I'm thinking of recording some tunes stripped back to vocals and acoustic guitar with just minimal instrumental additions. I realise that means I could go to smaller studios that might not be so good for a full band, so I thought I might see if anyone had some interesting suggestions. Because it's just me, the logistics of getting there are a lot simpler and Mrs f might even come along for the trip, so I can look at options in unusual places too.
Anywhere really impressed you for having a nice, relaxed but productive environment?
Cheers,
cam f
Comments
A couple in Lochaber. for that folkie, isolated vibe.
http://www.watercolourmusic.co.uk/Studio/index-1.html
https://animamusic.uk/
I’d just been looking at Watercolour last night. You’re right, there’s lots of options but I suppose I was trying to narrow it down through personal experience and recommendation. There are too many options, really.
We have a lovely mic list including vintage Neumanns, an extensive outboard collection, and one of the legendary old Euphonix desks from Trevor Horn's SARM.
But mainly, we have a fantastic-sounding live room (actually two main live rooms and four isolation booths.
That looks amazing. But that’s full band territory. Where are you based and how have I missed this?
It IS full band territory but it's wonderful for solo acoustic too - I don't know if you're aware of John Goldie, but I've just done a record for him. No eq, no compression, no artificial reverb, and it sounds glorious.
It's also cheaper than you might think!
We don't advertise, it tends to be pretty full just on word of mouth and reputation. Plus, if someone books it for a full band album that's usually 2-3 months taken.
I'm 20 minutes from Glasgow by car, 45 from Edinburgh, right on the M8. Train station is a 3 minute drive from the studio too.
Beautiful. We should all record up your way.
I thought I had a decent studio.
That is next level.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
For major label work, as Dave Eringa pointed out in an interview recently, you have to accept that what used to be your fee as a producer (typically £2k - £4k per song on an album) is now the budget for the entire album!
For perspective, when I was signed to a major in the early 90s our debut album cost just over £180k to make.
Nowadays I'd bite your hand off for a budget of £20k! I've done albums for £6000 that charted in the top 20.