The Human Element

Producing And Recording a Music Album in the Age of AI

From the very first notes to the final mix, this documentary project is a deeply personal journey behind the making of an album—one that I’ve had the privilege to witness up close. Following the long-time collaboration between producer Sage Anthony and musician Leonardo Giuliani, I document the quiet breakthroughs, the hours of practice, and the moments of creative tension that shape their process, both in a home studio in Italy and at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. My aim is simple: to give a voice to the invisible labor and emotional depth that go into every song, and to remind us all of the irreplaceable human connection at the heart of music-making. Through these photographs, I hope to invite viewers into a world of collaboration, care, and creativity that’s often hidden from view.

Leonardo Giuliani, known simply as Leo, is a blues and country musician whose devotion to music is inseparable from his life. He approaches his craft without ego, seeing himself as a vessel for the music rather than its master. His songs, born from lived experience, carry a depth that resonates universally. Leo met Sage Anthony, an American producer and sound engineer, while opening for blues legend Buddy Guy. From that encounter, a deep friendship grew into a creative partnership rooted in shared values: to create music that is real, human, and timeless. This project is their attempt to bring that vision to life—an album that transcends trends and speaks directly to the heart.
Leonardo Giuliani, known simply as Leo, is a blues and country musician whose devotion to music is inseparable from his life. He approaches his craft without ego, seeing himself as a vessel for the music rather than its master. His songs, born from lived experience, carry a depth that resonates universally. Leo met Sage Anthony, an American producer and sound engineer, while opening for blues legend Buddy Guy. From that encounter, a deep friendship grew into a creative partnership rooted in shared values: to create music that is real, human, and timeless. This project is their attempt to bring that vision to life—an album that transcends trends and speaks directly to the heart.
Sage unpacking one of Leo's guitars in the home studio set up in Manziana, Italy
Sage unpacking one of Leo's guitars in the home studio set up in Manziana, Italy
Leo playing his quitar in a London apartment
Leo playing his quitar in a London apartment
Leo and Sage sharing dinner in an apartmnet in London before the recording session.
Leo and Sage sharing dinner in an apartmnet in London before the recording session.
Sage in the process of assembling the home studio in Manziana, Italy
Sage in the process of assembling the home studio in Manziana, Italy
The home studio
The home studio
Sage and Leo in the home studio in Manziana
Sage and Leo in the home studio in Manziana
Sage and Leo in front of Abbey Road Studios in London
Sage and Leo in front of Abbey Road Studios in London
First day of recording, the studio quietly waits for the arrival of musicians and collaborators.
First day of recording, the studio quietly waits for the arrival of musicians and collaborators.
The recording space before the set-up of instruments.
The recording space before the set-up of instruments.
Leo and Sage communicating between takes
Leo and Sage communicating between takes
Sage gives directions to Leo on a song. The writing process is a continuous collaborative activity.
Sage gives directions to Leo on a song. The writing process is a continuous collaborative activity.
Leo singing in the recording booth
Leo singing in the recording booth
Sage, lost in thought is the control room.
Sage, lost in thought is the control room.
Leo in the isolation booth as seen from the control room.
Leo in the isolation booth as seen from the control room.
Time constraints can put pressure on the process and clear communication throughout is essential.
Time constraints can put pressure on the process and clear communication throughout is essential.
Precision is key
Precision is key
Once everything is set up and decided, there is nothing left to do but give it all on every take.
Once everything is set up and decided, there is nothing left to do but give it all on every take.
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