Chris Mara is a recording engineer, owner of Nashville’s Welcome To 1979 recording studio, and owner of Mara Machines; the largest analog tape machine restoration company in the world. Mara’s passion for recording led to founding the analog-centric Welcome To 1979; which has clients such as Pete Townshend, Eric Burdon and Third Man Records. Welcome To 1979 is also heavily involved in the vinyl industry via its vinyl mastering department, which cuts vinyl masters for Sony Records, Warner Records, Compass Records and Concord Records, along with many, many independent artists.

In early 2016, Mara launched a vinyl electroplating facility featuring all new equipment with modern technological advances. Having vinyl mastering and electroplating under the same roof allows for the highest quality vinyl to be produced.