I chatted with VanCleave about the project.
Emily von Hoffmann: You wrote that the Capitol Records building is one of your favorite architectural icons in LA — why? What does it mean to you as an Angeleno or as an artist?
Ted VanCleave: I used to live just a few blocks from Capitol Records and would see it on a daily basis. It’s such an iconic piece of architecture because of its very unique design and long history of recording some of the top musicians over the last 75 years. When I think of landmarks of Los Angeles I always think of the Capitol Records building, the Hollywood Sign and the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
EvH: For our readers who may be unfamiliar, can you share a little about the building’s history and design?
TVC: The building was designed by Welton Becket Associates architectural firm who designed many of LA’s iconic buildings. It was completed in 1956 and was built specifically for Capitol Records. Wide curved awnings over windows on each story and the tall spike emerging from the top of the building only coincidentally resembles a stack of records on a turntable. The building primarily houses office space for Capitol Records. The Capitol Recording Studios which are located in the building feature echo chambers designed by legendary guitarist and recording innovator Les Paul.
The echo chambers are subterranean concrete bunkers that are located 30 feet underground. They can provide reverb that lasts up to five seconds. Top artists who have recorded there include Frank Sinatra, Justin Timberlake, Beck, Bob Dylan and countless others.
EvH: When you set out to photograph the Capitol Records building, what was your process like? How much & how do you map out particular shots ahead of time?
TVC: I am very familiar with the building since I lived near it for several years but the building is not open to the public. I felt it was important to be able to capture the Capitol Records iconic sign and view from the rooftop so that viewers could enjoy an experience that was normally not available to them. Additionally, there was a nice street level view from their private entrance. Through the generous help of a relative of the architect and management at Capitol Records, I was able to get permission to shoot from the rooftop and other restricted areas. The rooftop is relatively small and the Capitol Records sign is huge so I made sure to bring a wide angle lens to capture as much as possible in each frame. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I couldn’t do a lot of planning. But I prefer to shoot without a lot of forethought, trying to capture what interests me once I arrive at a location.
EvH: You’ve been photographing architecture in LA for ten years — do you think you’re drawn to architecture as a subject due to your work as a sculptor? How do these mediums interact or influence each other in your work?
TVC: I’m particularly drawn to architecture from the 1950’s and 1960’s when Los Angeles was fast becoming a truly international city. The city’s emphasis on building groundbreaking and dramatic architecture during that period reflects this notion. My sculptures are definitely influenced by the more fluid buildings of the period, especially The Theme Building at LAX.
EvH: Is there a particular image in this collection that was especially technically challenging, or required some extra savvy or creativity on your part to produce?
TVC: I would have loved to capture the Capitol Records sign in one image, but the sign is huge and round and the space on the rooftop to shoot it is fairly limited. Knowing this in advance I purchased a fisheye lens that has a rounded, 130-degree angle effect. With this setup, I was able to capture a large portion of the sign in each image.
EvH: In the final product, can you point to one or two favorite images of yours from the collection? Why is this (or why are these) your favorites?
TVC: My favorite image from the series surprised me. It was completely unplanned and in the moment. Capitol Records Building 214 (top) is a view from the Capitol Records rooftop overlooking the Hollywood Hills and includes part of the Cap Rec sign and then a lone figure standing on the roof, surveying the city of Hollywood.
My second favorite image (below) shows just a slice of the building, the top with a partial view of the sign and rooftop spire. The building is so iconic in its design that you could show this image to anyone familiar with Los Angeles and even without the sign showing they would instantly recognize it.
EvH: Can you tell us about some of your inspirations? Who are some artists, in any medium, who are inspiring you right now?
TVC: My first and foremost architectural photography inspiration is Julius Shulman. He pretty much created the idea of architectural photography as an art form. Without his work during the 50’s and 60’s in Los Angeles, many of the architects who are now famous for their ground breaking work would be little-known footnotes. While my style and focus is different than that of Shulman, I very much appreciate his work. I was fortunate to meet Julius a few years ago in LA.
I admire and appreciate the work of many artists both famous and unknown. While it’s important to be inspired by others it’s also important to have your own unique style and point of view.
EvH: What are you working on now?
TVC: I’m opening my new studio in St Petersburg, Florida in two weeks. I’m excited about my new work space and a new wall sculpture series I’m working on. These new pieces evoke the feeling of three-dimensional, visual Jazz. They are gestural and lyrical and have a thickness and textural depth that is unusual and intriguing.
Ted VanCleave is a bi-coastal photographer and artist, based in Miami and Los Angeles. Browse the prints and follow him on Instagram.
