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Firm Foundation recording: a room washed in red light with hands raised toward the stage

Work / Live Album Recordings

Firm Foundation

TENNESSEENASHVILLEREC 2022 · REL 2023

The brief

Cody Carnes is a prominent American contemporary worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist based in Nashville, known for hits like "Firm Foundation (He Won't)" and "Run To The Father".

Cody Carnes and band performing in warm orange light during the Firm Foundation recordingSinger with arms open in front of a teal-lit wall during the recordingSinger with a raised hand under a row of blue lights, choir behind

[ The journey ]

Crafting environments that carry the story and atmosphere forward.

Approach

The recording of Firm Foundation for Cody Carnes was built around a simple but powerful idea—creating a visual and atmospheric expression of a house that will not be shaken. Rooted in the message of the title track, the goal was to design an environment that felt both grounded and dynamic, reflecting strength, stability, and unwavering faith.

Vertical Productions was brought in to help translate that concept into a fully realized stage experience. Through intentional design and detailed 3D renderings, we developed a visual language that subtly carried the imagery of a house—abstracted through structure, shape, and light. The design allowed the concept to be felt rather than explicitly seen, creating a more immersive and meaningful experience.

Lighting played a central role in shaping the environment. By integrating intelligent lighting systems into the design, we were able to build moments that evolved throughout the night—supporting each song with intention and enhancing the emotional arc of the recording. Every cue was crafted to complement the music without distracting from it.

What we delivered

From pre-production through execution, our team worked closely with both Cody’s team and Round Table Management to ensure alignment at every stage. This collaboration allowed the vision to remain clear while adapting to the live nature of the recording environment, where flexibility and precision are equally important.

On site, Vertical Productions handled full setup, production management, and show execution. From programming to live operation, every detail was carefully managed to create a seamless experience—both for the audience in the room and for the final captured recording.

The result was an atmosphere that felt intentional, immersive, and deeply connected to the message of the project. Together, the design, lighting, and execution created a space that not only supported the music, but strengthened the story it was telling.

Design renders · 6 frames

Design render: white stage with an angled ceiling of light panels over a choir and crowd
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Design render from the crowd: silhouetted hands raised toward the white angled stage
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Design render of the house look: angled ceiling lines over the stage and audience
03
Design render of a warm amber look with beams over a crowd
04
Design render: GOD IS GOOD! sign lit above the stage in warm light
05
Design render of a performer in warm haze, figures in the crowd
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Singers on stage in amber light under a curved ceilingAcoustic guitarist and singer at the microphone during the recordingKeyboard player in a cap at the microphone, lit in pink and orangeSinger with arm raised in soft white light, crowd behind
City Church worship center stage with a multicolor LED wall and a white ring light overhead
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