's debut single, "Radio Free Europe" (1981),[3] and their first extended play, Chronic Town (1982), were recorded at the studio six months apart in 1981.

[4] The studio was established in what was initially Easter's parents' garage,[5][6] at 4527 Old Belews Creek Road,[7] and became an important part of the early indie rock scene of North Carolina.

The previous owners split it up and turned it into a one-car garage, and then the other half they made into a children’s bedroom and this sort of utility room.

The car area was where the band stood together, the children’s bedroom was the control room, and I think the bass and guitar amps were isolated in the little utility area next to the control room.Due to the confined space of the interior, studio sessions often also took place in the home's driveway,[11] under the carport.

[12] An early advertisement, which listed Shady Boulevard as a mailing address for the studio, itemized its recording technology:[13] Other artists who recorded at Drive-In include Pylon ("Beep"),[14] Suzanne Vega ("Gypsy"), Game Theory (The Big Shot Chronicles) and The Connells (Boylan Heights).