Studios And Recording Services

ACA STUDIOS
Chew Valley, nr Bristol, tel: 01225 428284, web: www.acamusic.co.uk • In association with ACA Music Management & ABA Booking and working with only major recording and publishing companies throughout the UK and Europe, these studio facilities include indoor/outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, sauna and four bedrooms in picturesque surroundings.

ANDY ALLAN
Tel: 0117 924 6065, fax: 0117 924 0400, email: andy@gearonline.co.uk, web: www.gearonline.co.uk • Andy spends a considerable amount of time working on solutions for the increasingly sophisticated private studio scene - and for bigger ones, too, for that matter. He's been involved in everything from engineering to construction and is worth a consultation on anything thorny.

ARTIST STUDIOS
Stokes Croft, Bristol, tel: 0117 942 3014, mob: 07736 274970, email: info@artiststudiosbristol.com, web: www.artiststudiosbristol.com • Music production and teaching studio aimed at the modern musician to develop and perfect skills in performance, musicianship, studio work, composition, songwriting and more.

ATM Studios
309 Central Park Ind Est, Petherton Rd, Hengrove, Bristol,
tel/fax: 01275 891847, email: atm.bristol@access-to-music.co.uk, web: www.atmbristol.co.uk, www.accesstomusic.co.uk • That's Access To Music, in case you're wondering, and that's what this Hengrove-based set-up is all about - that and providing 'The Ultimate Studio Experience'. Formerly known as Mr Grin and now owned and run by Access To Music, previous clients include Portishead and PJ Harvey. Current ATM staff have worked with a bewildering range of artists, from U2 to Tina Turner to Razorlight and Amy Winehouse. ATM Studios can offer you one of the best live rooms in Bristol plus control room and pre/post production room for superb playback and mixing. Specialities include: 'Live demo package' (cost-effective and ideal for getting gigs, reviews, uploading to websites or selling at gigs); 'Songwriters & vocalist demo package' (where they can provide session musicians, arrangements and business advice too). Located just two miles from Temple Meads, it has a large car park with easy access to the studios. But what makes this complex stand out from the crowd, apart from its extensive choice of rooms and easygoing atmosphere, are the added extras. There are four food-and-drink machines and a large chill-out area for rehearsal breaks, complete with Sky TV and premium channels. See also Rehearsal Spaces, PA Hire, Tuition and Organisations.
 

ATTIC ATTACK
Central Bristol, tel/fax: 0117 924 4411, email: info@attic-attack.com, web: www.attic-attack.com • Comes with multi-track digital, Yamaha 02R Digital Desk, Korg Trinity V3 ProX and lots of modules. Mac G5 computer with Logic Pro 7, sampling, sequencing, outboard and quality mics. Pete Rowley offers a friendly, relaxed (and air-conditioned) atmosphere and can draw on 20 years of recording experience. All musical styles and voice-overs catered for, as well as mobile recording and CD duplication. Previous clients include the BBC (‘Torchwood’), Acker Bilk, Worried Men, Pelo, Fred Wedlock, DingDongDay and The Peppercorns.

AUDIO SHELTER
Gate C, Knorr-Bremse Industrial Estate, Douglas Rd, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8Nl, tel: 07968 870041, email: audioshelter@hotmail.com, web: www.audioshelter.co.uk, www.myspace.com/audioshelter • This new, vibrant recording studio is run by Bristol-based musicians Nick Atkins and David Colebrook, who specialise in assisting singer/songwriters to create and produce unique, exciting recordings. They offer free session musicianship and production services, enabling musicians to complete high-quality recordings with full instrumentation at no extra cost. Because all recordings are tailor-made to clients’ requirements, results are individual and diverse. Not a large, profit-driven studio, Audio Shelter keeps prices as low as possible to ensure that their services are affordable to all. Charges include an engineer and full use of facilities (free parking, chill-out lounge, TV and kitchen).

THE BASEMENT STUDIO
32 Bond St, Bristol (office and recording studios), The Unicorns, Colston Hall, Bristol (sessions), tel: 0117 934 9013, email: info@basementstudio.co.uk, web: www.basementstudio.co.uk, www.myspace.com/basement_studio • The Basement is a Bristol-wide youthwork and music charity for 13-19 year olds, targeting those who find it difficult to access music resources, equipment and support - it’s the place Roni Size called 'school'. Offers free live music, music technology, vocal and DJ/MCing with experienced music tutors and gear via twice-weekly sessions for young people, plus free music technology or radio courses starting at basic level using Cool Edit Pro, Cubase VST and Reason. Can record music demos and help with performance skills etc. Also runs a range of outreach and special projects, from young people's stages at festivals to creating film soundtracks and jam sessions. Works in partnership with other organisations, including Bristol City Council Youth and Arts services. See also Organisations.

