Support Chris Schlarb and the Future of BIG EGO

For nearly a decade, BIG EGO has been more than a recording studio—it’s been a creative hub for artists, musicians, and the Long Beach community. Since opening in 2016, Chris has poured his heart into making BIG EGO a place where music and art could thrive, never once raising studio rates to ensure it stayed accessible for all. WE LOVE CHRIS!

In May 2025, everything changed. Chris was locked out of his studio and accused of forging his lease agreement, despite having a lease through 2027. Although a judge granted a temporary restraining order to restore access, he was soon locked out again. For the last several months, Chris has been unable to work while fighting a costly legal battle to assert his rights.

Attorney fees have already reached $30,000, and Chris has exhausted his savings to keep up the fight. We’re raising funds to cover these legal expenses and give Chris the chance to move forward—whether that means continuing the fight for his current space or building a new home for BIG EGO elsewhere.

Chris is a father of four and has worked at the studio full time for the last decade. If donations exceed the $30,000 needed for legal fees, additional funds will go toward helping Chris recover from five months of lost income, and toward securing the next chapter for BIG EGO.

BIG EGO has always been about community. Now, the community has the opportunity to help Chris protect and carry forward the spirit of the studio that has given so much back.