Studios And Recording Services

ACA STUDIOS
Chew Valley, nr Bristol, tel: 01225 428284, email: enquiries@acamusic.co.uk, web: www.acamusic.co.uk• Associated with ACA Music Management/ABA Booking, this studio works with major recording and publishing companies throughout the UK and Europe. Swish studio facilities include indoor/outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, sauna and four bedrooms in picturesque surroundings.

ARTIST STUDIOS
10 King Square Ave, Bristol, tel: 0117 942 3014, mob: 07736 274970, email: info@artiststudiosbristol.com, web: www.artiststudiosbristol.com • Digital recording studio for all musicians/bands. Sequencing, track production and vocal recording, plus commercial demo production, and CD duplication. In-house session musicians available and, if required, professional advice and voice training while in the studio, recording and music tech tuition also available. Packages for office/stag/hen/birthday parties are also offered, including training vocal techniques and group recording.

ATM STUDIOS
309 Central Park Ind Est, Petherton Rd, Hengrove, Bristol, tel/fax: 01275 891847, email: atm.bristol@accesstomusic.co.uk, web: www.atmbristol.co.uk, www.accesstomusic.co.uk • That’s Access To Music, in case the second website address didn’t reveal all, and it’s what this set-up is all about - as well as providing ‘the ultimate studio experience’. Previous clients include Portishead and PJ Harvey; staff have worked with a stadium-busting range of artists: U2, Tina Turner, Razorlight, Amy Winehouse. ATM Studios offer one of the best live rooms in Bristol plus control and pre/post production rooms for top playback and mixing. Specialities include their live demo package (cost-effective and ideal for getting gigs, reviews, online uploading or selling at gigs) and songwriters and vocalist demo package (session musicians, arrangements and business advice can be provided). Two miles from Temple Meads, there’s a large car park with easy access to ATM. But the added extras elevate this complex above the crowd: four food-and-drink machines and a large chill-out area for rehearsal breaks complete with Sky TV and premium channels. Open 7-11pm Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat-Sun. See also Rehearsal Space, PA Hire, Tuition & Courses and Organisations.

ATTIC ATTACK
Portland Sq, Bristol, tel/fax: 0117 924 4411, email: info@attic-attack.com, web: www.attic-attack.com • Pete Rowley offers a friendly, relaxed (and air-conditioned) atmosphere, drawing on over 20 years of recording experience. All musical styles and voice-overs catered for using Mac G5 with Logic Studio 8, Yamaha 02R Digital Desk, Korg Trinity V3 ProX and lots of modules, sampling, sequencing, outboard and quality mics. Also offers mobile recording and CD duplication. Clients include Pee Wee Ellis, Toya Wilcox, Holey Void, Funkinsteins, Red Notes Choir, Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee.

AUDIO SHELTER
Gate C, Knorr-Bremse Industrial Estate, Douglas Rd, Kingswood, Bristol, mob: 07968 870041, email: audioshelter@hotmail.com, web: www.audioshelter.co.uk, www.myspace.com/audioshelter • This vibrant recording studio is run by Bristol-based musicians Nick Atkins and David Colebrook, specialising 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 low as possible to ensure their services are affordable to all. Charges include an engineer and full use of facilities (free parking, chill-out lounge, TV and kitchen). Flexible opening hours.

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 youth work and music charity for 13-19 year olds, aimed at those who find access to music resources, equipment and support tricky - a place Roni Size called ‘school’. Offers free live music, music tech, vocal and DJ/MCing with experienced music tutors and gear via twice-weekly sessions, plus free music tech or radio courses starting at basic level, using a wide range of music production software. Can record music demos and help with performance skills, and also run a range of outreach and special projects, from young people’s stages at festivals to creating film soundtracks and jam sessions. Work in partnership with other organisations, including Bristol City Council Youth and Arts services. See also Rehearsal Space and Organisations.

BINK BONK STUDIO
Central Bristol, mob: 07913 161452 • Bink Bonk offers 20 years of experience in the recording game. Live band and album mix/mastering specialists also boasting a huge range of vintage gear: guitar amp, digital and analogue multi-tracking, 84-input DDA automated console. All manner of musicians from around the country have taken advantage of the set-up. An impressive line-up of previous successes includes albums for Kasabian, Saturation Point, Timo Maas, Butane Babies and Ivory Springer. 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 leafy suburb with no parking restrictions, 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 vocal and drum booth. Relaxed atmosphere guaranteed. The Bunker’s portfolio is varied, including television soundtracks, radio commercials, rock, pop, jazz and country albums, plus a slew of fine musicians. Legendary guitarists Rick Payne (slide guitarist extraordinaire), Kit Morgan (Vanessa Mae, Jethro Tull), Tim Fish (ex-Mud) and Colin Tully (‘Gregory’s Girl’ theme) have all laid down tracks here.