BINK BONK STUDIO
Central Bristol, tel: 07913 161452 • Bink Bonk offers 20 years of experience in the recording game. Live band and album mix/mastering specialists, they also boast "a huge range of vintage stuff": guitar amp, digital and analogue multi-tracking, 84-input DDA automated console. All manner of musicians from around the country have come in to take advantage of the set-up; an impressive line-up of previous successes includes albums for previous Venue poll-winners Madnomad, Kasabian, Saturation Point, Timo Maas, Butane Babies, Ivory Springer and Bath bloozer Innes Sibbuns. Also home of producer/engineer Mat Sampson.

THE BUNKER
Tel: 0117 962 3155, email: thebunker@blueyonder.co.uk, web: www.bunkerstudios.co.uk • Situated in a 1930s leafy suburb with no parking restrictions, and within easy reach of Bristol city centre and the M4/M5 motorways. The Bunker features 64-track digital recording using Pro Tools, a Pro Tools Control 24 Console and a superb acoustically treated live area with a vocal and drum booth. Relaxed and convivial atmosphere guaranteed. The Bunker has a varied portfolio, including recording soundtracks for television, radio commercials, rock, pop, jazz and country albums and, of course, there's always a warm welcome for good musicians. Legendary guitarists Rick Payne (slide guitarist extraordinaire), Kit Morgan (Vanessa Mae, Jethro Tull), Tim Fish (ex Mud) and Colin Tully (composed 'Gregory's Girl' theme), among others, have all laid down many a fine track here.

CRUISIN' MUSIC
PO Box 3187, Radstock BA3 5WD, tel: 01373 834161, fax: 01373 834164, email: info@cruisin.co.uk, web: www.cruisin.co.uk • The studio arm of the Cruisin' empire (see also Rehearsal Spaces and Managers), set in 250 acres of estate near Bath. Friendly/experienced staff and much more... Contact Sil Willcox.

DOCKSIDE STUDIOS
Unit 15, Albion Dockside Estate, Hanover Place, Bristol, tel: 0117 934 9994, mob: 07714 003749, email: elliefunk@btinternet.com, web: myspace.com/docksidestudiosuk, www.docksidestudios.co.uk • Four well-equipped rooms here, each stacked with digital FX, compressors, all mics and leads, Mackie SRM450, SX machine, mixing desks and the like. Choose from 800W JBL in three rooms, 600W JBL in the other. Also boasts a 72-track recording facility available for £15ph.

GANESH SERVICES
Tel: 07764 584635, email: gary@ganesh-services.com • A haven for digital multi-track recording, specialising in location recordings at gigs and rehearsals. Excellent rates and plenty of satisfied clients. Also do live PA work.

HILLSIDE STUDIOS
Hillside, Mells Green, Somerset, tel: 01373 813643, web: www.hillsidestudios.co.uk • Digital editing, hard-disk recording, remixing, mastering. Restoration from vinyl and reel-to-reel, multimedia CD, jewel casing, artwork, inserts... the works! CD and DVD duplication services, any amount - no minimum order. The man to speak to is Patrick O' Brien. See also CD Duplication section.

J & J STUDIOS
The Epstein Building, Mivart St, Easton, Bristol, tel: 0117 951 9909, email: mr.jabears@btinternet.com • Labyrinthine complex used by all manner of local faves, staffed by experts in most fields. 24tr digital, MIDI processing, choice of engineers and production at very competitive rates, twinned with a large control room and live room.
 

JONATHAN RECORDINGS
St George, Bristol, tel/fax 0117 935 0474, email: jonathan@recordings.demon.co.uk • With 27 years’ experience in the industry, both with the BBC and as a freelance, Jonathan Lane has recorded musicians from Billy Cobham to the LPO, as well as countless local performers. Specialising in live, acoustic and location work, Jonathan offers bespoke live recording, mixing, mastering and full post-production and editing services, tailored to your own particular requirements. With a large pool of professional equipment and one of the most experienced pairs of ears in Bristol, he can work with you from first session to finished master or provide just those hard-to-find specialist facilities. Call to discuss your particular requirements.

