BONZAI CARUSO
CHIEF ENGINEER
We are honored to announce James “Bonzai” Caruso as our Chief Engineer here at Shrine Studios, an absolute legendary force in the industry!
With eleven nominations, six Grammy wins, and over 100 gold, silver, and platinum releases, Bonzai's expertise spans recording, mixing, producing, arranging, and songwriting. In a career spanning over thirty years, he has collaborated with global recording artists such as GrandMaster Flash, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Missy Elliott, Madonna, NAS, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and many more. Starting his journey at the Institute of Audio Research in NYC, Bonzai is excited to call Shrine Studios home, enriching Las Vegas's creative community with his immense talent and experience.
CHRONIXX
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DAMIAN MARLEY WELCOME TO JAMROCK
Mixed by Bonzai Caruso
MEET THE LEGEND...
James “Bonzai” Caruso is a six-time Grammy Award-winning recording and mix engineer, producer, arranger, and songwriter, whose three-decade-long career has made him a legendary figure in the music industry. Known for his sonic innovation and ability to transcend genres, Bonzai has worked with some of the world’s most iconic artists, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern music.
His journey into the world of sound began in his teenage years when he attended the prestigious Institute of Audio Research in Greenwich Village, New York City. Surrounded by the pulse of NYC’s vibrant music scene, Bonzai quickly sharpened his skills, starting out in some of the city’s most elite studios. By his early 20s, he had already established himself as a rising star in the engineering world, shaping groundbreaking sounds for artists like Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Afrika Bambaataa, and Ice-T. Bonzai’s mixing style, known for its clarity, power, and creativity, became sought after by major industry players.
As word of his talent spread, Bonzai found himself working with a diverse array of artists and producers, including Sean “Puffy” Combs, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci, Missy Elliot, and Faith Evans. His work helped define the sound of 90s hip-hop and R&B, while collaborations with artists like Madonna, NAS, C&C Music Factory, and Gwen Stefani showcased his versatility across genres. Each project further cemented his reputation as a mix engineer who could bring out the best in any artist or song.​
Mixed by Bonzai Caruso
OVER 100 GOLD & PLATINUM RELEASES TOUCHED BY THE MAGIC OF BONZAI CARUSO
NAS & DAMIEN MARLEY
AS WE ENTER
Mixed by Bonzai Caruso​​
Mixed by Bonzai Caruso
PROTOJE FT. CHRONIXX
FLAMES
MEET THE LEGEND... BONZAI CARUSO
Bonzai’s career took a pivotal turn after his work on Diana King’s hit “Shy Guy,” which led to a call from Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley. This call marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with the Marley family that has spanned decades. Together, Bonzai and Stephen Marley have crafted some of the most influential reggae albums of the 21st century, including Damian “Jr Gong” Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock,” Stephen Marley’s Grammy-winning debut album “Mind Control,” the acoustic version of “Mind Control,” and the powerful Nas and Damian Marley collaboration album “Distant Relatives.” Their partnership continues today, with Bonzai lending his expertise to projects like Stephen Marley’s “Revelation” and Damian Marley’s “Stone Hill” album.
Beyond his work with the Marleys, Bonzai’s mixing and production prowess can be heard across a stunning array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Protoje, Chronixx, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu, Bette Midler, Lenny Kravitz, and Cher, to name just a few. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different styles while enhancing the artist’s unique voice has made him a trusted collaborator for both emerging and established talent.
In addition to his contributions to music, Bonzai has also carved out a niche in the world of film and television composition. He has composed original music for several independent films, as well as major brands like Phillip Morris, CMT, and Adidas. His music for commercials and soon-to-be-released campaigns reflects his broad creative range and deep understanding of sound’s emotional impact.
best work is still ahead. Always pushing the limits of audio engineering, he’s passionate about innovating and creating music that resonates. His career reflects relentless dedication, and his influence on the music world remains strong. Whether mixing for Grammy-winning producers or scoring for film and TV, James “Bonzai” Caruso continues to inspire the next generation of audio engineers and artists.