CRUISIN’ MUSIC
PO Box 3187, Radstock, tel: 01373 834161, fax: 01373 834164, email: info@cruisin.co.uk, web: www.cruisin.co.uk • Studio arm of the Cruisin’ empire (see also Rehearsal Space and Managers), set in 250 acres of estate near Bath, with friendly, experienced staff.

DOCKSIDE STUDIOS
First Floor, Unit 15, Albion Dockside Estate, Hanover Place, Bristol, tel: 0117 934 9994, mob: 07714 003749, web: www.myspace.com/docksidestudiosuk, www.docksidestudios.co.uk • Four rehearsal rooms, each fitted with Mackie SRM450 active speakers, Soundcraft desks, digital FX, plus mics, leads, CD and MiniDisc Players. Other services include back line hire, including drum kits, guitar and bass amps, and a 72-track recording studio. Open 11am-11pm Mon-Fri and Sun, 11am-7pm Sat.

GANESH SERVICES
Bath, mob: 07764 584635, email: gary@ganesh-services.com • Ganesh provides recording and PA services, and specialises in live location recording, either at performance or rehearsal spaces. They manage this via 24-track live capture with 96-track Pro-Tools mix-down back at base using high-quality equipment throughout (desks, mics, pre-amps, outboard). Experienced, friendly recording/sound engineer, a musician himself, with real passion for helping get the very best from recordings and live sound.

HILLSIDE STUDIOS
Hillside, Mells Green, Somerset, tel: 01373 813643, email: pat@hillsidestudios.co.uk, 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 contact is Patrick O’ Brien. Open 10am-6pm Mon-Sun. See also CD Duplication.

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

JONATHAN RECORDINGS
St George, Bristol, tel/fax: 0117 935 0474, email: jonathan@recordings.demon.co.uk • With 28 years’ experience in the industry, with the BBC and freelance, Jonathan Lane has recorded musicians from Billy Cobham to the LPO, as well as countless local performers. In particular demand for live, acoustic and location work, Jonathan offers bespoke recording, mixing and specialist post-production editing and mastering services. With a large pool of professional equipment and one of the most experienced pairs of ears in Bristol, he can work from first session to finished master or provide hard-to-find specialist services. Hours and facilities to fit your own requirements - call to discuss.

KEWSOUND RECORDING AND REHEARSAL STUDIOS
Kew Gardens, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, tel: 01934 415645, mob: 07932 570869, email: steve@kewsound.co.uk, web: www.kewsound.co.uk • Professional facility featuring two visually-linked soundproofed live rooms with 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. An added bonus: the village pub is just round the corner! Open 8am-11pm Mon-Sun.

MODERN WORLD STUDIOS
Tel: 01666 504300, email: ben@modernworldstudios.co.uk, web: www.modernworldstudios.co.uk • New studio recently opened in Tetbury.

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 two floors of a 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 is available, with assistance from a highly adept in-house engineer. The studio features air conditioning and acoustic treatment. There’s a four-bedroom maisonette next door, including washer/dryer, plus cable TV and computer games, and there’s also access to Moles Club. Good downtime deals for local unsigned bands. Past frequenters include the none-too-shabby roll call of The Coral, Portishead, Paul Oakenfold, Richard Ashcroft and The Cooper Temple Clause.

MUSIC TIME BANK RECORDING STUDIO
The Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol, email: info@musictimebank.co.uk, web: www.musictimebank.co.uk, www.3ca.org.uk • This freshly re-jigged project - previously under the MELTS Recording Studio name - has two acoustically isolated rooms with full air conditioning and high-quality recording equipment, plus equipment for live bands, a new software system and budget to train studio/event managers and technicians. The difference from the average studio, however, is you don’t need to pay cash to use the recording studio’s facilities. Music Time Bank operates on a LETS (Local Exchange and Trade Scheme) basis using MELTS (Music Economy Local Trade Supplements). MELTS are earned by helping out other members or getting involved in running/performing at events at the Trinity Centre, and traded with other musicians in the scheme for their services; for example, a session guitarist. Open 10am-5pm Mon-Fri. Evening and weekend opening dependent on availability of duty managers and technicians (they’re currently recruiting both - email for an application form).

NAM
Forewoods Common, Holt, nr Trowbridge, tel/fax: 01225 782281, email: nam@namrecording.com, web: www.namrecording.com • Daylight-bathed control room, vocal booth and chill-out area. Located 15 minutes from Bath, the rural setting creates the perfect environment for concentrated and unrestricted recording, well suited for live stuff too. Studio flexibility 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); ATC 100A, Yamaha NS 10M and self-powered Mackies speakers. KT Tunstall recorded her debut album here, and The Mission and The Magic Numbers have also passed through. Open for recording 24 hours a day, Mon-Sun.