KEWSOUND RECORDING AND REHEARSAL STUDIOS
Kew Gardens, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS22 9XL, tel: 01934 415645/07932 570869, email: steve@kewsound.co.uk, web: www.kewsound.co.uk • Professional facility featuring two visually linked soundproofed live rooms containing powerful PA systems, vocal booth and spacious control room. The studio is based around a 32-track hard disk recording process, with a range of mics and excellent acoustics. Village pub just round the corner!

THE MELTS RECORDING STUDIO
Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol, email: info@musicmelts.com, web: www.musictimebank.co.uk, www.3ca.org.uk • This recording studio operates on a LETS (Local Exchange and Trade Scheme) basis using MELTS (Music Economy Local Trade Supplements). MELTS can be earned by helping to run or performing at events staged at the Trinity Centre and traded with other musicians taking part in the scheme for their services - a session guitarist, for example. What this means is that you don't need to pay cash to use the recording studio's facilities.

MOLES STUDIO
14 George St, Bath, tel: 01225 404445, fax: 01225 404447, email: info@moles.co.uk, web: www.moles.co.uk/studio • Legendary recording studio set in gorgeous centrally located 18th-century townhouse. Large control room, five separate live areas, two large, linked live rooms and three isolation booths. The high-spec facilities include 576 channels of SSL with total recall, outboard and FX, valve mics, pre-production and programming room, all at reasonable rates. Pro Tools available, with assistance from a highly adept in-house engineer. The studio features air conditioning and acoustic treatment. Four-bedroom maisonette next door, including washer/dryer, plus cable TV and computer games to zone out to or you could utilize the free access to Moles Club. Good downtime deals for local unsigned bands still apply, though unnecessary for past frequenters who, you might like to know, include the none-too-insignificant likes of The Coral, Portishead, Paul Oakenfold, Richard Ashcroft and The Cooper Temple Clause. Contact highly approachable manager Paul Corkett to discuss your needs.

NAM
Forewoods Common, Holt, nr. Trowbridge, tel/fax: 01225 782281, email: nam@talktalkenterprise.co.uk, web: www.namrecording.com • Daylit control room, vocal booth and chill-out area. Located 15 mins from Bath, this rural setting creates the perfect environment for concentrated and unrestricted recording, and is well-suited for live stuff too. Flexibility in the studio is provided by the MTA Series 990 54-channel mixing desk, Soundcraft 32-track tape machine, and, on the digital side, Apple Mac G4, Pro Tools Mix Plus (32 channels). Also ATC 100A, Yamaha NS 10M and self-powered Mackies speakers. KT Tunstall recorded her shedloads-selling debut album 'Eye To The Telescope' here, and they’ve had The Mission and The Magic Numbers in more recently.

PORTFOLIO PRODUCTIONS
10 King Square Ave, Bristol BS2 8HU tel: 0117 942 3014, mob: 07736 274970, mob: 07736 274 970, email: info@portfolioproductions.co.uk, web: www.portfolioproductions.co.uk • Specialists in demo production for songwriters, performers and groups: can record and produce your material into a high-impact recording to show off the qualities of your music, whether you need to promote yourself or to sell your material. Able to arrange session singers and musicians to cover most live instruments or record your performance in-studio or on location. Also cover CD production and location recording for larger bands and groups. Arrangement and transcription service too. Visit the website for a quote and to order a demo pack.

RAW STATE STUDIO DEVELOPMENTS
Clarence St, Bath, tel: 01225 466464 • Raw State create bespoke high-spec recording equipment based on components from vintage analogue equipment. They call this re-engineering audio, and examples of their excellent work are being used in some of the most sophisticated recording studios in the UK and around the world. Happy to take on projects small and large, and always ready to listen.

REAL WORLD
Mill Lane, Box, Corsham, Wilts, tel: 0845 146 1740, web: www.realworldstudios.com • State-of-the-art frontier tech facility as used by those with budgets the size of their ambitions. A music recording utopia crafted by Peter Gabriel, regularly used by artists on his Real World music label and various international uber-stars. As a taster of the spec, one can choose from a whopping 48 different types of microphone. Three studios to choose from; the famous Big Room, the recently reburbished Production Room or the lower budget Millside Studio. Contact Owen Leech for details and rates. Also see Rehearsal Spaces section.

ROHAN MUSIC
The Mill, Parnell Rd, Fishponds, Bristol, tel: 0117 958 4433, email: studio@rohanmusic.co.uk, web: www.rohanmusic.co.uk • Professional music production in comfortable recording studio with Top 20 producer. Also offering Pop Star gift experiences, voiceovers, mastering, tuition, hen parties, corporate and teambuilding events.