PORTFOLIO PRODUCTIONS
10 King Square Ave, Bristol, tel: 0117 942 3014, mob: 07736 274970, email: info@portfolioproductions.co.uk, web: www.portfolioproductions.co.uk • Specialists in demo production for songwriters, performers and groups. Record and produce your material into a high-impact recording, whether you need to promote yourself or to sell your material. Can arrange session singers and musicians to cover most live instruments or record your performance in-studio or on location. Other services include CD production, location recording for larger bands and groups, arrangement and transcription service. Visit the website for quotes or to order a demo pack.

RAW STATE STUDIO DEVELOPMENTS
Clarence St, Bath, tel: 01225 466464, email: neil@rawstate.com, web: www.rawstate.com • 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 fine 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, always ready to listen and also offer classic guitar amp servicing (Marshall, Fender, Hiwatt, etc).

REAL WORLD
Mill Lane, Box, Corsham, Wilts, tel: 0845 146 1740, web: www.realworldstudios.com • State-of-the-art frontier tech facility for those with budgets the size of their ambitions. A music recording utopia crafted by none other than Peter Gabriel, regular visitors include artists on his Real World music label, as well as various international megastars. The spec is boggling: for example, choose from a whopping 48 different types of microphone. There are three individual studios: the famous Big Room, the Production Room or the lower budget Millside Studio. See also Rehearsal Space.

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 available is vocal coaching, plus 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 pro 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 relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere help create the perfect working environment. Plenty of in-house instruments available to use free of charge too. Clients include Julian Cope, Portishead, The Horrors, Crippled Black Phoenix, Kneehigh Theatre and The Naturals. Contact Stuart for rates/info.

TOYBOX STUDIOS
Portland Sq, Bristol, tel: 0117 989 2642, email: info@toyboxstudios.co.uk, web: www.toyboxstudios.co.uk • Started nine years ago by ex-Bristol band Actual Size, Toybox is run for musicians by musicians. They accommodate independent and signed artists, providing a creative and quality working environment at an affordable price. The studio is laid out over six rooms with several different acoustic spaces, as well as isolation booths. Equipment includes a 1970s Trident console, 24-track two-inch tape machine, Pro Tools HD rig, Neve 1073 mic pre/EQs, Neumann, Coles, AKG microphones, Urei, SSL and DBX compressors. Also available: Yamaha U3 and Challen pianos, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ with Leslie and loads of lovely old amplifiers, drums and keyboards. Prices start from £200 a day. They also offer a basic mastering and CD duplication service, as well as on-site equipment repairs and instrument set-ups. The Toybox client list is impressive: PJ Harvey and John Parish, Mark Ronson, The Kills, ATP festival, Mississippi Witch, The Heavy, Future of the Left, Gravenhurst, The Egg, Kid Carpet, The John E Vistic Experience, as well as international artists The Magicrays, Giant Sand, Dionysos, Scout Niblett and Tom Brosseau. They also run an experimental improvisation project called Capsule and are looking for unique and unusual artists to contribute. Check www.myspace.com/capsulecapsule to take part.

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 yet affordable studio established in 1987, ideal for all styles of creative acoustic recording. The unique, rural location has a chill-out garden for between-take relaxation, and boasts a classic big sound of 24-track two-inch analogue or pristine digital, with WAV or AIFF file import/export/backup for session portability. Spacious drum room plus three isolation booths, offering bands the rare luxury of playing together for great live feel. Acoustic separation allows amps to be cranked-up for more power and presence but ensuring perfect drum takes can be kept even if the guitarist decides to change their part. Crash-proof, large-format analogue desk for quality traditional tracking and mixing plus all the mics and effects you’ll ever need. A dedicated stereo mastering chain gives professional, polished and commercial-sounding results that plug-ins often can’t deliver. Fully duplication-ready CD masters minimize costs, burnt on dependable, archive-grade disks. A collection of fully-maintained vintage gear allows re-mastering and transfers from archive recordings on most formats, with Cedar click and hiss removal, plus a new ‘baking’ service for analogue tape restoration. Competitive rates include experienced in-house engineer. Diverse client base with many regulars. Contact Martin to discuss your project. Open 10am-6pm Mon-Sat (office open until 9pm), with extra hours negotiable.

WILDINGSOUNDS LTD
tel: 07712 590873, email: tom@wildingsounds.co.uk, web: www.wildingsounds.co.uk • 48-track recording studio that combines a fantastic array of analogue and vintage gear, with the latest digital technology. The Studio is based within a musicians and artists wonderland in one of the most vibrant areas of Bristol, a city well known for its strength of music scene. The studio gives a secluded, relaxed and enclosed atmosphere that is conducive to creative inspiration.

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