SOA STUDIOS (STATE OF ART)
Unit 4, Lawnwood Ind Est, Lawnwood Rd, Easton, Bristol, tel: 0117 955 4008, fax 0117 954 1075, email: stuart@soastudios.net, web: www.soastudios.net • SOA is a long-established professional studio offering 24 tracks of analogue or digital recording, top-notch equipment and experienced engineers at a competitive price. A large control room, spacious recording rooms and a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere help create the perfect working environment. Plenty of in-house instruments available to use free of charge too. Clients include Portishead, Gonga, Atavist, The Coral, Aspects and Hundred Strong. Contact Stuart for rates and info.

SOUND CONCEPTION
82-84 York Rd, Bedminster, Bristol, tel: 0117 966 2932, fax: 0117 963 5059, email: soundconception@btconnect.com, web: www.soundconception.co.uk • Multi-track digital with dedicated HD recording: SSL, Pro Tools, Logic, DP. Large live room with isolation booths and grand piano, spacious and comfortable control room, great space, great mics, loads of experience. Heavyweight names such as Jethro Tull and Polly Harvey have been known to take advantage of gaps in the studio's schedule between their usual film/commercial/library work. Special evening and weekend rates for musicians, bands, DJs and MCs, with Alex of Gravitas on the board. Contact Alex on 07968 182360 or Ken on 0117 966 2932.

STATICK AUDIO
Tel: 07813 895504, web: www.statickaudio.co.uk • Mobile multi-channel recording - perfect for recording live gigs in superb quality or for recording in the space of your choice. They offer professional studio recording as well.

THINKING PRODUCTIONS
30B Downleaze, Bristol BS9 1LY, tel: 0117 968 2865, email: jonathan@recordings-demon.co.uk, web: www.thinkingproductions.co.uk, www.multiverse-music.com • Complete studio service: recording, engineering, production, remix, mastering, sound design, bespoke composition, session musicians, CD duplication/printing. Call for more information on the services and studio facility. Part of the Multiverse empire - see Promoters and Labels.

TOYBOX STUDIOS
Portland Sq, Bristol, tel: 0117 989 2642, email: info@toyboxstudios.co.uk, web: www.toyboxstudios.co.uk • Put together seven years ago by ex-Bristol band Actual Size, Toybox is run for musicians by musicians. They accommodate independent and signed artists alike, and provide a great working environment at an affordable price. Equipment Includes a large format1970s Trident console, 24-track 2” tape machine, a Pro Tools HD2 Accel system, plenty of nice old mics and outboard and loads of lovely old amplifiers, drums, keyboards and real pianos. Prices are from £200 per day. They also offer a basic mastering and CD duplication service, as well as onsite equipment repairs and instrument set-ups. Recent clients include Mark Ronson, PJ Harvey, The Kills, You and The Atom Bomb, Rose Kemp, Mclusky, Gravenhurst, The Egg, Kid Carpet, Wilks, The John E Vistic Experience, The Nova Saints, as well as international artists like the Magicrays, Howe Gelb, Dionysos, Mississippi Witch, Scout Nibblet and ongoing work with the Colston Hall Remix Project. They are currently putting together a series of albums which will be written and recorded from scratch in 24 hours.

THE WHITE HOUSE
98 Kewstoke Rd, Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, tel: 01934 633773, email: info@whstudio.co.uk, web: www.whstudio.co.uk • Well-respected busy studio, established 21 years, ideal for all styles of creative acoustic recording. Unique rural location with chill-out garden and stunning views across the Severn Estuary. 24-track two-inch analogue (really BIG sound!) or HD24XR digital, with WAV or AIFF backup. Obsessive collection of the best mics and effects. A spacious live room, perfect for drums, plus three isolation booths (for guitar/bass amps and vocals) offer bands the rare luxury of playing together for a great live feel, without compromising sound quality. No dodgy DI sounds and no need to bin a great drum take because of a guitar or bass gaffe. Large-format analogue desk for hands-on mixing and a dedicated stereo mastering chain yield professional polished and, crucially, LOUD results. CD masters are fully coded and duplication-ready, using archive-grade disks. An extensive range of fully maintained vintage machines allow transfers and re-mastering from archive tapes in most formats. New for 2008 is a ‘baking’ service for analogue tape restoration. Competitive rates include experienced in-house engineer, dedicated to capturing your best performances. Diverse client base with many regulars. Contact Martin to discuss your project.